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19 OF THE BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
Medically reviewed by Akilah Reynolds, PhD — By Ashley Marcin and Kristen
Fischer — Updated on July 31, 2023
On this page
* How we chose
* Our picks
* Comparing toys
* Sensory play
* What to look for
* FAQs
* Takeaway
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links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
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Was this helpful?
We rounded up the best toys for autistic kids that prioritize engagement,
sensory input, skill-building, and fun. Read on to find your little one’s new
favorite way to play.
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A QUICK LOOK AT THE BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
* Best for kids who are nonverbal | Skip to reviews
* Melissa & Doug See and Spell Learning Toy
* Lucas the Lion Loves the Tiny Talker
* Best sensory toys | Skip to reviews
* Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper
* Harkla Compression Sensory Swing
* Neliblu Wacky Tracks Snap and Click Fidget Toys
* Creature Commforts Weighted Sensory Turtle Lap Pad
* Best games | Skip to reviews
* Didax Social Skills Board Games
* BMAG Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
* Best musical toys | Skip to reviews
* Edushape Rainbomaker
* Rhythm Tech Cabasa
* Aywewii LED Tambourine
* Best for preschoolers | Skip to reviews
* Fat Brain Toys Squigz
* Educational Insights Teachable Touchables Texture Squares
* LinzyToys 16″ Educational Plush Bear
* ECR4Kids 4-Station Sand and Water Adjustable Activity Play Table
* Best cause and effect toys | Skip to reviews
* Fat Brain Klickity
* Polkrane Busy Board
* Fat Brain Toys Dimpyl
* Battat Numbers & Colors Gum Ball Machine
For autistic children, play provides important sensory input, which simply means
engagement with the five senses. (Don’t forget balance and body awareness too!)
Play also gives autistic children an opportunity to connect with peers (social
skills), practice motor skills, and develop a better understanding of the world
around them.
HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
If you simply look up “toys for autistic children,” you’ll likely find an
overwhelmingly long list. We’ve categorized some of the most popular toys and
included ratings based on their usefulness, quality, and — of course — fun
factor.
The following toys earn high marks from both caregivers and therapists. Some are
even designed specifically or have been designated by the manufacturer as a good
pick for autistic children.
PRICING GUIDE
* $ = under $25
* $$ = $25–$50
* $$$ = over $50
HEALTHLINE PARENTHOOD’S LIST OF THE BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS WHO ARE NONVERBAL
MELISSA & DOUG SEE AND SPELL LEARNING TOY
4.8 (14.7k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 4–6 years
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This puzzle set includes eight different three- to four-letter words (pig, bus,
bird, fish, sun, cake, etc.) and 50 letter pieces. Kids work on vocabulary
building, spelling, and fine motor skills all at once.
Parents say this is a wonderful way to get kids interested in short words. One
mom shares that her son is “on the spectrum and nonverbal at the moment… every
day [he] does one word [and] pronounces the letters.”
Melissa & Doug is a brand with no shortage of learning toys. They also make a
line of sound puzzles that feature farm animals, zoo animals, vehicles, musical
instruments, and more.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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LUCAS THE LION LOVES THE TINY TALKER
4.5 (182+) from Amazon
* Age range: 8–12 years
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This board book has an integrated “tiny talker device” that’s similar to an
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. While that may not seem
very toy-like, the story follows a lion named Lucas who cannot talk. As the
story goes on, Lucas’ mother gives him a Tiny Talker, and he can then find the
words he needs.
Children can see the symbols in the story and match them with the corresponding
sound buttons. One parent shares that this book helped her son communicate with
her for the first time ever. She says, “The smile on his face makes it so worth
it.”
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
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BEST SENSORY TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
FAT BRAIN TOYS TEETER POPPER
4.5 (1.2k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3–10 years
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
One parent says this toy is a “must try” for autistic kids. Her 4-year-old
child, who previously would lie on the floor to play, loves the suction cup
noises and rocking motion the Teeter Popper provides. She loves that he’s
working his muscles and is stimulated while he plays.
One thing to note: Some parents mention that this toy might be better suited for
preschoolers and older children instead of toddlers. They say it requires a good
amount of stability and balance.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
HARKLA COMPRESSION SENSORY SWING
4.8 (737+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $$$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
With a weight limit of 200 pounds, this swing is sturdy enough for kids of all
ages. It produces a hug-like calming effect through compression of the cocooned
sides — almost like swaddling. When this is combined with the swinging motion,
the Harkla provides vestibular sensory input whenever your child needs it.
Parents say the bracketing hanging system is high quality and secure. You just
screw it into the ceiling joist and attach the included carabiner to it, then
hang the swing. It also comes with an extender so it works on ceilings of
different heights.
One reviewer says that just a week after installing this swing, her son
experienced fewer meltdowns.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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NELIBLU WACKY TRACKS SNAP AND CLICK FIDGET TOYS
4.6 (2.6k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
You’ve likely heard of a fidget spinner. The idea with these snap-and-click
chains is similar. They’re a tactile fidget toy that may help reduce stress or
anxiety, and increase your child’s focus and attention.
Each link of 24 in a chain moves and locks into five different positions,
producing a satisfying clicking noise. There are four in a pack.
Reviewers say these are a hit with their autistic kids and that many of their
little ones like breaking the chains, connecting them, and forming them into
bigger shapes.
This toy is best for older kids, though. The links may be stiff and difficult to
move for small hands, and the pieces of the links are quite small, which could
pose a choking hazard for little ones.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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CREATURE COMMFORTS WEIGHTED SENSORY TURTLE LAP PAD
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AUTISM COMMUNITY STORE
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Weight is known to help some autistic people, because it can provide a calming
effect as well as sensory and tactile input. This is especially true for kids.
So a toy-like weighted lap pad you can use anywhere can be a helpful tool for
parents, caregivers, and kids.
This turtle-shaped weighted lap pad is handmade and filled with millet, or
birdseed. That provides about 2 pounds of weight for the entire unit.
The pad has different materials on the exterior for tactile and sensory input.
Available in assorted colors, it’s geared toward children over the age of 3,
especially school-age kids. It’s easy to take it to school, home, or anywhere
you go.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: full refund within 30 days
* Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
* Returns: full refund within 30 days
* Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
BEST GAMES FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
DIDAX SOCIAL SKILLS BOARD GAMES
4.5 (536+) from Amazon
* Age range: 7–11 years
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This set of six games by Didax aims to educate little ones on six social
subjects: other people’s feelings, acting out, manners, understanding emotions,
making good choices, and what makes a good friend.
Play is encouraged in small groups where elementary-age kids work together to
learn social skills.
While these topics are important to all children, one reviewer says that she
bought them for her 7-year-old and that they’re “especially good for children on
the autism spectrum.”
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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BMAG COUNTING BEARS WITH MATCHING SORTING CUPS
4.8 (4.3k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This colorful game includes 90 bears — 60 little and 30 big — six sorting cups,
two large tweezers, and 11 cards for play. Kids can play this game alone or work
together for more teamwork and social interaction.
Sorting the bears by color helps with fine motor skills and may be soothing to
some children. It can also be used to introduce mathematical concepts.
One reviewer shares that her autistic daughter loves this game and that it
captures her attention quite well. It has even become a part of her regular
therapy sessions.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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BEST MUSICAL TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
EDUSHAPE RAINBOMAKER
4.7 (789+) from Amazon
* Age range: 1–8 years
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This 16-inch musical rainmaker stick is designed for kids ages 1 year and up.
The plastic beads gather in one end and — when turned over — cascade down the
plastic tubing to create the sound of rain.
It’s a soothing sound, and several reviewers note they bought this toy
specifically for their autistic children. One parent shares that her son “can
literally play with it ALL day. It’s pretty hard looking for toys for him due to
his sensory issues. However, this toy caught his absolute attention once taken
out of the box!”
It can be used well past the recommended age-of-use range, as older children and
older adults may find it engaging.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
RHYTHM TECH CABASA
4.6 (359+) from Amazon
* Age range: all ages
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This pick isn’t a toy — it’s an actual musical instrument called a cabasa that’s
traditionally used in Latin jazz music. Still, its soothing percussive swish is
appealing to adults and kids, musicians and nonmusicians alike.
It also comes with two egg shakers so children can play with different types of
percussion.
There’s no actual suggested age range, but you should make sure your child can
firmly grip and control the instrument so they won’t hurt themselves playing
with it.
It’s a good investment because it can grow with your child (and you can make
music with them when you trade off playing the cabasa or egg shaker).
Reviewers say this instrument is “perfect for family music time” because it’s
both versatile and durable. For autistic kids, it provides tactile stimulation
that music therapy group Wholesome Harmonies says it uses to “access sensory
channels, modify state, and provide sensory stimulation for neuronal growth.”
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
AYWEWII LED TAMBOURINE
4.4 (1.7k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Between the music, the lighting, and the active motion, this handheld two-piece
tambourine can provide a solid musical outlet for children of most ages.
With a touch of a button, the lighted tambourines turn on. There are three
different settings. Each package includes two tambourines that flash different
colors. It does contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard, so it’s
best for children older than 3 years.
These handheld tambourines are also great for playing in the dark, or bringing
along if you plan to be out and about with your child during the evening.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
BEST TOYS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
FAT BRAIN TOYS SQUIGZ
4.8 (9k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
This 36-piece building set is made of silicone pieces that connect via suction
cup. With all the bright colors and bendy shapes, you really can make anything
or just enjoy the popping sounds of the pieces pulling apart.
One reviewer says that she learned about Squigz from her child’s occupational
therapist. They’re great for building hand strength or sticking on different
levels to work on your little one’s squatting or bending. A convenient plus:
They can be washed in your dishwasher.
Keep in mind that for autistic children who may have developmental delays, this
toy could present a choking hazard, depending on their age.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS TEACHABLE TOUCHABLES TEXTURE SQUARES
4.5 (1.2k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3–5 years
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Little kids will love these crinkly, slippery, silky, scratchy, and soft
squares. The textures may help build tactile awareness and even their budding
vocabulary skills. Plus, they’re small so children can handle them easily.
In each set, there are 10 different textures that come in pairs, for a total of
20 squares in all. Reviewers say the textures and included activities are
wonderful for kids with sensory issues. Others say they’re useful for all sorts
of open-ended play throughout the day.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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LINZYTOYS 16" EDUCATIONAL PLUSH BEAR
4.7 (5.7k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Your child can practice dressing this cute bear from head to toe, which will
also build various skills. There are fabrics of a variety of textures along with
snaps, buttons, zippers, Velcro, and more.
Reviewers say their kids enjoy dressing and cuddling it over and over again. One
parent shares that her daughter “is very much into textures and, having autism,
really likes the soft fabric of the doll. It helps her with her motor skills as
well.”
Be cautious when using this toy: If pieces come off the bear, they could pose a
choking hazard.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
* Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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ECR4KIDS 4-STATION SAND AND WATER ADJUSTABLE ACTIVITY PLAY TABLE
4.4 (195+) from Amazon
* Age range: 3 years and older
* Price: $$$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Sensory bins are a useful toy for all kids. If your autistic child does best
with tactile play, these sensory bins are a great idea. The removable basins can
be filled with anything (slime, sensory sand, rice) and easily cleaned.
They come in three different heights, so they can handle your child when they
begin standing, or when they get bigger. Choose from a two- or four-bin option
(we budgeted above for the four-bin table). Depending on your child, you may be
able to introduce it sooner.
A slip-free grip on the bottom helps them stay put, and they link so the bins
can’t come apart. Need a quick cleanup? Lids pop on top so you can keep the
materials inside protected until it’s time for more fun.
PRODUCT DETAILS
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BEST CAUSE AND EFFECT
FAT BRAIN KLICKITY
4.5 (743+) from Amazon
* Age range: 1–2 years
* Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
Children around this age tend to enjoy and benefit from cause-and-effect toys.
These products let children perform an action and see what happens, helping them
understand how things work.
This one by Fat Brain Toys has a simple mechanism that lets you push a ball in,
and each ball has a different color and tactile surface. As a result another
pops out. It comes with four different push-and-pull levers that also help with
motor skill development.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free for Prime members
* Shipping: free for Prime members
* Returns: free for Prime members
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POLKRANE BUSY BOARD
4 (619+) from Amazon
* Age range: 1–4 years
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
A busy board may delight people at any age (at least for a bit), but to a child
it opens up a world of exploration that’s fascinating over and over.
This one has a combination of buttons and switches so kids can feel how
different gadgets work. The lights produce an effect so they can figure out how
to turn the lights on. It also makes bird-like sounds to give audio senses a
little stimulation. It comes in a Montessori-like wooden design.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free returns for Prime members
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FAT BRAIN TOYS DIMPYL
4.8 (22.6k+) from Amazon
* Age range: 10+ months
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
The Dimpyl is a classic cause-and-effect toy that’s also extremely portable
(think long car trips). It’s kind of like a pop-it toy, but it has
different-sized circles in varying colors that your child can press back and
forth.
Be sure to explore the Dimpyl Duo, a two-sided board that has the flexible
circles like the original Dimpyl, but integrates colors and shapes for more of
an educational experience.
PRODUCT DETAILS
* Returns: free for Prime members
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BATTAT NUMBERS & COLORS GUM BALL MACHINE
4.5 (668+) from Amazon
* Age range: 1+ years
* Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
HEALTHLINE'S REVIEW
If you want a cause-and-effect toy that’s a little more complex and challenging
for your kiddo, check out this ball dispenser. It comes with 10 balls that are
numbered.
The child puts them in the bowl, turns the key or presses the lever, and out
they come down a chute and through a flap door.
In addition to seeing the mechanism in action, it can help with counting,
learning colors, and hand-eye coordination.
PRODUCT DETAILS
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COMPARING THE BEST TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
ToyBest forPriceAges (in years)Melissa & Doug See and Spell Learning
Toynonverbal kids$4–6Lucas the Lion Loves the Tiny Talkernonverbal kids$$8–12Fat
Brain Toys Teeter Poppersensory play$$3–10Harkla Compression Sensory
Swingsensory play$$$3+Neliblu Wacky Tracks Snap and Click Fidget Toyssensory
play$3+Creature Commforts Weighted Sensory Turtle Lap Padsensory play$$3+Didax
Social Skills Board Gameseducational games$$7–11BMAG Counting Bears with
Matching Sorting Cupseducational games$3+Edushape Rainbomakermusical
play$1–8Rhythm Tech Cabasamusical play$$allAywewii LED Tambourinemusical
play$3+Fat Brain Toys Squigzautistic preschoolers$$3+Educational Insights
Teachable Touchables Texture Squaresautistic preschoolers$3–5 LinzyToys 16″
Educational Plush Bearautistic preschoolers$3+ECR4Kids 4-Station Sand and Water
Adjustable Activity Play Table Centerautistic preschoolers$$$3+Fat Brain Toys
Klickitycause and effect$$1–2Polkrane Busy Boardcause and effect$1–4Fat Brain
Toys Dimpylcause and effect$10 months+Battat Numbers & Colors Gum Ball
Machinecause and effect$1+
THE IMPORTANCE OF SENSORY PLAY
Autistic children may have difficulties with sensory processing. This means they
may have trouble processing sights, sounds, smells, textures, or anything else
that stimulates the senses.
Play-based interventions may be helpful for sensory processing, as well as
social and communication skills.
Making time for play doesn’t just have to be between parents and their children.
Studies have explored the value of play among children of all abilities
(including exposing children who are on the spectrum and children who are not).
As a result, you may want to explore toys that speak to your child’s
proprioception (sense of their body’s movement and position), vestibular input
(sense of their head’s position and movement), and tactile stimulation (sense of
touch on their skin).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN TOYS FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
When looking for toys for autistic children, it’s important to keep some things
in mind. Toys for autistic children should ideally be more than just fun
(although that’s important!). They should also be engaging for your child and
help them work on certain skills.
Also keep in mind your child’s developmental stage (which may be delayed). Toys
that are usually appropriate for certain age groups may or may not work for a
same-aged autistic child.
WHAT TYPE OF TOYS DO THE TRICK?
* To enhance proprioception (sense of movement): Find toys like jump ropes,
modeling clay, weighted balls, or bean bags, and toys that provide a hugging
sensation, like a large bean bag chair.
* To strengthen the vestibular sense (sense of balance): Try toys that rock,
spin, swing, or involve some other motion, like a trampoline.
* To practice tactile stimulation (sense of touch): Shop for toys with
different textures, as well as finger paints, play scarves, bubbles, and sand
and water toys.
Aside from sensory toys, other good choices involve toys that work on language
development (particularly if your little one is nonverbal) as well as fine and
gross motor skills.
You may also want to search for musical instruments, sorting toys that soothe
your child, or toys designed for “stimming” (self-stimulation, like rocking) or
fidgeting. Games that get kids working together and honing social skills are
another solid option.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT TOYS ARE BEST FOR OLDER AUTISTIC KIDS?
Older autistic children may like toys that let them use their fingers and hands
to fidget. Try to get an idea of your child’s interests, and then explore and
research toys related to that interest.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TYPES OF TOYS FOR NONVERBAL AUTISTIC KIDS?
Nonverbal children may best connect with toys that encourage them to speak or
express themselves. Research shows that pretend play can also be useful.
However, some nonverbal children may become frustrated with toys that encourage
speech and prefer toys that involve other communication modes.
ARE THERE TYPES OF TOYS THAT AUTISTIC KIDS SHOULD NOT PLAY WITH?
Knowing if your child is hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimulation can
guide toy choices. A child who’s highly stimulated may do better with calming
toys. A child who’s hyposensitive may connect more with brightly colored toys
that have light and sound.
TAKEAWAY
In the end, your child is going to enjoy toys that cater to their unique
interests and needs. If your child receives early intervention services, talk
with your therapist to see if there are any toys they suggest adding to your
home collection.
Otherwise, focus on toys that speak to sensory needs, fine and gross motor
skills, as well as language development and social development. Above all else —
have fun!
Last medically reviewed on July 31, 2023
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* Gibson JL, et al. (2021) Play-based interventions to support social and
communication development in autistic children aged 2–8: A scoping review.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23969415211015840
* Gilmore S, et al. (2018) The games they play: Observations of children with
autism spectrum disorder on the school playground.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361318811987
* Piller A, et al. (2019). Sensory strategies to calm and engage children with
autism spectrum disorder.
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR2.24042019.56
* Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
* What is autism spectrum disorder? (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our
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Current Version
Jul 31, 2023
Written By
Ashley Marcin, Kristen Fischer
Edited By
Catherine Conelly
Medically Reviewed By
Akilah Reynolds, PhD
Copy Edited By
Jamie Elmer
May 31, 2023
Written By
Ashley Marcin, Kristen Fischer
Edited By
Chelsea Logan
Medically Reviewed By
Dannell Roberts, PhD, BCBA-D
Copy Edited By
Suan Pineda
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Medically reviewed by Akilah Reynolds, PhD — By Ashley Marcin and Kristen
Fischer — Updated on July 31, 2023
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