Spreading awareness and educating the public about the existence of Autism and its impact on society is an important thing to consider. This can help you better understand how to handle the situation once you encounter individuals on this spectrum.
There is a diverse explanation for Autism and many different levels being studied further by experts. In this article, let’s talk about sensory toys and how they can help kids with autism.
What is Autism?
Autism is a condition that significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. The signs and symptoms appear before the age of three years.
Some of these behaviors seen in the early years of an individual with Autism are deemed to be associated with the said condition:
- Avoids eye contact
- No response to name being called
- Only knows a few gestures
- Does not show interest in something
- No singing or dancing activities done
- Repeats words or phrases
- Lines up toys and objects
- Spins self in circles, flaps hands, and rocks body
- Delayed language and cognitive skills
- Impulsive and inattentive
- Hyperactive
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Stressed
- Lack of fear or more than what is expected
What Are Sensory Toys?
These toys are designed better to stimulate the senses of a child with Autism because they can highly develop it naturally and safely.
The bright colors, sounds, and textures in sensory toys address the five senses, such as:
- Sound
- Touch
- Smell
- Sight
- Taste
Apart from these items, more resources specifically for special needs can be used to help these individuals that experience this condition and are part of the Autism spectrum.
5 Reasons Why Sensory Toys Are Beneficial To Kids With Autism
Apart from establishing that sensory toys help stimulate the senses of children with Autism, other factors in the child’s development benefit from using these items.
Here are five reasons why these items or toys are beneficial for children with Autism:
It Brings Out Fun and Happiness!
Playing brings fun and happiness to all individuals regardless of age.
In the case of children with Autism, it triggers the happy hormones, thus enabling a more cheerful disposition for them.
This leads to them having independence that is needed in playing, achieved through:
- Exploring on their own
- Using their imagination
- Playing excitedly with others or by themselves.
Improved Cognitive Development
In providing sensory toys for stimulation, the child’s senses are activated, which allows the frontal lobe of the brain to be enhanced.
As Autism is known to be a condition that affects the brain, introducing these toys helps them think rationally and boost their problem-solving skills.
Better Motor Skills
The coordination of small muscles results in better motor skills in kids. To achieve this, Playing with their sensory and interactive toys can aid in developing them better as it practices their coordination and actual movement while doing these activities.
Soothing and Relaxation For Stressful Situations
Kids that are part of the spectrum often get anxious, stressed, and upset easily when there are certain situations they don’t feel comfortable in or sudden changes they are not in favor of.
During these melt-downs, the child can turn to their sensory toys to calm themselves as it serves as a much-needed distraction, thus calming them down and keeping them occupied.
Helps Initiate Social Interaction
As discussed, social interaction in children with Autism is a struggle. However, playing with sensory toys in their environment can help initiate and excite them to share their toy with other kids.
It encourages interactive play, such as taking turns and sharing. This helps in developing confidence and decision-making as well.
Conclusion
As individuals or beings of society, it is part of being human and having a good heart to take extra steps in providing the right care for those that need it the most. Accepting them for who they are and not making them feel like an outcast can give them a positive outlook on life.
Providing children with Autism an environment and toys enables them to experience a more nurturing state and safe space to grow and develop. This encourages them to be more confident in exploring what can stimulate their senses and develop their cognitive functions and social interactions as they play.
Reference/s:
https://letoyvan.com/blogs/news/how-sensory-toys-help-development-young-children
https://www.firstdiscoverers.co.uk/sensory-activities-children-autism/
https://zenlaboratory.com/blogs/news/how-sensory-toys-can-benefit-children-with-autism
https://www.keepemquiet.com/blogs/news/how-do-sensory-toys-help-kids-with-autism
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/what-sensory-toy-and-how-do-they-help
