Learning aids for kids with autism with Rearna
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that can impact an individual’s social interaction, communication skills, and sensory processing. As parents, caregivers, or educators of children with autism, we recognize the importance of creating an environment that promotes growth, development, and enjoyment. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting children on the autism spectrum, we firmly believe that play and engagement can serve as powerful tools for their progression.
At Action Behavior Centers, our ABA therapists strive to share valuable insights, creative ideas, and resources to empower you in creating an enriching and inclusive experience for your autistic child or the children under your care. Whether you seek solo activities stimulating independent play or interactive experiences facilitating bonding with peers and family, our offerings cater to diverse needs.
It is crucial to acknowledge that each child on the spectrum possesses unique preferences, strengths, and challenges. Consequently, we have curated a diverse range of ideas tailored to different interests, abilities, and developmental stages. With this list, our goal is to present a broad spectrum of activities and toys, allowing you to select those resonating most with your child’s individuality and needs.
TOP 10 toy supporting sensory regulation
Potato Head: Building Body Awareness with Fun
When it comes to our children’s well-being, effective communication of pain or discomfort is crucial. Teaching children with autism to verbalize their pain and identify specific body parts is an essential skill. Mr. Potato Head serves as a helpful tool in introducing the first step of understanding body parts. Through steady repetition, this interactive learning experience enhances comprehension and encourages active participation.
Hammer & Ball Toy: Cause-and-Effect Engagement
Children on the autism spectrum are often captivated by cause-and-effect toys. These toys hold potential for engaging children by facilitating imitation skills and promoting joint attention. The Hammer & Ball Toy not only encourages hand-eye coordination but also provides opportunities for vocabulary building through interaction with the toy’s elements.
Sensory Mats: Controlled Sensory Exploration
Sensory mats offer a controlled and safe environment for children with autism to engage in a variety of sensory experiences. Tactile, visual, and sometimes auditory stimuli on these mats allow for structured exploration. The diverse textures, colors, and patterns provide opportunities for calming, soothing, or invigorating experiences, catering to individual sensory preferences.
Assembly Toys: Engaging Creativity and Coordination
Toys that can be assembled and disassembled engage children on the autism spectrum in creative play. Whether it’s connecting blocks, train tracks, car tracks, or robot construction toys, these options encourage varying levels of play. This type of play facilitates practicing turn-taking, requesting skills, and following instructions, depending on your child’s developmental stage and coordination.
Soft Comfort Items: Calming Tactile Experiences
Soft comfort items like blankets, weighted stuffed animals, and memory foam toys offer soothing tactile experiences. These cuddly companions promote a sense of calm and provide different sensory experiences for children with autism. Their smaller sizes make them portable, offering comfort in various settings such as daycare, doctor’s offices, or restaurants.
Play Tents and Tunnels: Enclosed Exploration and Social Interaction
Play tents and tunnels are excellent for children with autism as they offer a range of sensory experiences while promoting engagement, imagination, and social interaction. These structures create a safe and enclosed space for sensory exploration, fostering imaginative play and creative discovery. Tunnels additionally encourage physical movement, supporting the development of motor skills.
Insert See & Spell Learning Puzzle: Language Development through Play
Language development is crucial for children with autism, and engaging in activities like insert puzzles can foster vocabulary and language skills. Enhance this activity by incorporating animal sounds for a multisensory learning experience, providing an enjoyable way for language development to unfold.
In embracing the diverse needs of children on the autism spectrum, these activities and toys become valuable tools for fostering growth, development, and enjoyment. As parents, caregivers, or educators, you can tailor these options to align with your child’s unique strengths and preferences, creating a supportive environment that nurtures their individuality.
TOP 10 toy for proppioception
Proprioceptive activities play a crucial role in providing input to the body’s muscles and joints. This sensory input has a calming and reorganizing effect, aiding children in regulating their arousal levels. For children with autism, who may experience challenges in self-regulation and susceptibility to overstimulation, proprioceptive toys become essential tools, offering much-needed deep touch pressure and sensory input.
Bean Bag: Relaxing Support for Proprioception
A classic bean bag provides a versatile and comfortable surface for children to sink into. Its supportive structure encourages relaxation while offering a proprioceptive experience through the gentle pressure exerted by the beans.
Weighted Lap Pad: Portable Sensory Support
A weighted lap pad is a portable solution for delivering proprioceptive input. Placing it on the lap provides a calming effect, aiding in focus and concentration, making it an ideal tool for various settings.
Weighted Blanket: Cozy Comfort and Deep Touch Pressure
Weighted blankets offer a cocoon-like experience, providing cozy comfort and deep touch pressure. This sensory input promotes relaxation, making it valuable for bedtime routines or moments of rest.
Weighted Stuffed Animal: Cuddly Support for Sensory Needs
Combining the comfort of a stuffed animal with the benefits of deep touch pressure, a weighted stuffed animal serves as a cuddly companion that contributes to a sense of security and calmness.
Vibrating Massager: Dynamic Proprioceptive Input
A vibrating massager introduces dynamic proprioceptive input, delivering soothing vibrations that can be applied to different areas of the body. This versatile tool contributes to sensory regulation.
Body Sock: Full-Body Proprioceptive Experience
A body sock offers a unique and enveloping experience, providing deep touch pressure across the entire body. It is particularly beneficial for children who enjoy or benefit from full-body proprioceptive input.
Vibrating Pillow: Gentle Vibrations for Relaxation
A vibrating pillow offers gentle vibrations, creating a soothing effect. Placing it on different parts of the body provides localized proprioceptive input, contributing to a sense of calm.
Pressure Roller: Rolling Sensory Stimulation
A pressure roller introduces rolling sensory stimulation, offering dynamic proprioceptive input. It can be used on various body parts, providing a tactile and engaging experience for children.
In selecting these top 10 proprioception-focused toys, the aim is to offer a diverse range of options that cater to different preferences and needs. These toys not only support sensory regulation but also provide enjoyable and comforting experiences for children seeking proprioceptive input.
TOP 10 toy for auditory sensory input
Children are often drawn to toys that offer repetitive, rhythmic auditory feedback. While the constant musical sounds might challenge your patience, the engagement it brings to your child and the potential improvement in their listening skills make it truly worthwhile. To further explore the impact of auditory input and music in teaching and play, we’ve included a link to a book about Kids, Music, & Autism. Recognizing that not every child with autism tolerates auditory sensory input, our top 10 also features sensory-friendly headphones and noise reduction headphones.
Skoog Music Cube:
A unique and interactive music cube, the Skoog offers a hands-on approach to auditory exploration. Its tactile design allows children to create their own musical compositions, fostering creativity and engagement.
Mozart Munchkin Music Cube:
Specifically designed for young music enthusiasts, the Mozart Munchkin Music Cube introduces classical melodies in an interactive format. Its vibrant buttons encourage tactile exploration, enhancing auditory and motor skills.
Crayola – My First Touch Art Pad:
Combining the visual and auditory senses, the Crayola Touch Art Pad provides an interactive platform where children can create art while enjoying accompanying sounds. This multi-sensory experience promotes creativity and engagement.
Egg Shakers:
Egg shakers offer a delightful way for children to explore rhythm and sound. The repetitive motion of shaking the eggs provides a calming and rhythmic auditory experience, fostering sensory engagement.
Rainmaker:
The Rainmaker is a mesmerizing auditory toy that simulates the sound of rainfall. As children turn or flip the toy, they are not only captivated by the visual effect but also immersed in the soothing auditory feedback.
Sensory Songs for Tots (CD) or Sing, Sound, and Count with Me (CD):
These sensory-focused CDs offer a variety of auditory experiences, from soothing melodies to interactive songs. Tailored for young listeners, they provide a diverse range of auditory stimuli.
Sound Puzzles:
Sound puzzles combine tactile and auditory elements, creating an interactive learning experience. As children place puzzle pieces, they are rewarded with corresponding sounds, promoting both cognitive and auditory development.
Foldable Music Mat:
A foldable music mat offers a dynamic play space where children can engage with different musical tones and sounds. Its portability makes it suitable for various settings, encouraging auditory exploration on the go.
CozyPhones Headband Style Headphones:
Designed in a comfortable headband style, CozyPhones provide a sensory-friendly way for children to enjoy auditory stimuli without discomfort. They offer a secure fit while minimizing external noise.
Noise Reduction Earmuffs:
Recognizing the importance of accommodating diverse sensory needs, noise reduction earmuffs provide a supportive solution for children who may be sensitive to auditory input. They create a calming environment by reducing external noise.
Embrace this journey as an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Engaging in activities with your child not only fosters a stronger bond but also opens avenues for communication and provides a sense of security and support. Together, let’s celebrate the joys of play and embark on a path of discovery, where we witness the incredible potential that lies within our children with autism. Creating a world where every child feels empowered, celebrated, and cherished is our shared goal.
