Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Activities

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

7 incredible toys for autistic kids under $50 they’ll love

Dawn Miller
By

Shopping for children can be stressful because you want to purchase a gift the child will enjoy and use. When shopping for toys for autistic kids, there are other factors you need to take into consideration. According to the Autism Research Institute, when shopping for a child with autism spectrum disorder, the first thing to think about is what the child likes. Children with autism may have a strong interest in dinosaurs or trains. If that’s the case, choose a toy within the child’s preference area. When unsure, ask the parents what the child is interested in.

Another suggestion is to look beyond the age recommendations printed on the toy. Children with autism may be at different developmental stages that typically do not align with their age. Some children with autism spectrum disorder are overstimulated by loud electronic toys with bright lights. A better option is a toy that is more hands-on.

Recommended Videos

The Autism Research Institute also recommends not purchasing a toy for an autistic child that requires adult assistance without checking with the parent first. Toys like science kits as well as complicated crafts and board games should be avoided unless you have a parental okay or have the time to spend with the child playing the game or putting the craft together.

Related

Best toys for autism

Play-Doh or putty

Play-Doh is a wonderful present for a child with autism because of its sensory appeal. Playing with Play-Doh gets hand muscles working while kids roll, squish, and try to make different shapes and objects. Since a playroom can never have enough Play-Doh on hand, a 24-package of multicolored Play-Doh is an excellent toy that will also be beneficial for an autistic child.

For older autistic children, consider Discovery Putty. Discovery Putty is used in much the same way as Play-Doh. It can be utilized to reduce stress and anxiety while improving grip and hand strength. While it has learning and therapy purposes, playing with Discovery Putty is just fun for kids, too.

Weighted stuffed animals

A wonderful, cuddly buddy that comforts and offers sensory input is a weighted stuffed animal. Unlike a weighted blanket, a weighted stuffed animal can travel with the child wherever it is needed, such as the car or school. A weighted stuffed animal can be used to help a child with autism fall asleep at night or focus better during school. The soft feel and gentle weight is also calming. Sootheze is an adorable white tiger. It weighs 4 and a half pounds and can also be microwaved or chilled to act as a heating pad or provide cold therapy for bumps and bruises.

Weighted lap pad or lap animal

Another comforting gift for an autistic child is a weighted lap pad or animal. Either provides soothing comfort in stressful situations and also works to help the child focus, especially during school or when reading stories at home. Harkla makes a lap dog weighing 5 pounds. Its soft, cuddly cover looks like a snuggly pup and fits nicely on a child’s lap.

The design is also available as a lap pad. The weighted lap pad has a sensory side as well as a soft, plush side. Like the weighted lap dog, the lap pad weighs 5 pounds, too.

Sensory balls

A sensory ball or a package of smaller sensory balls is another active learning toy for a child with autism spectrum disorder. Dophyranix makes a 6-pack of sensory balls that offer the user different tactile sensations. The bright colors are great for helping kids learn colors, while the varied textures of each ball stimulates touch and helps to work on sensory development in a fun way.

Infantino’s 20-piece set of sensory balls, blocks, and buddies is a wonderful learning set that can grow with the child as his or her sensory skills progress.

When shopping for toys for autistic kids, be sure to check with the parents first. It’s always helpful to find out what is needed instead of just buying this year’s trendiest toy. Sensory toys are a wonderful learning tool for autistic children, while weighted stuffed animals or pads offer comfort and help with focus.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller
Contributor
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
There are actually some helpful benefits of tongue twisters for kids
Tongue twisters are a laugh, but did you know they are also a useful learning tool?
teenagers getting twisted over tongue twisters

Ready to get twisted? With tongue twisters that is! November 12 is National Tongue Twister Day, but you don't need to put those pickled peppers Peter Piper picked in a pot nor do you need to save tongue twisters for the fall. Tongue twisters have been around for ages and are simply a phrase that's hard for people to say clearly, especially when spoken quickly. Of course, tongue twisters don't have meaning and they're always a laugh, but did you know tongue twisters for kids can actually be helpful?
Benefits of tongue twisters
Many people might think of tongue twisters as a silly thing to do at a party. The big laugh always comes when someone says a tongue twister incorrectly. Sure, tongue twisters are fun, but saying them does serve a purpose, especially for the kiddos. Don't worry! Our tongues won't get twisted talking about these surprising perks of tongue twisters.
Pronunciation
Since people try hard to say tongue twisters correctly, the practice actually helps speakers to articulate clearly and work on word pronunciation.
Developing speech muscles
Yes, people have speech muscles, and saying tongue twisters can help develop the muscles in the tongue used in pronouncing words. This's why tongue twisters are a great way to warm up those speech muscles before an oral presentation. Tongue twisters are also used to help kids and adults with stuttering.
Improve reading and language skills
Another added benefit of saying Sally sells seashells by the seashore is that tongue twisters for kids help improve fluency when speaking. Tongue twisters also expand vocabulary. Both of these perks translate into enhancing reading skills.
Learning English
Teachers often use tongue twisters in class with kids for the reasons previously mentioned. Tongue twisters are also a wonderful tool for kids and adults learning English.
Popular tongue twisters for kids
The key to saying tongue twisters is to try to say them three times fast. That's usually where tongue twisters trip up people, though some of us have difficulty saying them slowly. Here are a few popular tongue twisters to use in the car with kids, at a party, or just because.

Which witch is which?
He threw three free throws.
A snake sneaks to sneak a snack.
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?
Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely.
Four fine fresh fish for you.
I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.
Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.
We surely shall see the sun shine soon.

Read more
Bring imagination back into your kid’s playroom with these ingenious DIY ideas
These DIY kid's playroom ideas are super easy to achieve and great for boosting imagination
Montessori shelf playroom

The kid’s playroom should be a space not just for fun and letting off some of a child’s youthful energy, but also an educational hub that encourages imagination. As you curate a space for your child to play and grow, you’ll want to include unique activities to help them express themselves. So, we’re giving you some incredible DIY playroom ideas that not only make the space look nice but add more room for imaginative play and learning.

Add a chalkboard wall
A chalkboard wall is a classic playroom addition, functioning as both a teaching opportunity and an art station. Not to mention; it also curbs that desire to draw on the walls!

Read more
Family fun: Your kids will love these springtime activities
Get ready to rock spring with these family fun activities
Family out for a bike ride in the woods

Spring is in full swing, but just because the school breaks are over doesn't mean the family fun has to stop. Weekends in April and May are earmarked for family fun activities. Sure, Mother Nature does tend to rain on the parade sometimes, especially in April. Don't worry. That's why there's not a shortage of cool indoor and outdoor activities to get the family together and enjoy one another this season, regardless of the weather.
Family fun indoor activities
When those April showers hit, don't waste a weekend on the couch. There are always indoor family fun activities that are a great way to spend quality time together. Looking for spring places to enjoy? Try these.
Public library
Libraries aren't extinct and chances are your local library has a lot going on, especially during spring. A rainy day is a perfect pick to head to the library and see what programs are available. From crafts to family yoga and STEAM activities, public libraries are full of fun things to do for all. Even better is the price. The programs are free for library card holders. Don't have a library card? Sign up for one now.
Museums
A rainy spring day is an ideal time to check out one of the local museums in your area. Usually, you don't have to travel far to a historic or art museum. Nearby college campuses are also great places to find museums to explore.
Theater
A Broadway ticket can put a dent in the family budget, but local theaters don't have quite as high ticket prices. If you are looking for something different this spring, try checking out a local family-friendly theater production.

Family fun outdoor activities
When those spring temperatures start heating up and flowers begin to bloom, everyone gets an itch to be outside. Here are some family fun activities to enjoy outdoors this spring.
Bike paths
Bike riding around the neighborhood is always a blast, but spring is a wonderful time to explore an area bike path. Spring temperatures are just right for the kiddos to pedal a longer distance. Look for family-friendly bike paths or trails that aren't too long or hilly if you have younger riders. For tweens and teens, get them out there peddling in nature -- the longer the better. Tweens and teens will be proud of completing a path and will have great pictures to post. Just remember the snacks and plenty of water.
Tulip farm
Tulips are one of those wonders of spring that just make you smile. If you've never visited a tulip farm, make it a point to do it this spring before the petals fade away. Tulip farms are a stunning place to spend a sunny spring Saturday or Sunday. Some even allow visitors to cut their own, which the kiddos will love.
Hit the beach
If you live near the ocean or a lake, you know how crowded these destinations get in the summer. A warm spring day can be a lot of fun on the beach. Pack a lunch and sand toys, and don't forget the sunblock. April and May can be some of the best beach days for making sandcastles and playing with your dog without people getting in the way.
Hiking
Just like bike paths, spring is one of the best times of the year to do hikes. Flowers and trees are starting to bloom again, which makes for beautiful scenery during a family hike. Kids will enjoy a hike more without the higher temperatures and the insects that summer unusually brings.
April showers, May flowers
Spring is a wonderful time of year to plan some family fun activities. Just because breaks are over, and the kiddos are back in school, doesn't mean springtime fun has to stop. There are plenty of fun family indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy this spring, from tiptoeing through the tulips and getting a head start on those sandcastle designs to exploring new museums.

Read more