Computers, toys & stimulation

Toys that provide the individual with an immediate reward are ideal.

You need to understand your own child. What achievable things stimulate them best? Some children are quiet and fairly withdrawn. Some need to be constantly on the move. Others need their whole day mapped out and regimented. Every child on the autism spectrum is different and will respond differently to stimuli.

Choosing Toys for a Child with Autism

Buying toys for your child is one of the most exciting things you can do as a parent. However, for parents with a child suffering from autism, it is an entirely different story.
Since a child with autism has a different mindset on the things he likes and the things he doesn’t, he also has a different mindset on the toys he can enjoy and the toys he can’t. Somehow, choosing toys for a child with autism may prove to be a difficult task to parents. The excitement of picking among the thousands of toys lined up is replaced by a careful consideration of the toys that are proper for his mental age as well as his condition.

There are no special toys for children with autism, so you cannot find a special section in the toy store that offers toys only for autistic children. You need to know how to choose.

Basically, children’s toys are labeled with the age bracket. Do not take this into consideration. What you should look for is a toy that is right for his mental age. If the box says “age 4 – 6” but your child’s mental age is only 3, he might not be able to enjoy such toys. Of course, the choking hazard should also be considered. You always have to ensure that your child cannot swallow small parts of the toy you would buy.

Another thing you should keep in mind is his interest. Autistics have a particular inclination on specific objects. You should remember that he decides what he likes, and what he likes should be respected. Selecting the right toys for him should be based on his interest and not on yours. You may ask, “How will I know if he likes a particular toy or not?” Observation is the best way to know. Another is trial and error. This is much more difficult since it can be a never-ending process. But somehow, you will stumble upon the toys he will enjoy.

If you are puzzled which toys to buy, consider the educational ones. Toys that develop your child’s imagination are your best bet. Puzzles, building blocks, and alphabets may not be as appealing for them as other toys, but it is better to gamble on these things than on other toys that may further impair their development.

Also, choose a toy that develops his motor skills. Bicycles and other similar toys will provide them with both fun and exercise. Since motor skills should be developed at an early age, especially in the case of children with autism, you must ensure that you have given the proper tools for developing this skill.

Do not rely on the opinion of other people, even those who have a child with autism. Your child’s needs may be different from other autistic children. Thus, the toys that your child would enjoy can be different from others, even if they both suffer from autism. You know your child better than anybody else and you know what he likes and what he enjoys.

Base your selection on these guidelines and you are almost certain that what you buy will be enjoyed. Of course, there is a margin of error but it is worth taking the risk rather than doing nothing at all.

Some toys/stimulation to consider:
• Trampolines
• Large exercise balls – about 50 cm diameter
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Visual learning
• Play-Doh
• Train sets
• Books (pop-up books)
• Music
• Bubble makers
• Marble tracks
Computers, toys & stimulation
Autism Treatment and Intervention
Autism Checklist
A Comprehensive Resource Revealing the Latest Autistic Discoveries