Free Sensory Toys for Autism

Understanding Autism Sensory Needs

Autism is a complex condition that involves a spectrum of different challenges and strengths. One significant aspect of autism is the sensory sensitivities that many individuals experience. Understanding these sensory needs and the role of sensory toys can help provide better support and tools for those with autism.

Sensory Sensitivities in Autism

Autism is frequently accompanied by sensory issues. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivities to the list of symptoms that help diagnose autism in 2013. These sensitivities might be hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) or hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) and can affect how individuals with autism process and react to different stimuli.

For example, a child with autism might be overly sensitive to light, sound, touch, taste, or smell, and may find everyday environments overwhelming. Conversely, they might be less sensitive to these stimuli, seeking out intense sensory experiences or not noticing certain sensations that others might find uncomfortable or painful.

Strategies, tools, and toys, including autism-specific sensory toys, can be used to help children with sensory sensitivities navigate and engage more comfortably with the world around them.

Importance of Sensory Toys

Sensory toys play a crucial role in supporting children with autism. These toys are designed to stimulate a child’s five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. They help children develop their senses in a safe and natural environment using play.

Sensory toys in the form of free sensory toys for autism help children with autism relax, focus, and calm down, thus aiding them in engaging in natural play. With their unique design, sensory toys are more appealing to children on the autism spectrum because they help provide the sensory experience they desire.

Not only do these toys provide a sensory experience, but they also support the development of social learning skills such as negotiating, planning, and sharing. They're designed to be accessible for children on the spectrum, enabling them to engage in play with family, friends, or peers.

Toys like those in the Sensory Crate benefiting Autism Speaks, which are filled with engaging toys featuring popular characters, appeal to a variety of children and help with sensory needs.

Understanding the sensory needs of individuals with autism and the importance of sensory toys is a crucial step towards providing more effective support and interventions. By incorporating these tools into daily routines and learning environments, we can help children with autism navigate the world more comfortably, engage more fully with their surroundings, and develop vital skills.

Types of Free Sensory Toys

Choosing the right sensory toy can play a significant role in helping children with autism interact with the world around them. Here are some types of free sensory toys for autism that can be beneficial:

Sensory Reflective Balls

Sensory reflective balls can help children with autism develop their visual sense. Studies have shown that children with ADHD and autism may have difficulties processing visual sensory information, making these toys especially beneficial [1]. They are visually appealing and can help improve focus, coordination, and fine motor skills.

Cause and Effect Toys

Cause and effect toys are beneficial for children on the autism spectrum, as they teach them about influencing their environment and provide immediate positive feedback. These toys are engaging and can facilitate social interactions with nonverbal individuals through shared experiences and turn-taking activities [3]. Examples include toys that light up or make sounds when a button is pushed or a lever is pulled.

Fidget Toys and Stress Balls

Fidget toys and stress balls are portable self-regulation tools that help manage stress and anxiety for individuals with autism. Durable and quiet fidgets are recommended for various settings like classrooms, cars, or restaurants [3]. Examples of popular fidgets include Geo Flip, Tangle, Twist E Beads, and Bao Bun Fidget.

Movement Gifts

Movement gifts play a crucial role in releasing energy and supporting self-regulation in individuals with autism. These gifts, such as weighted blankets or resistance bands, help manage overstimulation and stress by providing opportunities for movement [3]. They are particularly valuable during winter or while traveling to maintain optimal energy levels.

Sensory toys are specially designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, making them more appealing to children on the autism spectrum as they can help the child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they desire [2]. Understanding a child's sensory needs and preferences is crucial in selecting the most suitable sensory toys for them.

Financial Support for Autism

Managing autism can be a financial challenge for many families. Fortunately, there are several financial support options available that can help cover the cost of therapies, medical treatments, and sensory toys for autism. These include ABLE Accounts, Medicaid Waivers, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and programs offered by Community Action Agencies.

ABLE Accounts

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 authorized the establishment of ABLE accounts. These are private, tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help families save for long-term expenses without affecting eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Contributions accumulate tax-deferred, and any earnings are tax-free at the federal level if used for qualified expenses, such as sensory toys for autism.

Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid Waivers, specifically 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services, are available in most states for individuals with developmental disabilities. These waivers provide support services and care to allow individuals to stay at home or in the community instead of in an institution. The benefits covered may include medical treatments, respite care, transportation, in-home support, and more, potentially easing the financial burden of acquiring sensory toys for individuals with autism.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program offers a monthly government payment through Social Security to support people aged 65 and older, blind individuals, or those with disabilities. Individuals with autism may be eligible for SSI to help support their financial needs, including the purchase of sensory toys.

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies are non-profit organizations funded by state and federal sources. They provide various forms of assistance programs for low-income residents, including rental assistance, energy assistance, food programs, case management, education, and emergency assistance. These agencies can be a valuable resource for families seeking financial assistance for autism-related expenses, including sensory toys [4].

Understanding the financial resources available can significantly ease the financial strain of managing autism. By taking advantage of these resources, families can focus more on providing the necessary care and support for their loved ones with autism.

Autism Support Resources

Finding the right resources can be crucial for families navigating the world of autism, especially when seeking financial support and appropriate sensory toys for children. Here, we look at three valuable resources that can assist: Autism Speaks Special Needs Financial Planning, Autism Speaks Sensory Toy Recommendations, and the AutismWish Monthly Gifting Program.

Autism Speaks Special Needs Financial Planning

Autism Speaks provides a free Special Needs Financial Planning Tool Kit to assist families in mapping out the financial future for their children with autism, thereby easing financial fears. This kit includes information from experts in the field and personal stories from other parents or caregivers.

The kit covers topics such as the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, which authorized ABLE accounts, private tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help families save for long-term expenses without affecting eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Another topic includes Medicaid Waivers (1915(c) Home and Community Based Services), available in most states for individuals with developmental disabilities, which provide support services and care, allowing individuals to stay at home or in their community rather than in an institution.

The kit also provides information on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, a government payment system through Social Security that supports people aged 65 and older, blind individuals, or those with disabilities. Individuals with autism may be eligible for SSI to help them financially.

Autism Speaks Sensory Toy Recommendations

When it comes to selecting the best sensory toys for children with autism, expert advice can be invaluable. Autism Speaks offers recommendations for sensory toys that can address the unique needs of children with autism. These toys can be particularly useful in facilitating sensory integration, promoting motor skills, and providing a calming influence.

Whether it's tactile toys, visual toys, or auditory toys, Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive list of options. This guidance can alleviate the process of finding suitable free sensory toys for children with autism.

AutismWish Monthly Gifting Program

AutismWish offers a monthly gifting program that supports families by providing sensory toys and other resources for children with autism. This program acknowledges the importance of sensory toys in a child's development and aims to make them more accessible to families.

Through this initiative, families can receive regular shipments of sensory toys that are carefully selected to meet the unique needs of children with autism. This program not only provides free sensory toys for children with autism but also fosters a sense of community by connecting families with similar experiences.

These resources can provide valuable support to families of children with autism, offering financial planning tools, sensory toy recommendations, and even regular shipments of sensory toys. By leveraging these resources, families can help ensure their children with autism have the tools they need to thrive.

DIY Sensory Toy Ideas

Creating Do-It-Yourself (DIY) sensory toys can be a fun and cost-effective way of providing sensory stimulation for children with autism. With a little creativity and understanding of their sensory needs, you can craft toys that offer engagement and comfort.

Sensory Toy Making Tips

When creating DIY sensory toys, it's important to keep in mind the needs and preferences of the child. Toys that enable the child to engage in play with their family, friends, or peers and are designed in a way that is accessible to them are particularly beneficial [2].

It's essential to ensure that the toys do not lead to overstimulation and have controls to adjust sensory inputs. Consider using materials that are safe and non-toxic, and always supervise play to ensure safety. Look for inspiration and ideas from resources like Autism Speaks, which include ideas on how to DIY your own sensory toys [2].

Sensory Toys for Calming and Relaxation

Sensory toys and products are enjoyed by many individuals with autism as they aid in self-regulation, provide pleasant activities, and serve as distractions while traveling. Examples include swings, weighted blankets, tactile toys, and items that light up or play music.

DIY sensory toys for calming and relaxation can include:

• Weighted Blankets: Often used for calming, these can be made by filling sections of a blanket with safe, non-toxic weights such as rice or plastic pellets.
• Tactile Toys: Items with a variety of textures can provide tactile stimulation. Consider creating a sensory board with different materials like sandpaper, fabric, and bubble wrap.
• Light-Up Toys: Toys that emit soft light can have a calming effect. Try creating a homemade lava lamp with a clear container, water, oil, food coloring, and alka-seltzer tablets.

Sensory Toy Benefits for Autism

Sensory toys are specially designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, making them more appealing to children on the autism spectrum as they can help the child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they desire.

By crafting your own sensory toys, you can tailor the experience to the child's individual sensory needs. Whether it's a toy that provides tactile stimulation, visual interest, or auditory engagement, these DIY creations can play a significant role in supporting the sensory needs of children with autism.

Supporting AutismWish

AutismWish is a commendable initiative that has been instrumental in providing free sensory toys for autism and supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For those interested in supporting the cause, there are several ways to contribute, including sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, and donations.

Sponsorship Opportunities

AutismWish offers several sponsorship opportunities for those who wish to have a direct impact on the lives of autistic children. According to AutismWish, sponsors can choose from different tiered packages such as:

These packages allow sponsors to directly support multiple children and provide them with the sensory toys they need. AutismWish also welcomes customized sponsorship packages for those who wish to contribute in a different way.

Volunteering for AutismWish

AutismWish, being a small volunteer initiative, is always on the lookout for individuals eager to lend their skills and time. They are in need of volunteers to help run their social media accounts, edit podcast episodes, seek sponsors, and spread their mission to a wider audience. Those who are interested in volunteering can reach out to AutismWish through their website or by emailing info@autismwish.org.

Donation Information

For those who wish to contribute financially, making a donation is an excellent way to support AutismWish. Every penny counts when it comes to supporting children with ASD and providing them with the sensory toys they need. Donors can rest assured that 100% of their proceeds go towards granting wishes to autistic children and providing resources for their parents. To make a donation, interested individuals can visit the AutismWish website or get in touch through email.

By supporting AutismWish, you're making a significant difference in the lives of children with autism. Whether you choose to sponsor, volunteer, or donate, your contribution will go a long way in providing these children with the resources they need to thrive.

References

[1]: https://carmenbpingree.com/blog/best-sensory-toys-for-children-with-autism/

‍[2]: https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/what-sensory-toys

‍[3]: https://nationalautismresources.com/toys-for-autistic-children-and-teens/

‍[4]: https://www.autismspeaks.org/financial-autism-support