In this section, we look at autism spectrum disorder and the different toys that kids who are on the spectrum can use as part of their behavioral therapy. Of key concern are the toys for autistic kids who are nonverbal. These toys are audio and encourage imitating the sounds made by the toys. They also encourage social interaction so that the kid can relate well with others.
Autistic kids are also very sensitive to sounds as well as lights. They will want to use noise cancelling devices such as headphones or even non conspicous earbuds that muffle out the excess noise. These devices can be used in movie theatres, classes, school dinner hall or even in a noisy bus when the kid wants to focus on something but they are unable to do so because of the excessive noise.
Kids with ASD have been found to be really anxious and at most times they do fidget. For example, when the kid is taken to new places, they will often snap their fingers, move their head continuously or move up and down. The worst case scenario would be them having a meltdown.
Well, parents can avoid this by getting the kid some good sensory toys that are going to control the fidgeting. One of the awesome anxiety toys is the sensory board for kids with autism.
Since autistic kids tend to be very active, we have also reviewed some trampolines that would help them with their hyperactivity.
Over the last weekend, my spouse was out shopping for movies and he came across a Netflix series about autism called Atypical. The young man selling at the movie shop knowing how passionate I am about working with autistic kids recommended that my husband gets the series for me. And so, he was sold; he … Read more
Autistic people are at most times anxious about so many things. They will be anxious about light, meeting new people, being expected to interact socially with other even when they do not feel like doing so, noise made by other children as well as the randomness with which people are doing things. If asked, an … Read more
I do not like using the term nonverbal when referring to autistic kids who do not speak. I would rather use the term ‘preverbal’ because I believe that with behavioral, educational and play therapy, the child will eventually speak and have a communicative pattern with their peers, parents and teachers. They could also be displaying … Read more
Autistic people have been found to lack the theory of mind. The theory of mind is the ability of one person to visualize what other people are thinking. It is putting yourself in other people’s shoes so that you empathize with them. Children with autism spectrum disorder have been found to lack this empathy. They … Read more
Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities that affect 2 to 5 children out of every 10,000 kids. Autism is a disorder that was first described in 1943 by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner. The terms ‘Autism’, ‘Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)’, and ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)’ have been used interchangeably within literature and by … Read more