If you’re a parent who’s navigating the world of autism, you’re probably asking yourself a thousand questions every day, searching for ways to help your child thrive.
Well…
From my experience and research, I can categorically tell you that sensory toys can indeed play a helpful role in supporting infants with autism.
I’ll explain why and how they can help.
But before we get to that, let’s build an understanding of autism in infants.
Understanding Autism In Infants
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.
It’s a disorder that exists on a spectrum which means that individuals (babies in this case) can exhibit varying degrees of autistic tendencies.
While autism is typically diagnosed around the age of two or later, early signs can sometimes be observed in infants.
These signs might include limited eye contact, delayed babbling, or an unusual reaction to sensory stimuli.
Every child with autism is unique, and so are their sensory needs.
Some autistic infants might be hypersensitive to sensory input—overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or even the texture of certain fabrics.
while others might exhibit hyposensitivity—abnormally decreased sensitivity to sensory input, thereby seeking out sensory input by touching everything they can or fixating on particular sounds or movements.
Either way, understanding your baby’s sensory needs is the first step in finding the right tools to support them.
How Sensory Toys Can Help
Sensory toys are designed to engage your baby’s senses—sight, sound, touch, and sometimes even smell and taste.
For infants with autism, these toys can be especially beneficial.
How??
They offer a controlled way to introduce sensory input, which can help your baby become more comfortable with the world around them.
Here’s how sensory toys can make a difference:
1. Regulating Sensory Input
For infants with autism, the world can be an overwhelming place.
Sensory toys can help by regulating the sensory input your baby receives, allowing them to engage with their environment in a way that feels safe and manageable.
For instance, a soft, textured toy might provide just the right amount of tactile stimulation without overwhelming your baby’s senses.
I remember when a friend’s child was little, the child would often become distressed by loud noises or sudden movements.
I helped get a gentle, crinkly book for the child. The book made a soft sound when touched, and it became a favorite.
It offered a form of sensory input that was soothing rather than overwhelming, helping my friend’s child to engage with her surroundings more comfortably.
Why It’s Effective:
- Helps manage hypersensitivity by providing gentle, predictable sensory input.
- Supports hyposensitivity in infants by offering the stimulation they seek in a controlled way.
2. Encouraging Focus and Engagement
Infants with autism may struggle with focus or have difficulty engaging with toys or people.
Sensory toys can be incredibly engaging, helping to capture your baby’s attention in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Toys that light up, make gentle sounds, or have interesting textures can draw your baby in and encourage them to interact with their environment.
One of the toys that worked wonders for us was a simple rattle with different textures and a soft, calming sound.
It will not only grab babies’ attention but also help them practice reaching, grasping, and shaking—skills that are important for their motor development.
Why It’s Effective:
- Captures attention and encourages interaction.
- Helps develop focus and concentration through engaging sensory experiences.
3. Supporting Motor Skill Development
Many sensory toys are designed to promote fine and gross motor skills, which can be particularly beneficial for infants with autism.
Toys that encourage reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects help your baby develop the coordination and motor skills they need as they grow.
I found that toys like stacking rings or soft blocks were great for this.
Over time, such toys have provided a lot of children (including mine) with a way to explore different textures and shapes while also practicing their hand-eye coordination.
The repetitive, predictable nature of these toys can be especially comforting for infants with autism, helping them to build confidence in their abilities.
Why It’s Effective:
- Promotes motor skill development through hands-on play.
- Offers repetitive, predictable play patterns that are comforting and confidence-building.
4. Reducing Anxiety and Meltdowns
For many infants with autism, sensory overload can lead to anxiety or meltdowns.
Sensory toys can serve as a calming tool, helping your baby to self-soothe and reduce anxiety.
Whether it’s a soft, plush toy that provides comfort or a toy that offers a repetitive motion, these items can help your baby manage their emotions.
When my child was particularly upset, a small, vibrating toy became a go-to for calming them down.
The gentle vibration provided a soothing sensory input that helped ease their anxiety, allowing them to relax and feel more secure.
Why It’s Effective:
- Helps to calm and soothe during moments of sensory overload.
- Provides a sense of security through familiar, comforting sensory input.
Choosing the Right Sensory Toys for Your Baby
When selecting sensory toys for your infant, it’s important to keep their unique sensory preferences in mind.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best toys for your baby:
Start with Simple Toys: Begin with toys that offer a single type of sensory input, like a soft texture or a gentle sound.
This allows you to see how your baby responds without overwhelming them.
Observe Your Baby’s Reactions: Pay attention to how your baby interacts with the toys.
Do they seem comforted, engaged, or distressed?
This will help you understand their sensory preferences.
Rotate Toys: Infants with autism may benefit from having a variety of sensory experiences.
Rotating toys helps to keep their environment engaging and prevents overstimulation from any one toy.
Prioritize Safety: Ensure that any toys you choose are safe for your baby’s age and developmental stage, with no small parts or materials that could be harmful.
Conclusion
I understand that as parents, we want to do everything to support our kids, especially when navigating something as complex as autism.
Sensory toys can help our kids in that regard.
Plus they can be a very helpful and powerful tool in our parenting toolkit, offering ways to engage, soothe, and support our autistic infants as they grow.
While no single toy is a cure-all, the right sensory toys can make a significant difference in your baby’s development and overall well-being.
From my own experience, I can say that finding the right sensory toys was a journey of trial and error, but the rewards were well worth it.
Watching my child become more comfortable in their environment, engage more with the world around them, and find comfort in something as simple as a soft rattle or a crinkly book was incredibly reassuring.
If you don’t mind, there are communities of parents out there going through the same journey, and together, we’re all learning how to best support autistic children.
You can find these communities on platforms like Reddit, Quora and facebook, etc.
Sensory toys can be one part of that journey, helping your baby to thrive in a way that’s gentle, supportive, and filled with love.