Sensational Toys for Autistic Teenagers

For more tips on the best toys for autistic teenagers, check out our articles on therapeutic toys for autism and autism-friendly toys.

Types of Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are a big help for autistic teenagers, giving them a chance to explore their senses in a safe way. These toys can help with focus, attention, and even stress relief, making life a bit more relaxed and calm. Let's take a closer look at two popular types: weighted blankets and lap pads, and fidget toys and chewable jewelry.

Weighted Blankets and Lap Pads

Weighted blankets and lap pads are like a gentle hug that helps calm the nerves. They're great for bedtime or when anxiety kicks in. The soft pressure from these items can help with relaxation and better sleep.

These blankets and pads come in different weights and sizes, so you can pick what feels right. A good rule of thumb is to choose a weight that's about 10% of the teenager's body weight.

Fidget Toys and Chewable Jewelry

Fidget toys and chewable jewelry are handy for managing anxiety and improving focus. They offer a sense of security in stressful times. Fidget toys can boost attention and calmness. Chew toys are also great for developing oral skills, which can help with speech and eating.

Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes, like spinners, cubes, and stress balls, each offering a unique sensory experience. Chewable jewelry is available in different shapes and textures, making it a flexible choice for sensory needs.

For more on sensory toys and their perks, check out our article on toys for sensory processing disorder.

By adding weighted blankets, lap pads, fidget toys, and chewable jewelry into their daily lives, autistic teenagers can enjoy better focus, less anxiety, and overall improved well-being. These toys offer a safe and effective way to meet their sensory needs and support their growth.

DIY Sensory Toys

Whipping up your own sensory toys at home can be a wallet-friendly and personal way for parents and caregivers to offer sensory fun for autistic teenagers. These homemade goodies can be customized to fit the unique sensory quirks and likes of the child, boosting their sensory growth and overall happiness.

Creating Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are like a playground for the senses. You can fill them with all sorts of stuff to tickle the senses of touch, sight, and smell. These bins can really help autistic teenagers chill out and get better at handling sensory info.

Materials for Sensory Bins:

• Rice or beans
  
  
• Sand or kinetic sand
  
  
• Water beads
  
  
• Pom-poms
  
  
• Small toys or figurines
  
  
• Essential oils (for scent)

To make a sensory bin, just grab a big container, toss in your chosen materials, and add some small toys or objects for the child to dig into. Let them get their hands in there to feel the different textures and spark some imaginative play.

Calm-Down Boxes

Calm-down boxes are another handy DIY sensory tool. These boxes can be packed with items that help soothe and calm an autistic teenager when they're feeling stressed or overloaded. Calm-down boxes can really help with emotional balance and make it easier for autistic teenagers to handle sensory stuff.

Items for Calm-Down Boxes:



• Soft fabrics (e.g., fleece or plush toys)
  
  
• Fidget toys (e.g., stress balls, fidget spinners)
  
  
• Chewable jewelry
  
  
• Noise-canceling headphones
  
  
• Visual timers
  
  
• Aromatherapy items (e.g., lavender sachets)

To put together a calm-down box, gather a mix of soothing items and pop them into a sturdy container. Encourage the child to reach for the box when they're feeling overwhelmed or just need a breather.

By crafting DIY sensory toys like sensory bins and calm-down boxes, parents and caregivers can offer personalized sensory experiences that cater to the unique needs of autistic teenagers.

Sensory-Friendly Activities

Sensory-friendly activities can be a game-changer for autistic teenagers, offering them spaces and experiences that cater to their unique sensory needs. These activities are all about inclusivity and support, helping those with sensory processing challenges feel more at ease and involved.

Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings

Imagine a movie theater where the sound doesn't blast your ears off, the lights aren't blinding, and you can move around or make noise without anyone giving you the side-eye. That's what sensory-friendly movie screenings are all about. They're designed to be a welcoming space for autistic teens, with adjustments that make the experience more comfortable.

Local theaters and community centers often host these screenings, giving autistic teens a chance to enjoy movies without the usual sensory overload.

Engaging in Recreational Activities

Recreational activities are like a secret sauce for the growth and happiness of autistic teenagers. They can boost social skills, help with emotional expression, and just make life better overall. Here are some favorites:

• Music Therapy: A great way to express emotions and connect with others.
  
  
• Art Therapy: Lets creativity flow and brings a sense of calm.
  
  
• Dance: Get moving, improve coordination, and have a blast.
  
  
• Swimming: Good for fitness and provides soothing sensory input.
  
  
• Horseback Riding: Builds confidence and helps with balance.
  
  
• Bowling: Encourages socializing and teamwork.

These activities can help autistic teens learn new skills, boost their balance and coordination, and grow their self-esteem.

Plus, activities like martial arts can teach discipline, improve fitness, and enhance social skills. Gardening is another winner, offering sensory engagement, emotional support, and lessons in responsibility and patience. Working together on garden projects can also help with social skills and personal growth.

Offering a mix of sensory activities is key to supporting the development and happiness of autistic teenagers. These activities help them calm their nervous system, sharpen focus, and lift their mood.

Specific Toy Recommendations

Picking out toys for autistic teenagers means thinking about what makes them feel good and comfy. Here are some toy ideas that might just do the trick.

Noise Reduction Earmuffs

Noise reduction earmuffs are a lifesaver for autistic teens dealing with too much noise. They cut down sound by 25 decibels, which can really help ease stress and anxiety when things get loud. They're light, easy to carry, and fit nicely in a backpack or desk, so they're handy for school, home, or out and about.

Pressure Vests and Fish Bubble Lamp

Pressure Vests

Pressure vests are like a warm hug for autistic teens or anyone with sensory needs. Made from 2mm neoprene, like a wetsuit, they let air through so you don't get too hot. Prices range from $28.99 to $69.99.

Fish Bubble Lamp

The Fish Bubble Lamp is another cool sensory toy for autistic teens. At $31.60, it soothes with its changing lights, swimming fish, and the soft hum of the pump. It's perfect for a sensory room or a chill-out spot at home.

These toy picks can help autistic teens feel more at ease, offering comfort and support wherever they are.

Parental Perceptions of Fidget Toys

Fidget toys have become a hit for helping autistic teens with their sensory needs. Getting a handle on what parents think about these toys can shed light on how they help and their effect on anxiety.

Benefits of Fidget Toys

Parents of autistic kids often see fidget toys as a big win. These gadgets, like fidget spinners, stress balls, and chewable jewelry, are all about giving that sensory kick that helps kids keep their cool and manage their actions. A study from Springer shows that parents of autistic children find these toys more helpful than parents of neurotypical (NT) kids. This rings especially true for those kids who are always on the hunt for sensory input.

Fidget toys can help autistic teens hit that sweet spot of alertness needed for paying attention and staying on task. The feel-good vibes from these toys let kids quietly handle their sensory needs, which can boost focus and cut down on acting out.

Impact on Anxiety Levels

One of the standout perks of fidget toys is their knack for easing anxiety. Autistic folks often dive into sensory-seeking behaviors to self-soothe. Fidget toys offer a steady, reliable sensory input that helps kids feel more in control and less swamped by their surroundings.

Parents of autistic kids have shared that fidget toys and spinners are real anxiety busters. The Springer study found that these parents see the toys as more effective in cutting anxiety than parents of NT kids do. This underscores the value of weaving sensory toys into the daily lives of autistic teens to help them tackle stress and anxiety.

By getting the scoop on the perks and effects of fidget toys, parents can make smart choices about adding these tools to their child's sensory toolkit. Whether it's for calming nerves or sharpening focus, fidget toys can be a game-changer in meeting the sensory needs of autistic teens.

SOURCES:

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/gifts-for-kids-with-autism/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-023-05483-3

https://autismcommunitystore.com

https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/sensory-toys-for-autism

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-services/therapies-interventions/interventions-for-older-children-with-asd

https://nationalautismresources.com/sensory-toys/?srsltid=AfmBOopqrnB1gzexO8uglzr1FbiFJlPEIL_c-Y108z5XsmYtnEllo2S9