Sensory Toys for Autistic Kids Supporting Social Communication and Play

For children with autism spectrum disorder, play can be a powerful tool for developing communication skills and social development. Anne Barber, founder of Reaware Outreach and expert in neurodivergent care, emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s unique challenges and sensory needs when selecting toys.

Understanding Social Communication in Autistic Children

Many children with autism experience the world differently, particularly in how they process social and sensory input. This unique way of experiencing the world can make it challenging for children to express their internal experiences and interpret others’ social cues. As Barber explains, “It’s about helping them have a way to communicate with the world when they want their inner worlds to be understood. And alternatively, to empower them to interact with others.”

Supporting Communication Through Play

For autistic children who may be nonverbal or have developmental delays, toys can provide essential tools for expression and understanding. HobbyTown Santee offers various options that support early intervention and skills development:

•  Tactile exploration items
• Toys that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety

Tools for Social Skills Development

Many autistic individuals experience face agnosia, which makes it challenging to recognize and remember faces or interpret facial expressions. “One of the things that a lot of autistic people struggle with is face agnosia,” Barber notes. “This can make social interactions more difficult and overwhelming.”

Hobby stores such as HobbyTown Santee offer several games that help children practice facial recognition and social observation in a fun, low-pressure environment. Barber particularly recommends Guess Who as an effective learning tool. “I love that game because it teaches a kid how we know what a person looks like – ‘Oh, are they bald? Do they have glasses? Do they have a mustache?'” she explains. “The game naturally breaks down facial features into manageable pieces, making it easier for children to learn how to identify and remember different characteristics.”

The store also carries other games that support similar skills:

• Board games that encourage facial expression recognition
• Memory games featuring different people and expressions
• Picture-matching activities that focus on social cues
• Interactive games that combine face recognition with turn-taking skills

“These games create a fun, structured way to practice skills that might otherwise feel overwhelming,” Barber notes. “When children can learn these skills through play, they’re more likely to feel confident applying them in real-world social situations.”

Therapeutic Play Options

Communication takes many forms, and for autistic children, traditional verbal expression may not always be the most natural or comfortable way to share their thoughts and feelings. When selecting toys and tools for communication, Barber emphasizes that we need to think beyond spoken language. “It doesn’t matter if it’s even with words,” she emphasizes. “It might just be with objects, it might just be with cards, but it’s about helping them have a way to communicate.”

This understanding has influenced HobbyTown Santee’s selection of communication support tools, from emotion-identifying putty to visual card systems. These alternative communication methods can help bridge the gap between an autistic child’s internal experience and their ability to share it with others.

For children on the autism spectrum, HobbyTown Santee provides toys that support:

• Social skills development
• Gross motor skills
• Communication skills
• Sensory processing
• Coping strategies

Understanding Communication Through Sensory Play

Many children with autism spectrum disorder experience the world differently, particularly in how they process sensory input and social interactions. Early intervention services and appropriate sensory toys can make a difference in helping children develop communication skills.

Supporting Nonverbal and Verbal Communication

For autistic children who may be nonverbal or experiencing developmental delays, toys can provide essential tools for expression. HobbyTown Santee offers sensory toys that support various communication styles:

• Tactile exploration items that help reduce anxiety
• Toys that provide both visual and auditory stimulation

Tools for Social Skills Development and Sensory Processing

Children with ASD often face unique challenges in understanding social cues and managing sensory sensitivities. Selecting the right toys can help tailor support to your child’s needs.

Creating Successful Play Environments for Autistic Kids

For children with autism spectrum disorder, having the right environment can be as important as having the right toys. Many children with autism crave consistency and may feel overwhelmed by certain sensory input. Creating a calming sensory space can help reduce anxiety and support social development.

Sensory Safe Spaces for Play and Relaxation

HobbyTown Santee offers various calming toys and sensory items that can help create a soothing environment:

• Calming visual stimulation tools
• Tactile exploration stations
• Toys that promote relaxation

“You want to have a space that’s persistently there,” Barber emphasizes. “A sensory-safe area where autistic children can self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed or need to focus on preparing for social interaction.”

Supporting Individual Sensory Needs

Every child’s sensory profile is unique, and what soothes one child might trigger sensory issues in another. Working with occupational therapy professionals can help identify your child’s specific needs.

Tools for Different Sensory Profiles

Autistic children often experience varying sensory sensitivities:

• Some may be hypersensitive to certain textures
• Others might crave specific types of sensory input
• Many children with autism need support with both visual and auditory processing
• Some individuals may benefit from therapeutic tools for gross and/or fine motor skills

“We need to tailor the experience to each child,” Barber notes. “Some autistic children may outgrow certain sensory needs while developing others, so it’s important to stay attuned to their changing requirements.”

Support Through Different Developmental Stages

From toddler to teens with autism, sensory needs evolve. HobbyTown Santee provides age-appropriate options that grow with your child:

Early Development Support

• Preschool-friendly sensory toys
• Tools for early intervention services
• Items that encourage speech therapy play
• Toys that support in-home skill development

“For individuals on the autism spectrum, having the right tools at each developmental stage can significantly impact their well being,” Barber explains.

Building Social Skills Through Interactive Play

For autistic children who may struggle with traditional social interactions, the right toys can create natural opportunities for connection. Support groups and professionals often recommend starting with structured activities that make social development more accessible.

Communication Building Tools

“We want to help them name what’s happening in their internal world,” Barber explains. HobbyTown Santee offers various toys beneficial for autistic children:

• Aaron’s Putty with emotion identifiers
• Social skills card games
• Cooperative building sets
• Tools that support nonverbal cues

Resources and Support for Parents and Caregivers

Understanding your child’s needs and finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to make informed choices:

Finding Professional Support

• Work with occupational therapy professionals
• Consult with speech therapy experts
• Consider IEP recommendations
• Explore mobile app resources for tracking progress

Conclusion

Supporting an autistic child requires understanding their unique challenges and providing appropriate tools for success. “It’s not about changing who they are,” Barber emphasizes. “It’s about giving them ways to express themselves and connect with others that feel natural and comfortable for them.”

Through thoughtful selection of sensory toys and the creation of supportive environments, parents and caregivers can help autistic children develop essential skills while honoring their individual needs and preferences.

About the Expert: Anne Barber, is the founder of Reaware Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing psychotherapy to neurodivergent clients. Her organization focuses on breaking down socioeconomic barriers to accessing care, specializing in supporting individuals with various neurodivergent conditions.

 The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized professional advice. Although not directly compensated for her input to this article, Ms. Barber receives indirect financial benefits from products purchased. Her opinions are her own and are not influenced by any financial incentives.