Speaking to Autism Through Play

Toys have a magical way of bringing joy to kids (and kids at heart!). They challenge and stimulate, letting little ones express their creativity, curiosity and discovery. Toys also engage the senses, spark imagination and encourage skill development. While always fun, toys also provide opportunities for growth and learning.

Because children with autism often experience challenges with socialization and communication, toys can help develop these and other skills and abilities through play.

In collaboration with Autism Speaks and the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible for children with disabilities, we have identified toys that can help children with autism develop language, creativity and social skills, among others, while playing alongside siblings and friends. The “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism,” a special subset of the annual Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, provides toy suggestions specifically for families and friends of children with autism.

Each of the everyday playthings included in the “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism” features recognizable icons that highlight the skill sets that the toys build, such as Fine Motor, Creativity and Thinking. This resource is designed to help parents and caregivers of loved ones with autism find items that correspond to children’s individual interests and developmental needs.

Below is a list of the “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism.” Click here to learn more about these toys and the skills they help build.

• Moon Sand Royal Castle from Spin Master
• Rock ‘n Rollin’ Piano from Sakar
• EZ 2 DO Silly Friends Jumbo Set from Play-Doh
• Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway: Thomas & Percy Starter Set from Learning Curve
• Wii Console System with Wii Sports from Nintendo
• Wooden Sandwich Making Kit from Melissa & Doug
• Easy Score Basketball from Little Tikes
• Little People Noah’s Ark Playset from Fisher-Price
• Magnetic Double Easel from Crayola
• Mega Bloks 80-Piece Set from Mega Brands