Asperger Educational Toys

From Boxes to Bubbles!

Asperger educational toys are available in varying shapes, sizes,
and types. Some of these toys are are designed specifically for children with pervasive developmental disorders, and other "toys" can be found in your own home!

The search for Asperger educational toys might seem like a wild goose chase for many parents. There are some things to keep in mind when shopping for stimulating playthings for children diagnosed within the autism spectrum of disorders.

Children learn through play. Activities that encourage social interaction, recognition of the rules of society, and sensory stimulation are of particular interest to parents and caregivers
who have children diagnosed with a PDD condition.

What's a simple toy to capture the interest of my AS child?

There are plenty of simple ideas that create great opportunities for developing your child's senses and interactions. For example, a simple cardboard box serves many functions.

• The box can be used to teach your child to follow directions and recognize common commands.

• Gross motor skills can be addressed by having your child step in and out of the box.

• Cut out the bottom of the box to create a car. This encourages imaginative play.

How about toys that emphasize "cause-and-effect"?

These toys might pose a little bit more of a challenge, but once you figure out what works, it'll be a breeze to come up with different ideas, such as ...

• Items that have sound buttons or lighting effects are good choices.

• A simple jack-in-the-box offers an opportunity to learn cause-and-effect and anticipating a specific outcome.

• Taking turns is very important in developing a feel for social rules.

• Engaging in activities that encourage the child to reference others, wait for cues, and enjoy interactions is especially powerful.

Rewarding appropriate responses is crucial to encouraging further correct responses in the future!

What type of toys are good for sensory stimulation?

Sensory overload can be overwhelming. Take time to access the child’s specific needs. Many toys like swings, tunnels, ball pits, and slides offer ample opportunity to exercise sensory integration that address needs concerning motion and body awareness.

Smaller toys designed for visual, olfactory, tactile, and auditory stimulation are also excellent sensory stimulators. Many of these items merge different senses together. For example, scented bubbles offer visual, olfactory, and tactile stimulation.

Remember that all "toys" are educational. Even the items that are rated with low educational value are powerful tools for learning. Children learn through play; consequently, any toy that grabs a child’s interest and encourages interaction should be added to the list of Asperger educational toys!

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