Sensory toys are a necessary tool for a child with ASD, and schools and parents of children who do not have a diagnosis of ASD are also using them at home and in the schools. They play a vital role in calming a child when the adult sees signs that the child needs calming, such as making loud noises or inability to sit and focus.(This varies with each child.) 

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The colourful oil-based toys and bubble makers have always been popular so some children respond well to a number of different bubble blowers in their boxes.

 

This is ideal for developing their language as they have to discriminate and make choices and respond to the adult's questions. It is a great way to learn as it is highly motivating for the child to have choices. 

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I found that children are very selective in their choices. On a particular day, a child may want the blue chew while, on another day, they will choose another chew that satisfies them. They also 'move on' from one product after a while and need another choice. Some children focus on a particular colour while others like toys that are very colourful.

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Sensory toys at schedule also help students sit and maintain focus with the group, for a longer time. So a toy such as Pearl Pals is ideal when teaching a student to sit for longer periods with the group.

 

It can also be quite soothing as it can be wrapped in cloth when frozen, and used gently with a child that is overheated from crying, or has a temperature or is teething (just on the cheek). Different things work for different children.

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The beautiful Deluxe Jellyfish Tower would delight any child and could be used to calm the child before bed. You can put it on the bedtime routine schedule.

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These simple sensory toys are the items that were part of the child's sensory diet, which was developed by the classroom teacher and the occupational therapist we worked hand in hand with.

 

Most children would have a blowing toy to cover the different needs of different children. A child that had no awareness of his mouth would have blowing as part of his daily program.

 

The Oral Motor Set was often used for this purpose, and this was used in conjunction with a language goal to request, or to follow an instruction given by the adult. 

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The Voice changer and voice mikes are great for encouraging children to use their voice. There are more products available on the site and more choices will appear once you click on a particular product. Happy browsing! 

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