Unique Toys for Your Unique Child
As parents, you know your preschool child’s needs and preferences best. You know what makes them excited, happy, anxious, and upset. For children on the spectrum, it is important to select toys that are appropriate for their developmental age and that appeal to their unique sensory preferences regarding sounds, textures, and visual stimulation. To better understand developmental versus chronological age, see our Autism Guide for Parents. When purchasing toys, look for ones that provide sensory stimulation and support fine motor/gross skills like fidget toys, kinetic sand, texture balls, bubble poppers, or stretch toys. Children enjoy the play aspects of these toys, and they can also use them to self-regulate and manage their own emotions in challenging situations.
At Wellspring Learning Centers, we have a large collection of toys, interactive games, and role-playing activities, and we cater their use to the specific needs and interests of the child. Once the “toy” is introduced, we allow the child to take the lead in play which supports their sense of autonomy. We “play” together while observing and affirming. This child-led, play-based approach to ABA therapy can be used in the home by parents as well to create fun learning experiences.
Considerations
Safety and Durability. First and foremost, avoid toys that have small pieces or parts that could pose a choking risk. Stay away from toys that have sharp edges that could cause harm during play or if thrown. Consider non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials that are easy to clean to minimize any adverse reactions. In terms of durability, look for toys made of quality materials with sturdy construction that can withstand rough play. It is common for children on the spectrum to engage in repetitive, vigorous play, and their toys should be able to handle that.
Focused Interests. If a child has a particular special interest like construction trucks, focusing on that theme across multiple toy types may increase interest, appeal, and exploration. Capitalize on the “positive acceptance” aspect of this to build quick adoption and increased engagement but recognize that these special interests or infatuations can change quickly. When and if that happens, be prepared to change out toys quickly to keep play interesting and meaningful.
Fine Motor Skills. There are many toys that your child can use to develop strong fine motors skills. Items like puzzles, building blocks, pop tubes and lacing beads allow for engaging play that your child can do with you or independently depending on the situation. These types of toys can help with both calming or stimulation, so be sure to introduce the right toy for the right situation.
Gross Motor Skills. To support active play to develop gross motor skills, many children enjoy riding toys, jumpers, inflated activity balls, and floor games like hopscotch or foot piano. Your engagement and supervision are especially important here to create a productive and enjoyable experience that does not escalate to overstimulation.
Social Skills. The use of cooperative games, flash cards, board games and role-playing activities with costumes and occupational toys like baking utensils or a doctor’s stethoscope are a creative way to engage the imagination, build social skills, and promote communication. These types of cooperative activities help introduce and strengthen turn-taking, eye contact, and sharing. The best outcomes occur when you create a safe space for your child to practice social interaction.
The Importance of Observation and Toy Rotation
Simply put, too many toys create more problems than positive outcomes. That is why it is important to view your autistic child’s toy collection like a portfolio of tools designed for a purpose. Having too many toys available for play can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Limiting the number of toys available for play allows the child to engage with each item while reducing the anxiety and stress to choose among a wide range of toys.
Observe your child’s play in different situations and seek to find the best toys for their varying moods and feelings. Consider grouping your toys and storing them in various locations of the house, creating unique “stations” to be used when appropriate. Importantly, creating a more focused toy offering does not mean you have to limit the number of toys you own. Rather, buy the toys that you believe work best for your child in different circumstances and build a total portfolio that allows you to keep your toy offering “focused and fresh” through smart grouping and rotation.
Enhancing ABA Therapy Using Toys at Home
Using toys at home with your autistic child is a wonderful way to build repetition that enhances the goals and benefits of early intervention ABA therapy. Talk to your ABA provider about the toys they use and how you can use them at home to extend and reinforce the positive behaviors and skills being practiced at the center.
It is important for parents to build at-home play sessions into a daily routine. Play should not be a way to keep your child busy by themselves while other priorities around the home are dealt with. Consider setting specific times, themes, and objectives for each play session. Be sure not to over plan and over manage. Let your child lead and follow with enthusiasm, participation, and encouragement. Let them set the pace. Use toys as tools to model behavior through positive reinforcement. Build in opportunities to practice specific skills that you would like to develop or improve. Plan the total play time as a series of smaller activities designed to practice skills using toys to reward and motivate. Keeping these focused activities short in duration improves interest and learning retention.
ABA at Wellspring Learning Centers
At Wellspring Learning Centers, we work hard to “Take ABA Therapy to The Next Level” and we believe employing the principles of “Today’s ABA” produces better outcomes for young children on the spectrum. We invite you to visit one of our Nashville centers to see why parents rate us 5-Stars on Google reviews. Our centers look and feel like a private preschool with open floorplans, state-of-the-art equipment and play structures, and quality toys. Our professionals are well trained and top notch, providing ABA therapy in a caring and fun environment.
If you are exploring ABA therapy services, including comprehensive ABA therapy or focused ABA therapy for children between 18 months and toddler age, contact us today to set up a free clinical consultation and center tour.