Fidget Toys for Children with Autism
Fidget toys have a unique value for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The great impact these toys have on their lives cannot be underestimated. Kids with autism are dealing everyday with the sensory stimulation which can be overwhelming. That’s why fidget toys are not just toys, they are tools that promote concentration, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. They are a proof of understanding and catering to individual sensory needs. They’re a source of fun, as well as a vital tool for piloting own sensory world, increasing learning capabilities, and supporting emotional well-being.
Fidget toys are tactile objects designed to engage a child's senses through various interactions, textures and movements. Fidget toys come in different forms, such as squishy balls, twistable gadgets, objects to squeeze, stretch, or continuously manipulate in the hands. Their main goal is to provide an exit for excess energy, reduce anxiety, and help to improve focus and concentration.
According to science the benefits of fidget toys for children with autism are based on sensory integration theory. It suggests that some activities and objects help organize the brain's sensory input, producing a calmer, more focused state of mind. Children with autism shows sensory processing challenges, where they find stimuli from textures, sounds, or lights either under-stimulating or overwhelmingly strong. Fidget toys help to self-regulate their sensory experience in a controlled manner.
Some common types of fidget toys include:
Spinners: small spinning tops that can be rotated in one direction or the other.
Simple Dimples: small, handheld devices with buttons that can be popped back and forth.
Pop its: small, colored silicone tray with the bubbles that can be poked.
Squishies: soft, pliable toys that can be squeezed and molded, providing tactile feedback.
Chew Necklaces: soft beads or objects that provides oral sensory input, and can be safely chewed on.
Marble Toys: tubes containing a marble that can be slid back and forth.
Tangles: Twistable toys that can be manipulated into various shapes and provide a quiet, hands-on activity.
Benefits of sensory toys for children with autism are important. Fidget toys provide a distraction and serve a therapeutic purpose, helping to manage stress, improve fine motor skills, and increase focus and attention. Manipulating an object is a natural response to stress or boredom. It helps to calm the nervous system, making it easier to regulate emotions and remain attentive. Additionally, fidgets facilitate better learning environments, letting children with ASD to better participate in classroom routines by channeling their need to fidget in a productive way. This produces a better-quality academic performance and social interactions, as children feel more relaxed and ready to engage.
Fidget toys support learning and emotional regulation because they serve to engage kids in a calming, focused activity, thus they significantly improve their ability to concentrate and learn. By providing a physical exit for overflowing energy, fidgets allow children to better process information and participate in classroom activities or homework.
They also play a crucial role in emotional regulation. The repetitive motion of manipulating a fidget delivers a sense of security and predictability, which can be incredibly helpful and soothing during times of stress or sensory overload. These reduce anxiety and prevent meltdowns, facilitating children to navigate their emotions more effectively.
Choose the right fidget toy based on the individual preferences and sensory needs. You should observe what types of textures, movements, and interactions with sensory toys the child appreciates. Some prefers soft and more squishy toys and textures, while others find satisfaction in the clickety-clack of a push-and-pop toy. Testing different types of fidget toys will help find the most beneficial ones.
Avoid a fidget toy with small, detachable parts that can pose a choking danger. Safety should always be the concern with fidget tools. Some steer clear of toys made from materials causes allergic reactions or are toxic if mouthed. Choose fidget toys that are made from non-toxic, durable materials.
The distraction can become a problem if the toy doesn’t match to the child's sensory needs or if it’s disturbing and becomes a central point than a background activity. The goal is to aid concentration, and not losing it. Providing sensory items that can be quietly manipulated and doesn't excessively draw the child's or others' attention away from the task is crucial.
Fidget toys should be accompanied by other effectives problem solving strategies. They should be part of a larger plan for managing sensory processing issues or anxiety. Having a variety of coping strategies guarantees that a child is flexible and resilient, able to adapt to different situations without becoming overly dependent on a single fidget toy.