Best Sensory Toys and Gifts for Kids with Autism

People rely on their senses to explore and discover the world around them, enabling them to process simple information and make basic to complex decisions based on the info processed. However, for children who have autism, this may not be a simple case. According to AutismSpeaks.org, Autism is a unique condition, in which the person with autism experiences challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and/or non-verbal communication.

There are different ranges of autism, and they affect the child with autism differently. Some can be hyper-sensitive – their senses are excessively responsive to external stimuli which can lead to sensory overload, while some others can be hypo-sensitive – their response to external stimuli are slower than that of normal children.

Kids with autism may exhibit hyperactivity, restlessness, short-attention span, and impatience. As with normal children, play-based learning engagement can help in developing how they process sensory stimuli, and improve their social and communication skills.

Read our post on Boy with Autism Builds Huge LEGO Replica of the Titanic!

If you’re a parent of a child with autism, you may want to choose toys that will aid in this intervention – such as sensory toys!

What Are Sensory Toys?

Sensory toys are playthings for kids, and even for adults, designed to stimulate one or more of their physical senses. Kids often become impatient when they are doing nothing like when they are sitting or waiting for their parent. Sensory toys allow children to remain calm and give them the necessary “activity” to help them beat boredom.

These toys may include elements to incite the senses of the player such as bright or contrasting colours, common or catchy sounds, axiomatic textures, and others. Sensory toys are also great stress-relievers for adults who are passing the time like when they are waiting at the airport, inside a restaurant, or even at home.

How Can Sensory Toys Help with Sensory Sensitivities?

As some kids with autism may be hyper-sensitive or hypo-sensitive, sensory toys can let them focus on a given play activity which calms down their senses and avoid agitations. Sensory toys can help them relax, allowing them to feel and enjoy the comfort provided by the object they are holding.

Note that sensory toys cannot supplant the care and treatment of a licensed therapist who can do the proper and necessary interventions. Sensory toys can only assist in how to manage the behavioural, social, and motor skill development of children with autism – something that therapists too will suggest.

Best Sensory Toys for Autism

Mr Toys is here to help you find the best sensory toys in Australia including fidget toys for autism, sensory autism toys, and gifts for autistic kids. Check out our top 10 picks!

10. Neon Stress Balls

Touch it, toss it, squish it! These Neon Squish Balls are made from stretchy rubber and are filled with white foam, available in 6 assorted colours and each measuring 5 centimetres.

9. Stress Relief Avocado

Squish it, bend it, pinch it! It’s satisfying every time. A hardcore stress reliever, this Avocado toy is a healthy snack – for the HANDS! Give it a squeeze and feel your worries melt away. It’s great for staying calm! Note, this toy is not for eating.

8. Squishy Bubble Pineapple

This cute little pineapple with a happy face says, “Aloha!” Full of squishy bubbles, it’s so cute it relieves stress just by looking at it. Grab one and take a squeeze!

7. Squish the Frog

Feeling a bit jumpy and on edge? Meet Squish the Frog, the squishy amphibian! Give this cutie a squeeze, squish, pull, or smush and let your cares hop away. Filled with tiny stress bead balls, you can squeeze or stretch it. The thing is – it always returns to its original shape. Have a hopping good time!

6. Push Pop Bubble

The Push Pop Bubble Game is the latest fidget toy craze to hit Australia. Simply push the bubbles down to hear that satisfying little POP.... then flip it over and start again! This ingenious new fidget toy is a wonderful sensory tool that will be hard to put down once you start popping. Reduce stress and have some fun! Once you start poppin', there ain’t no stoppin’.

5. Plush Ball Jellies Monsters

Have fun with these soft and fuzz round plushies filled with colourful jellies that pop out with a squeeze! Squish them and feel your troubles melt away. Introducing 4 ferocious monster characters: Cclopz, Booger, Ozzi, and Triclopz!

4. Stretchy Noodles 5 Pieces

This brand new and high quality stretchy noodle pack can relieve your stress away. Stretch, pull, twirl, and wrap them in any shape – they will bounce back to their original shape. This 5-piece fidget toy is great for kids and adults as well!

3. Twelve-Hole Gatling Electric Bubble Gun

The Gatling Bubble Gun has 12 bubble holes, and can blow hundreds of bubbles per minute. Its cool design makes it easy for kids to carry and use. Just pour the bubble solution into the tray, immerse the muzzle of the bubble gun into the solution, press the switch, and watch hundreds of bubbles blow from the machine. Batteries required (but not included), use alkaline batteries for best results.

2. Stretch Caterpillar in Assorted Colours

Who even thought that stretching a “caterpillar” would be so much fun and stress relieving? Keep one on the work desk, in the living room, or bring it along anywhere you go!

1. Rotate and Slide Puzzle Cylinder

The Rotate and Slide Puzzle is a rotating and sliding puzzle that uses an empty space created by a missing piece for strategic movements. As the player learns to use the empty space, the puzzle evolves from a logic mathematical toy into a game with an interactive design. To begin, solve the puzzle by creating the suggested patterns. Ultimately, the solution will be one that you create. This sensory toy is great for concentration, fundamental mathematics, and creative enhancement!

Not content with this top 10 list? More sensory and fidget toys await you at Mr Toys! Browse and shop now.