| Anyone shopping for a child knows it is hard to find | | | | own without having to have more than one player, |
| something that the child will love and that the parents | | | | or without having an adult assist them, you may |
| won't mind having in their home. However, when it | | | | have found a great toy for them. Toys that have |
| comes to buying a toy for autistic children, it is so | | | | repetitive motions and actions might also be a hit, as |
| much harder to make the right choice. One of the | | | | some autistic children get caught up in that sort of |
| most important thing anyone searching for the right | | | | play. The suitability of bright colors or vivid textures |
| toy should remember is that the age listings on | | | | can depend on the child as some have an aversion to |
| games and toys are a guideline, but they are rarely | | | | certain things. Ask the parents for guidance. |
| right for children with autism. If you aren't sure about | | | | Continue reading for more toy suggestions and to |
| what age group that child might fall into on a | | | | sign up for the free autism newsletter below |
| developmental level, you should be sure to ask the | | | | covering all aspects of autism. |
| parents. As long as you keep that information in | | | | When it comes to children who are higher functioning, |
| mind, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding | | | | there are some great educational toys out there. |
| something that works, but there are other things to | | | | When you buy a toy for autistic kids who are |
| keep in mind as well. | | | | learning things, you should keep their level of learning |
| When looking at toys, you have to consider quite a | | | | in mind. There are toys that help with spelling, |
| few things. The parents will appreciate that you put | | | | counting, subtraction and addition, and some that help |
| thought into what to buy. Some children with autism | | | | with writing and sounds. Don't buy something that is |
| will rip just about anything that is made of paper, so | | | | beyond their current learning level as this can just |
| you may not want to buy anything that could easily | | | | frustrate them and they'll lose interest quickly. Music |
| be shredded. Look for toys that are very sturdy and | | | | is not really a toy, but many autistic children love |
| will take some rough play. Also, some children don't | | | | music. A DVD or CD just might be a great present |
| work well with toys that have a lot of pieces. If you | | | | that they would love. |
| can find something that has one or two parts for | | | | You shouldn't have too hard a time finding a toy for |
| children such as these, you have found something | | | | autistic children if you keep the function and |
| suitable. Also, small pieces can be choking hazards for | | | | developmental level of the child in mind. You may find |
| many children, so ask before buying anything with | | | | the perfect toy, but remember, well thought and |
| small, removable pieces. | | | | age-appropriate toys are sometimes ignored and |
| Many autistic children love to play alone. This is not | | | | unused. You shouldn't take it personally. Buying a toy |
| always the case, but it is for the majority. It might | | | | for any child is a little hit and miss and the same goes |
| depend on the developmental level of the child, but | | | | for autistic children. When it doubt, ask the parents |
| even some high functioning children prefer to play | | | | for guidance, as they know their child the best. |
| alone. If you can find something they can do on their | | | | |