There are many toys on the market today that it can be an overwhelming and time-consuming task you’ve embraced 
to find the BEST autism toys for your precious one.
If you’ve landed on this site, you’re researching (maybe even going down a bit of a rabbit hole) on trying to find what toys your child will enjoy and benefit them.
My hats off to you for doing your due diligence!
My intention throughout this post is to provide you knowledgeable information about the top toys on the market today that are great for those with autism.
So let’s explore some toys your child may enjoy playing with that encourage fine motor skills, are soothing, help with sensory exploration, as well as cause-and-effect learning.
Without further ado, here are the 12 BEST toys geared towards autistic warriors from infant to teenager.
#1. Wily Fox Sensory Toys for Autistic Children
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 months +
With Autism, not every child learns the same but every child should have the opportunity to learn.
The Wily Fox Sensory Toys are a great educational tool to enhance your little one’s speech should they be experiencing any type of delay.
Consider this toy a ‘speech therapy’ toy that your child can do as a FUN learning experience. 🙂
They can sort the animals by color. Plus, the puzzle game is very easy for both children and parents to understand as the Animal Kingdom Toy Game includes instructions, 36 cardboard animal flashcards, stickers, velcro, and 4 colorful set card game boards of different habitats: a farm, forest, ocean, and jungle.
No need to worry about if the pieces are safe to play with because they are made of high quality safe material.
#2. Fat Brain Dipl Baby Toy
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 1-2 yrs
The Dipl baby toy speaks for itself as it was rated one of the TOP toys for kids in 2019.
When you stare at the beautiful vibrant silicone bubbles you can’t help but to keep staring. It holds a little ones attention, even adults. 🙂
Your kiddo will have their sensory skills put into action with the five colorful bubbles that can be poked, grabbed, pushed, and popped. The toy encourages cause-effect learning, sensory exploration, and fine motor skill development.
In all, this is a GREAT toy to entertain your little one at home or on-the-go!
#3. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 18mo-4yrs
The LeapFrog Words Book is a great way for your child to learn their vocabulary.
They will be exposed to over 100 new words in both English and Spanish. Categories range from animals, food, opposites, colors, cars, clothes, and body.
If your little one enjoys fiddling with your iPhone (or Android) or pressing buttons this may be the perfect toy for them. They will have a blast touching the words on the pages which will play the word they press along with a sound and fun fact. It’s like magic. 🙂
Most importantly, the word book is an engaging way to help your child progress their speech as well as improve their fine motor functions by working muscles in their hands, fingers, and mouth (such as their jaws, lips, and tongue).
#4. Wooden Number Puzzle Sorting Montessori Toys
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <==| Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 yrs +
An engaging educational toy that your child can have fun playing with!
Let them sort shapes, learn numbers, stack blocks, or name colors at home or on-the-go. Your child will enhance their skills in developing color recognition, hand-eye coordination as well as exploring their creativity and imagination.
The pieces are designed for child safety made of 100% natural wood with all edges are smoothed and covered with numerous layers of non-toxic water-based paints.
#5. Magz-Bricks 40 Piece Magnetic Building Set
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 yrs +
Your little one will have a ball building unlimited shapes of different designs with these magnetic blocks.
While building, it encourages open-ended play where a child may express themselves creatively without limitations.
All blocks are the same size in an assortment of colors. Your child will be able to build almost effortlessly because the strong magnetic force will push the pieces together quickly.
#6. The Original Mood Flipbook for Kids
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 yrs +
Have your child learn various moods and emotions by having fun flipping the pages and seeing the different facial expressions.
A positive activity you can do is have your child turn to the page of the current mood they are feeling and then discuss the corresponding positive action to take. 🙂
There are 20 moods included such as bored, angry, confident, confused, disappointed, embarrassed, excited, frustrated, grumpy, guilty, happy, hopeful, hungry, sad, scared, shy, sick, sleepy, worried, and stressed.
A built in stand is included to sit the book upright while you and your child flip through the book. Plus, the pages are laminated for durability and easy sanitation.
#7. Magna Tiles Metropolis 110 Piece Set
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 yrs +
This magnetic building set is an imaginative and creative activity your child can enjoy solo or with others.
They can have fun while improving their learning skills in math and science.
For instance, for math they can build patterns and numbers and for science they can learn the concepts of gravity or learn to build from two-dimensional to three-dimensional creations.
The learning doesn’t stop there as your precious one can play with the pieces in different settings (other than the floor) such as on the garage door, refrigerator, metal baking sheets, or magnetic boards. Being able to change up their play environment to keep things fun and fresh is another bonus to having Magna Tiles.
Also, the pieces are made to be safe for children over 3 years to play with but it is important to note that there are smaller pieces which can be a choking hazard to children under 3.
#8. Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Plastic Disc Set
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 yrs +
The Brain Flakes set is a wonderful activity where your child can develop their spatial skills which is when they can remember and understand the relationships among objects.
The set comes with interconnecting discs that snap into place along with a plastic jar for easy storage or to travel with. The vibrant pieces are a fun alternative to learning about colors and the designs are endless that can be built.
Let your child’s imagination run wild with building, connecting, and mastering their very own designs!
If your child needs a jump start on a fun design to make, you’ll have no worries there because the set comes with instructions on how to build their very own Brain Flakes ball.
All pieces are geared towards child safety and are free of lead, metal, and BPA.
#9. Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3-5yrs
I want to first mention there is NO WiFi needed when your child is playing with this learning game.
They will be able to play with actual hand held pieces and an iPad (note, the iPad is not included).
The pieces in the set consist of the base, reflector for iPad, 19 pretend to play costume cardboard pieces, to practice lettering forming 38 silicone sticks and rings are included which are BPA free and dishwasher safe, silicone game play mat, storage for game pieces as well as 4 Game Apps (ABCs, Costume Party, Stories, and Squiggle Magic).
The 4 Game Apps activities your child will enjoy learning from include letter formation and phonics (App #1: ABC’s), creating animals with sticks and rings (App #2: Squiggle Magic), dress & feed a character (App #3: Costume Party) & find goofy solutions to obstacles and navigate adventures (App #4: Stories).
This kit is compatible to the majority of iPad’s except the following three; Generation 1, iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12. 9-inch. The minimum iOS version needed is iOS 9.
#10. Water Beads, 24pcs Ocean Sea Animals Tactile Sensory
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3-17 yrs
This toy takes sensory exploration to a whole new level! The set encourages your child to actively use their senses as they explore the underwater sea world through sensory play which is crucial to brain development.
Included are sea colored water beads, 24 ocean creatures, and an inflatable water play mat. Plus, the water beads are 100% non-toxic so it’s safe for your kiddo.
The beads can be recycled or used over and over again with proper care by placing them in basin under the sun to dry and them seal them up in a jar.
The cool soothing feeling you experience when the water beads turn into water crystal jell balls become so elastic and slippery they you will want to smash your fingers around it. This toy is versatile, where you could put the water crystal jell balls into a balloon and use it as a stress ball.
Another bonus? A lifetime warranty is included!
#11. Bristle Shape 3D Building Blocks Tiles Construction Toy Set
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <==| Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3-12 yrs
Take the word ‘frustration’ out of building because this toy will allow your kiddo to easily connect and disconnect pieces.
Their creativity will run wild with the endless designs that can be created. While your child is engaged, they will be improving their hand-eye coordination, colors, and gaining experience with counting and sorting.
In essence, the bristle shape block tiles promote child brain development by allowing them to focus while using their hands to foster skills in problem solving, science, math, engineering, and technology.
#12. Monkey Balance Cool Math Game for Boys & Girls
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 5-12 yrs
Learning math just became FUN.
Your child will be able to count and sort using the ‘monkey balance’ which helps to hold their attention through stimulating multi-level math games.
The toy set includes a total of 65 pieces; 19 little monkeys, numbers 1 to 10, monkey scale, base, 2 scale pans, 30 double-sided cards, and a simple instruction booklet.
This engaging activity encourages your child to develop their fine motor skills and improve their memory.
Final Thoughts
It is common for children with Autism to have limited play skills where they may want to play with a few toys, or some over and over again, or may not play with toys the way most kids do.
That’s why playtime matters because it’s an opportunity to learn and a way to develop new skills.
If your child is interested in toys that hold their attention and allow them to have a great time, it will create an environment for them to play rather than engage in self-stimulating behavior. They will be able to work on sensory exploration, communication skills like asking questions and learning new words, social skills like taking turns and sharing, fine motor functions, and cause-and-effect learning.
In a nutshell, toys allow kids to just be kids and are an incredible activity as well as teaching tool to enhance the development for autistic warriors!
If there are other autism toys you would recommend, questions you may have, or anything you’d like to add that I did not cover in this post, please share in the comments section below.
I strive to make the content I create as helpful as possible for my readers.
Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you found value in this information. 🙂
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to deliver the most valuable content to you.
Sami
You have offered some excellent toy suggestions, even for kids who are not Autistic. Hats off to those who are helping their children mature and thrive. I was especially surprised by the Book of Emotions. As kids are growing and learning about expressing themselves, recognizing the emotional side behaviour is important. I’m not sure I always recognize the emotion that is causing some of the disruptive thoughts I have an adult. How can a child know? Books that allow you to work through a particular emotion with your child is such a great tool. Even learning that there are different feelings that result at these times will surely be helpful.
The other suggested toys are surely different from the norm, and quality toys that all children’s would enjoy. When investing in toys for our children, it is difficult to know if our money has been well spent. You have offered a collection of durable toys at reasonable price points. This guide should be very helpful when we select toys in the future.
Lindsey Kovach
Thanks Sami! I’m glad you found the toys suggested helpful. Your input is much appreciated. 🙂
Ann
This has been a very useful post. I have been looking for toys that fit certain criteria and I have found a couple here. The first one is Wooden Number Puzzle Sorting. They catch a child’s attention and at the same time help them with numbers (that’s a difficult concept to teach). And the other one is Magna Tiles Metropolis, because I consider it helps to awaken children’s creativity.
Lindsey Kovach
Hey Ann, thanks for sharing! I love hearing that you found a couple toys that caught your interest. They are an engaging and fun activity choice. 🙂
John Greg
Hi,
Thanks for curating this list. It is pretty helpful especially to those who doesn’t really know much about autism and just want to gift something to a friend’s child with autism.
It is really nice especially you’ve included suggested age for each gift. It is great because now we don’t need to worry about if the gift is appropriate or not.
You mentioned that these gifts are great because it helps with fine motor skills and sensory explaration. Are those two things we should look for when we want to gift someone with autism? Until what age we can gift this kind of gifts?
Thanks
John Greg
Lindsey Kovach
Hey John, Thanks for sharing! Great questions by the way. A child with Autism can range from having mild symptoms to severe where sensory exploration may be important based upon the child’s needs. What’s great, is toys geared towards fine motor skills can help any child improve their muscles in their hands, fingers, wrists, or mouth. This can help children with or without delays. I would suggest gifting toys based upon the child’s unique needs but this list is a wonderful starting point should you come across a child with autism or a child experiencing any type of delay. The gift age ranges (which are suggested) are from 3 months up to 12 years but again, no age is set in stone on what type of toy a child can enjoy. Just have to be cautious of toys that are not recommended below a certain age as some items could be a choking hazard for a little one 🙂
Puneet
Wow! Love this site. My daughter has the Leapfrog book and she adores it. I love the selection that you have reviewed. Your reviews are very in-depth and informative. I have bookmarked your site, so I can refer back to it. I will definitely be taking a further look at your article. Thank you.
Lindsey Kovach
Wonderful! Thank you so much for being here and sharing your feedback. We always love to hear from our readers. 🙂
phillip
Wow! This is really good to see here and seeing people who have kids with autism can really be a challenge and anything that we can use to surprise or support them would always be better and welcomed. I actually have a sister with an autistic child and that is the reason I want to check this out and know exactly what I can get for him. There are some very good ideas in here. I actually like the various suggestions you have here
Lindsey Kovach
Wonderful Phillip! So glad you found the post helpful and you received value from the information. I appreciate you taking the time to share.
Mohammad
Thank you for sharing such a useful and wonderful post. People with autism have so much to offer society if they’re given the opportunity to… Thankfully, generally speaking we’ve come to realise this as a society (generally speaking), unlike many years ago when it was stigmatised… Once thank you and keep up the good work.
Lindsey Kovach
Thank you for sharing!
Payton
Wow, these agreeably are Wonderful toys. You know I have a friend who has a child that is autistic and I didn’t know what to buy for him because I was looking for a way to get something that can help him. I think the leap frog you chose is a very good pick for me and I have to also appreciate you doing this research and bringing up these great toys as well. Keep up the good work.
Lindsey Kovach
Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words and glad you found value in the post on toy ideas for your friend’s kiddo.
Antonio
Hi Lindsey
I think you have brought up an important topic and review, and often you do not know to what toys can be bought to help stimulate and help their young minds. I have never seen such a vast array of toys that are not only reasonably priced yet can be so helpful in the child’s development. I know it is not easy as you wonder if the toy you have chosen will not be liked or may cause the child unnecessary stress but I think this will not be the case. I am glad that these toys are available as we more is understood about the condition.
Thanks
Antonio
Lindsey Kovach
Thank you for sharing Antonio! I appreciate your feedback. 🙂
manuel
This is why I am in love with the internet. Where I live there is no way I would find toys that are specific to autistic kids. Normally what most stores have are just normal toys meant for general use but not those that are specific to some special kids. Thank God the internet exists as parents now have a chance to get the right toys for their special kids and are even able to easily compare prices and read a thorough review of them. Seriously, thanks a lot because this would be of help to a lot of people.
Lindsey Kovach
Thank you so much Manuel! I appreciate the kind words and so glad you found the information helpful. My goal is to be able to add as much value as possible to the special needs community. 🙂