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Special Learning House

Autism resources for exceptional families. Increase communication, learning and fun at home.

June 9, 2021

10 Sensory Toys Every Autistic Child Needs at Home

These are the best sensory toys for kids with autism you need to take your home or classroom program to the next level. Use these sensory toys to build communication, fine motor and gross motor skills and more.

The Best Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism PIN

The best sensory toys for kids with autism

(We have included affiliate links for your convenience. You can read our disclosures here.)

Sensory Dough

Sensory dough is one of my favorite sensory tools for teaching kids with autism! At home or in the classroom, the textures and colors of this fun sensory dough motivates autistic kids to explore and discover.

Many stacked jars of colourful play dough
Buy this sensory dough on Etsy

Rainbow Sensory Ribbons

These rainbow sensory ribbons are so much fun! Use them during a sensory break or as a reinforcer during table activities.

rainbow ribbon on a wooden ring
Buy this rainbow sensory ribbon on Etsy

Sensory & Tactile Cushions

I love using sensory & tactile cushions in my programs at my learning center. They are small and easy to take with you to help when you are waiting at the doctor’s office or online at the grocery store.

box with multi coloured cushions
Buy these sensory & tactile cushions on Etsy

Unicorn I Spy Bag

Everyone seems to be crazy about unicorns at the moment! I Spy Bags are such a fabulous sensory toy for playing a sensory game, calming your child down, building new vocabulary and receptive language skills and more.

Dark blue and rainbow fabric pouch filled with small balls and a clear little window

Buy this unicorn I Spy bag on Etsy

Light Table

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how much I love light table play. The possibilities for learning on the light table are endless. This is one of my favorite sensory tools!

Related : 3 Fun Light Table Projects for Kids

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism - Light Table
Buy this sensory table on Etsy

Montessori Gripping Cube

These sweet little Montessori gripping cubes are such a great sensory tool for building fine motor and hand strength. They are also easy to keep in your purse in case your child needs a quick sensory break outside. I use them to build hand strength and fine motor skills in addition to using them during table sessions as a sensory reinforcer. This Etsy seller sells lots of beautiful varieties if you’re interested in building a collection of Montessori gripping cubes.

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism Montessori gripping ball
Buy this Montessori gripping ball on Etsy

Montessori Lock Box

This Montessori lock box is fabulous for building a variety of skills, including fine motor, daily living/autonomy and communication skills.

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism - Montessori Lock Box
Buy this Montessori lock box on Etsy

Hedgehog Busy Board

Isn’t this hedgehog busy board the cutest? These sturdy boards are so well made and provide hours of learning fun. In addition to being a fun sensory tool, they help build fine motor skills.

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism Hedgehog Busy Board
Buy this hedgehog busy board on Etsy

Forest Animals Crinkle Toy/Fidget

These sensory crinkle/fidget toys are such a valuable tool for kids with autism! These are perfect for a short sensory break or as a fidget tool when waiting (think on the bus, in the car … ).

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism Crinkle Toy Fidget
Buy this forest animals crinkle toy/fidget on Etsy

Zoo Animal Quiet Book Pages

I love quiet books and use them all the time in my programs! Children tend to love them and you can use them to teach so many different skills. You can order them already made or make them yourself using quiet book patterns.

Leaf, lion, tiger and moneys made in felt in a quiet book

Related : 12 Autism Friendly Quiet Book Patterns

Buy these quiet pages on Etsy

Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism

Have you used these sensory toys in the past? Do you have anything else you would add to this list?

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More Autism Learning Resources

  • The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
  • Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
  • Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
  • How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
  • Autism Adapted Books Bundle – a collection of 10 adapted books that will help you build communication skills while teaching more than 120 vocabulary words.
  • Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!

The Best Sensory Toys for Autism

If you have this collection of toys and learning materials in your home or autism classroom, you are on your way to success!

Which one of these sensory toys is your favorite?

Pin for later!

The Best Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism PIN 2

Pin for later!

best sensory toys for autism
best sensory toys for autism

First published February 19, 2019. Last updated June 9, 2021 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.

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Filed Under: Autism 101, Home programs, Sensory activities Tagged With: sensory toys

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Alix Strickland Frénoy from Special Learning House.

Hi friend! I'm Alix, the girl behind this blog and founder and director of the Le Chemin ABA Learning House for children with autism and other special needs in Paris, France. I create educational activities and spaces to help children with special needs learn and thrive!

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©2016-2019 Alix Strickland Frénoy. This site contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. For questions about content, photography, adapted programs or sponsor work, please contact hello@speciallearninghouse.com.
 

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