What Toys do I Buy for my Child with Autism?
Choosing Toys That Support Meaningful Play
As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), it can sometimes be difficult to tell a parent that a particular toy may not be helping their child develop new play skills. I never want a family to feel judged, especially when a toy was chosen with love or given by a grandparent or another special person.
Instead of labeling a toy as “good” or “bad,” I try to help parents think about how their child uses it. Does the toy encourage exploration, imagination, communication, problem-solving, movement, or interaction with others? Most importantly, does the child enjoy it?
Many children with autism experience and explore the world through their senses. During free play, a child may repeatedly press a button to hear a sound, replay part of a song, look closely at lights, mouth an object, roll a toy across the face or hands, line up toys, or stand close to the television. These behaviors may provide sensory input, comfort, predictability, or enjoyment.
Sensory play is not automatically inappropriate or meaningless. However, if a child plays in only one repetitive way and rarely explores other activities, adults can gently expand the play without immediately taking the preferred toy away.
For example, if a child enjoys lining up cars, an adult might join the child and then model driving one car down a ramp. If a child repeatedly presses a musical button, the adult might take turns pressing it, sing along, or pause to encourage the child to request “more.” The goal is to build from what the child already enjoys.
Why I Often Recommend Simple, Open-Ended Toys
Over the years, I have developed a preference for simple, traditional toys, especially toys made from wood or other durable materials. These toys often allow children to use them in many different ways instead of producing only one automatic response.
A child must actively move the pieces, solve a problem, create a pretend scenario, or involve another person. This can encourage creativity, flexible thinking, motor development, communication, and shared play.
Of course, any toy can be used repetitively, and battery-operated toys are not automatically harmful. Light-up and musical toys may be highly motivating and can support learning when used thoughtfully. The key is to offer a balanced variety of toys and help the child develop additional ways to play.
Toys That Can Encourage Skill Development
Some helpful options include:
Sturdy board books
Blocks and building sets
Wooden puzzles
Stacking and nesting toys
Shape sorters
Toys with doors, locks, latches, or containers
Cars, trucks, trains, and buses
Wooden train tracks
Foam letters and shapes for bath time
Larger figurines or animal sets
Pretend food, dishes, and cooking materials
Toy phones
Dollhouses, playhouses, or garages
Dress-up clothing
Play dough and art materials
Balls, tunnels, and climbing equipment
Scooters, tricycles, Big Wheels, and balance bikes
Musical instruments can also encourage meaningful play, including:
Pianos or keyboards
Xylophones
Drums
Maracas
Tambourines
Tablets may also have a place in a child’s play and learning. Parents can choose developmentally appropriate apps, monitor the volume and length of use, and encourage interaction instead of relying exclusively on repetitive videos or sounds.
The Goal Is Balance, not Perfection
Rather than completely avoiding every toy that lights up, makes noise, or requires batteries, try to create a balanced play environment. Include sensory toys the child enjoys, along with open-ended toys that encourage creativity, communication, movement, and interaction.
Watch how your child plays, join them at their level, and gently introduce one new action at a time. A child’s favorite repetitive activity can often become the starting point for teaching turn-taking, requesting, imitation, pretend play, and shared enjoyment.
The goal is not to take away what brings a child comfort or happiness. It is to honor the child’s interests while helping them discover new and meaningful ways to play.
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