How to find the perfect sensory Christmas gift for a child with Autism
Words Faith Wilcox
Most children might want an iPad, their favourite cartoon character, or an electronic device. But what if the child is more particular? This is often the case with autistic children. Let this piece guide you to finding your perfect sensory gift.
Autism often is accompanied by sensory issues; I remember growing up with a cousin who is both deaf and autistic. Let us call him Josh, Josh had a fascination with toy cars. He could line all his cars from the entrance of the reception room to the end and dare to move any out of place he would have a ‘meltdown’ an intense response to being overwhelmed in a situation. Josh fixation is common with autistic children and for Christmas finding out the perfect gift might not be hard as you think.
However, not all autistic children have a fixation on toy, it might be sound, light colour or sound.
There are two types of sensory issues that autistic children might be affected by: hypo-sensitivities and hyper-sensitivities. Both influence the way children react and process different stimuli.
These can be identified but not exclusive to:
Sights
Sounds
Smells
Tastes
Touch
Balance
Body Awareness
Hypersensitivity can often be described as overly sensitive to stimuli whereas hyposensitivity is under responsive to stimuli. This often affects body awareness, balance control and coordination. Sensory toys are of benefit to children with autism for several reasons. Namely, development of social learning skills, sharing, coordination often helps them to calm down in the midst of overwhelming situations. Overall sensory toys are there to enable the child to learn about their senses whilst having fun.
Before you rush to the store, please bear in mind when buying gifts for children, consider their individual interest and age. Also take into consideration whether they will enjoy it and whether it is socially appropriate. Whilst children with autism may have developmental delay and enjoy toys that may be younger in age it is better to find gifts that are developmentally appropriate.
Step 1
Identify whether the child is hyposensitive or hypersensitive and in what situations this may be.
Step 2
Discover their likes and dislikes, could be certain sounds, tastes and smells etc
Step 3
Ascertain what their favourite toys or colours or things to touch are.
However, by no means is this guide restrictive that all children are different. These are my top ten recommendations for sensory toys:
Sensory mats: Sensory mats are small mats that use different textures. Children can use their hands and feet to feel and play different types of textures. Heighten senses you can try asking them to close their eyes and describe what they feel when being in contact with these textures.
Chew Toys: Seems strange to recommend this right? However, these toys are just not for teething children, rather they are made from non-silicone material and often help children with autism to develop biting and chewing skills whilst providing sensory stimuli. They can be worn as handheld pieces or jewellery. What is quite cool is that they come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes.
Sand, Slime and Plasticine: These types of toys help develop fine motor skills; this often appeals to their visual senses. Good thing is that they come in various bright colours so you can pick out their favourite colour.
Fidget Toys and Stress Balls: Right, these are quite popular with all age ranges. They make great portable toys to enable focus by managing stress and anxiety. Quiet fidgets work very well within classrooms, vehicles, and restaurant settings.
Rainmakers: Appealing to a child’s sense of hearing. Rainmakers are the perfect gift for relaxation as the sound of rain can be comforting and calming. Bright colours and falling beads are a bonus because it allows the child to explore other senses simultaneously.
Vibrating cushions: Many children with sensory difficulties love soothing vibrations. This is easy to activate, and children can sit on the pillow, lean back on it, or hug it to help them relax. It is easily operable and cordless without switches or remote to operate.
Rhythmic motion lamps: Young children and teens alike with autism find it difficult to manage unexpected events. Their sensory threshold is often lower than the general population and daily tasks can be overwhelming. Slow repetitive motion items are engaging and calming.
Weighted blankets, vests, or teddy bears: These types of toys allow children with autism to feel relief through the pressure applied and can relieve anxiety and initiate relaxation.
Reflective Balls: Sensory reflective balls help children with autism by helping them visual senses. Perfect for improving their ability to process sensory information.
Cause and Effect Toys: Finally, my favourite! Fun and educational at the same time. These toys are great for children that find social interaction difficult. These toys often provide a reaction for example if I press a button it will light up.