5 Autism Chew Toys - For Kids & Adults on the Spectrum

Looking for the best autism chew toys to use at home or in your classroom? Children and adults with autism tend to exhibit chewing behaviors. Many individuals with special needs chew on clothing, toys, books, furniture, backpacks and more. Keep reading to learn why individuals with autism chew, what you can do about it and how you can help your child get the sensory input they need in an appropriate way with autism chew toys. If your child is a sensory seeker, make sure you have the sensory toys you need at home.

chewable necklaces & bracelets for kids with autism

Why Children with Autism Chew (Autism and Chewing)

When a child with special needs feels overly stimulated by an activity or their environment, chewing can increase.
Chewing can be a way to explore the environment.
Chewing can be a way for children with autism to seek attention or communicate.
A child that is feeling anxious may start chewing or chew more aggressively.
Chewing may be caused by a condition called Pica.
Individuals with dental issues, such as cavities, teeth that are just coming in or other oral discomfort, may chew excessively.

The Benefits of Autism Chew Toys

Why use autism chew toys? Autism chewies and other oral sensory toys for chewing can help reduce the need to chew and also provide the oral sensory input necessary for some individuals with special needs.

Often children with autism who are compulsively chewing also have difficulty developing their communication skills.

How to Use Autism Chew Toys

Pair a sensory chew toy with positive reinforcement. In other words, make it fun! While your child is chewing on a chew toy, add another fun activity such as listening to a favorite song or holding a preferred toy.
Each time your child goes to chew on a piece of clothing or on their toys, hand him or her a chew toy to replace the chewing behavior and make it appropriate immediately.
Create special times during the day that are for chewing. Take a photo of the autism chew toy of your choice, print it out, laminate it and add it to your child’s visual schedule.

The Best Chew Toys and Where to Find Them

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These are my favorite autism chew toys. I have used them in my autism programs at my center and in children’s homes. I have coached families to use these sensory toys at home. If you need help using these at home, book a coaching session.

Chewable Lego Pendant

Does your child love legos? A lot of the children I work with absolutely love legos, which means that using anything lego related in our sessions can lead to increased interest and motivation. If this is the case with your child, then this chewable lego pendant is the autism chew toy for you!

The pendant below has sold, but this one is similar!

chewable lego pendant - autism chew toy, blue, green & red

Bat Chew Toy Necklace

How cool is this bat chew necklace for kids with autism? This has to be one of my favorite autism chew toys because it is just so cute!

Superman Chew Necklace

All of our kids are superheroes which makes this Superman chew necklace the perfect gift for the child with autism in your life.

Extra Thick Chew Bracelet

If you think your child would prefer a chew bracelet (rather than a necklace), then I highly recommend this extra thick chew bracelet for kids with autism. It is practical, discrete and chew resistant.

chew bracelets in many different colors for kids with autism

Fabric Chew Necklace

A fabric chew necklace is a great idea if your child likes to chew on clothing or other fabrics. Each time your child goes to chew on a fabric, direct him or her to chew on this instead.

Sensory Chew Toys for Adults

Adults with special needs may benefit from using sensory chew toys as well. However, adults have stronger jaws and teeth than young children, so you will want to buy oral sensory toys that are specifically made for adults.

Braided Chew Necklace for Adults

This braided chew necklace is perfect for adults. It is fashionable and durable making it the perfect tool to help autistic adults who are having trouble getting their chewing behavior under control and need that extra sensory input that chewing provides.

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.
Autism Adapted Books Bundle – build communication skills with my collection of printable adapted books for autistic learners.
Autism Social Stories Bundle – a collection of printable social stories to help your little learners work on their social skills.
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.
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!