Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Sensory Toys in Honor of Autism Awareness Month

Don’t be put off by the term toys, either. Sensory and fidget toys aren’t just toys — they’re tools that help autistic and neurodivergent folks feel calm, focused, and relaxed. All of them can be used by adults, and many of them are. Not only does this mean there are plenty of options out there, but it also means there’s ample opportunity to light up your inner child.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we’re here to share everything you need to know about sensory toys, from why they matter to how certain toys are suited for the different levels of autism. We’ll even help you find the best picks to suit your needs.

Finding ways to stim in a variety of situations can be supportive in navigating non-sensory-friendly environments. There are plenty of discrete fidgets and sensory toys included in this guide to help you do so. Outside of gadgets, there are simple movements you can do with your body. “You can also tense and release different muscle groups, move your fingers or toes, or rub your tongue against your teeth,” says Dr. Kate Lieberman, a clinical psychologist in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she notes, you can consider if the environment you’re in is safe enough for you to stim without the burden of “masking,” or trying to hide your stimming. “Of course, not everyone has the same level of freedom to do this,” she admits.

“While some forms of sensory input may be overstimulating (e.g., loud noises or bright lights), other types of input can be calming and regulating to the nervous system,” shares Lieberman, who specializes in working with autistic folks and primarily does psychological evaluations. She notes that preferences vary from person to person, but weighted items, chewable toys, and squeezable objects are especially popular.

While these three levels can be helpful for understanding the spectrum of autism, they aren’t meant to fully define a person’s needs. “These levels describe support needs and by no means do they define a person’s intelligence or potential,” explains Dr. Capanna-Hodge.

With this in mind, we’ve explored these autism levels and scoped out sensory toys that could help someone in each.

Remember when we mentioned the term multisensory environment? This is what we’re going to help you build. Sensory and fidget toys are a great start, but creating a true multisensory environment can help boost your comfort even more. Here are some key components of a sensory-friendly space to help you get started.

While the DSM-5 uses three different categories in the diagnostic criteria for autism, it fails to capture the true nuance of the autistic experience. Though each label specifies the level of support needed, it doesn’t specify the many variables within each level.

“While these distinctions were designed to convey information that may be helpful for tailoring services and accommodations, they are not universally supported,” explains Dr. Lieberman. She also notes that it isn’t uncommon for folks to feel misaligned with these labels. “One significant problem is that an individual's needs can vary widely depending on the setting (e.g., home versus work),” she continues. Rather than trying to fit into a label, it is most beneficial to focus on tools and solutions to support your unique needs.

If you identify as allistic (i.e., not on the autism spectrum), you may have your fair share of blind spots when it comes to supporting the autistic folks in your life. “A sound, light, or texture that feels perfectly normal to you may feel overwhelming or even painful to an autistic person,” explains Lieberman.

Both Capanna-Hodge and Lieberman encourage folks to recognize and honor their unique sensory needs. As we’ve covered, research supports the value of sensory-friendly environments, and there are simple ways to bring that into your space.

An easy way I honor this in my clinical practice is open communication. I try to keep my therapy office sensory-friendly with warm lighting, a quiet, non-invasive sound machine, and blankets and pillows in various weights and textures. Beyond that, I always check in with my patient about the environment, asking whether the temperature or lighting needs to be adjusted for optimal comfort during the session.

Finally, creating a space where autistic folks don’t have to hide their autism-related behaviors can be a big relief. “Things like stimming, taking breaks, or stepping away from a crowded space are often ways people manage their nervous systems,” according to Lieberman. Capanna-Hodge recommends asking folks or watching what helps them feel regulated. And both Capanna-Hodge and Lieberman agree that a safe space where folks can feel free to be themselves creates connection and trust.