Best Sensory Toys for Autism & ADHD From Children With Autism & ADHD
Many parents and grandparents ask what are the best sensory toys for autism and ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Having a grandson with autism and a granddaughter with ADHD, I thought I’d ask them directly for their ideas and opinions. For additional information about spectacular special needs kids see Suggestions for Raising Spectacular Kids with Special Needs and The Funny Side of Explaining Autism.
Although they used sensory toys more frequently when they were younger, they still have a tendency to benefit from various sensory stimulation in times of anxiety or stress.
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These are their choices for the 10+ Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD…. in no particular order. You Can Find them all on Amazon.
1. Bubble Pop-it Poppers
Bubble pop-it poppers are the perfect sensory toy to keep your child occupied during times of stress. While most of the smaller bubble pop-its are not loud when popping, some of the larger ones are.
Therefore, many of the smaller sensory toys can be used in schools, during travel or visiting. Bubble pop-its also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to satisfy every child’s preference.
The rainbow poppers come in 4 shapes and are small enough to take anywhere. The robot poppers have lots of bubbles for popping and will keep your child busy popping for hours.
The sports fidget poppers will be fun for any child interested in basketball, football, soccer, or baseball. Kids can make up their own games for popping the fastest with the sports poppers.
Suggested Favorite Bubble Pop-it Poppers Sensory Toys are:
2. Fidget Cubes
Fidget cubes are perfect sensory toys for autism, ADHD, or any type of anxiety disorder. These colorful Fidget cubes are small and can be undetectable if the child prefers to keep them out of sight of other children.
Fidget cubes typically fit in the palm of your hand and are lightweight and easy to carry. The larger 6-sided Fidget Cubes can be used as sensory toys for autism, ADHD, or anyone trying to eliminate a bad habit.
Fidget cubes are fun sensory toys for simple relaxation. They can be used in schools, travel, work, or quiet environments. If you haven’t tried a fidget cube yet, you need to give it a try!
Our Favorite Fidget Cube Options Are:
3. Stress Balls
Stress Balls can be very effective sensory toys for someone with autism, ADHD, or anyone in need of relaxation. Stress balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most satisfying stress balls are the ones that are easy to squish, stretch or pull.
These stress-relieving balls also help strengthen children’s hands and arms as well as improve dexterity. Stress balls are a quiet form of sensory stimulation and relaxation. Additionally, while some stress balls are smooth and soft, others can be prickly and harder, which some children prefer.
Often children will decide which type of stress ball to use according to their particular mood and situation at the time. Therefore, it’s determined that stress balls are easy to use and can be utilized anywhere.
Stress Balls we Think are the Best Sensory Toys for Autism & ADHD are:
4. Fidget Spinners
Fidget Spinners are great for anyone needing to curb their attention from negative behaviors or habits. Fidget spinners come in all shapes and sizes. They are made out of a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic, wood, and metal.
Often, the user will have a preferred style of fidget spinner they feel comfortable using, like this single-finger style. Some prefer metal, or plastic because it can be cooler in your hand. Spinning can be done in one’s hand or on a hard surface.
Although fidget spinners, like this bike chain type, are not completely quiet, most classrooms may allow children to utilize one if it helps them remain calm. Fidget spinners are small and easily accessible to use in schools, work, travel, as well as other environments.
Adding Fidget Spinners to our Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD are:
5. Pop Tubes
Pop tubes are fun and satisfying sensory toys, but they may be too loud to use in school or other public places. However, they are a wonderful sensory source at home, driving in the car, or during various other activities.
Pop tubes come in a variety of bright colors. They can be stretched, pulled, bent, and folded. Children also love connecting them and swinging them, so watch out! You can design the tubes into any desired shape.
Pop tubes are great fidget and sensory toys for autism and ADHD. Our Options are:
6. Liquid Fidgets
Liquid motion bubblers are a soothing way of calming kids down and keeping them entertained for hours. Watching these colorful bubbles floating and swirling is a great method to reduce stress and calm an overstimulated child.
Liquid sensory toys are a perfect fidget toy for school, and traveling, and can also be used in quiet areas, such as churches or libraries.
Liquid motion fidgets will allow your child an opportunity to feel relaxed and peaceful while viewing the beauty of liquid, water, and color slowly moving inside their container.
Suggesting these Liquid Motion Fidgets:
7. Wrist Bands/Bracelets
Wearing soft wristbands and bracelets can create quiet tactile stimulation for children with sensory issues. Playing with the squishy or spiky wristband may divert their focus from negative behaviors.
Sensory wristbands and bracelets are generally bright colors that also keep children’s attention toward positive stimulation.
Wristbands & Bracelets are a Fun Addition to the 10 Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD. Our Favorites Are:
8. Rubbing/Worry Stones & Beads
Rubbing stones and worry beads have multiple uses. One very soothing and tranquil use we have found is massaging them in your hand during anxious or stressful periods.
Rubbing stones typically have a smooth area to place and rub your thumb, while holding the cool stone in the palm of your hand. But, often the movement of the full stone in your hand can be just as calming.
Worry beads are used similarly, but the beads are generally connected through ropes or other materials. Both rubbing stones and worry beads should be kept away from small children but can be wonderful sensory tools for older children.
Therefore, we are Adding our Preferred Rubbing Stones & Worry Beads to our 10 Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD.
8. Light Up Toys
Light-up toys can be mesmerizing for some children on the autism spectrum, ADHD, and other sensory challenges. However, some lights, including flashing, and spinning lights, can be quite disturbing. Be sure to find the right balance for your child.
Light-up sensory gloves can also be fun for kids of all ages for dress-up, Halloween, or Cosplay.
Parents and grandparents need to obverse their children to ensure the colorful lights are keeping them visually engaged and not overwhelming their senses.
Light Up Sensory Toys, including Sleep Calming Night Lights, for autism and ADHD, are fun activities to inspire imagination, fun, and relaxation!
Our Light Up Sensory Toys Choices are:
10. Stress Reliever (Rollers)
Stress relievers come in a variety of shapes and forms. These particular sensory toys for autism and ADHD are spiky, smooth, and jiggly. Their fun movements offer hours of sensory exploration for babies, toddlers, and older children.
Playing with the slug sensory toys can relieve stress and help develop hand strength and flexibility. Watching the colorful slugs wiggle and crawl anywhere is extremely entertaining for young children. These quiet toys can be played with in school, at home, while traveling, or in quiet environments.
The spiky egg-shaped stress toys can be rolled on one’s arms, legs, or feet to quietly reduce anxiety without distracting or disturbing anyone around them.
The STEM Ball is especially engaging for babies and young children to help practice hand-eye coordination.
Rolling Stress Relievers are fun and amusing. Our Selections are:
Benefits of Sensory Toys
Individuals considered to be on the Autism Spectrum, have ADHD, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, or anyone struggling with stress and anxiety, have found multiple benefits when using sensory toys.
The best sensory toys for autism are designed to have calming and stress-relieving effects. Sensory fidget toys can stimulate users and help with focus and concentration. Although these fidgets are toys, they are also beneficial tools to reduce stress and enhance performance for those using them.
TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING THE BEST SENSORY TOYS FOR AUTISM & ADHD
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- Allow your child to decide which sensory toys they prefer. As mentioned, some light-up or noisy sensory toys may not be the right toy for your child. Be sure to include them before purchasing.
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- Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to let your child play with sensory toys. It is important for children to learn how to self-regulate their feelings and emotions. Using some of the best sensory toys for autism is a positive outlet for them to access.
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- Ask your child what their favorite sensory toys are and collect your own best sensory toys for autism for your child.
