It’s beginning to cost a lot like Christmas! However some parents, family and friends may have concerns which toys are best for an autistic child. Although there are certain toys you can buy to help with developmental delays, autistic children are still children and toys are toys. The key to buying toys is to think age and skill appropriate. Often people see this amazing toy THEY like and then they’re surprised the child enjoys the box it came in!
Since one of the characteristics of autism is social anxiety and behavioural issues due to being unaware how to channel emotions, perhaps keep in mind toys where interaction with others is encouraged. Imaginative and engaging play not only stimulate thinking and feeling good, it teaches children how to socialize appropriately with others and shows there is safety in doing so and at the same time, develops speech.
The following are some toys you may consider:
- Legos : Perfect for developing fine motor skills, problem solving and when played with someone, teaches cooperation. There are various sizes of blocks to buy depending on age and legos are fun for anyone at any age, even grown ups.
- Board games : Great for teaching patience, turn taking, consideration of others and good sportsmanship.
- Puzzles: Also great for hand -eye coordination and problem solving. Puzzles give a sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done when we see the end result. This is also something we can buy in varies sizes and number of piece for age appropriation.
- Cars : If an autistic child is left to play with cars alone, most likely he or she will line them up in a straight line. When played with another, the imagination of “real life” cars comes alive. There is so much children can do with simple dinkies. Create a town, take a family on an outing, run errands, go racing or be Evel Knievel! The possibilities are endless.
- Dollhouses: Perfect for “talking” or expressing emotions which autistic children tend to struggle with, especially feelings of anger and frustration. It doesn’t have to be “dollhouses” per say. Any structure which has little people and animals are a great way to interact with others and teach problem solving manners in everyday situations. When an issue arises at home, school or in a public setting, parents can address these issues through play to help the child better understand.
- Video Games: Remember to keep it age appropriate and watch how quickly their fine motor skills develop while stimulating imagination. As we all know, video games should not be used as a baby sitter so time limits are good. Use a timer and when it sounds, the child knows it is time to put the video game to rest. Perhaps play an interaction game with the child using legos, cars or dollhouses to continue the play to get the child’s mind off the playing of the video game. This makes for a good transition from one activity to another. Use the same idea of the video game and recreate it in the imaginative play. This way, the child is away from the electronics but still “playing the game”.
- Musical instruments: There are so many different musical toys on the market. They encourage fine motor skills but at the same time, develop a love and appreciation for sounds. The noise may make you bonkers at times but if your child enjoys it, you may have the next Beethoven on your hands.
These toys may seem old school and common but we do not need to spend loads of money on toys. Also there are a wide variation of such toys mentioned above. When buying toys, simply remember that toys are not only fun but they should serve a purpose. If not, the child will lose interest quickly. These toys are timeless and play is never the same twice.
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