National Autism Day is here, and for those navigating the intricate world of the autism spectrum, finding toys and games that cater to specific needs can be a game-changer. Whether they are fostering communication skills, encouraging sensory exploration, or promoting emotional regulation, the right toys can unlock a world of possibilities.
In this spirit of empowerment and inclusivity, we’ve curated a selection of 17 toys and games designed to engage and support neurodivergent gamers and players on National Autism Day and beyond. From sensory-friendly fidget toys to interactive games promoting social interaction, each item on this list has been chosen with care to enhance playtime and foster development.
SUPER SMILE DENTIST PLAY SET
This helps kids emotionally prepare for the dentist. Great for kids who have anxiety, are neuro-diverse. This 25-piece dental care play set features an oversized set of pretend teeth so young dentists-in-training can give cleanings, treat cavities, and even fit retainers and braces! This engaging play set is a fun way to teach good dental…
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BUILDABLE PEOPLE WITH BIG EMOTIONS
Encourage toddlers’ creativity and help them explore their emotions with this 71-piece LEGO Duplo Buildable People with Big Emotions set. Preschoolers build and rebuild the five characters to reflect the diverse world they see around them. There are 10 expressive faces that help them share their feelings.
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HOPSCOTCH LANE STEPPING STONES
Taking little steps to big adventures with Hopscotch Lane Stepping Stones! Help kids build balance and agility with six bright stepping stones in different modern colors and sizes – yellow, red, light blue, green, orange, and dark blue. The versatile stepping stones are made in different sizes with each side varying in steepness and difficulty.…
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GECKO RUN MARBLE RUN
The set takes classic marble runs to the next level with creative challenges and pieces that attach to any smooth surface. Kids can create hills and jumps, and even turn corners to create tricks and stunts.
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RACK-O JR.
In this junior version of Rack-O, the goal is to be the first player to fill your rack with cards, from lowest to highest. Number cards are color-coded to match the colors of the rainbow (and colors on the racks). Special cards add excitement to this game designed for 2-4 players.
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POKÉMON WALKIE TALKIES — PIKACHU
These Pikachu-inspired two-way radio walkie talkies feature a 500-foot range so kids can share static-free messages. Designed for Pokémon Trainers ages 3 and up, these battery-operated walkies are durable, brightly colored, and lightweight for indoor and outdoor use.
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ALPHABET LEARNING MAILBOX
Practice tracing skills, letter recognition, and beginning sounds with this mail-themed playset. Kids can use alphabet puzzle cards; puffy sticker “stamps”; and write-and-wipe, double-sided postcards to learn the alphabet and new vocabulary words before sliding their work into the mailbox.
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LITE-BRITE TOUCH
Press the board's color-changing buttons and watch as they light up, then keep pressing to change colors. Create new images using the included instructions or design your own. This version also features games to play.
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LETTER TRACING SENSORY PAD
Kids can learn how to form uppercase and lowercase letters using this tracing pad, which is filled with thick movable gel that helps kids develop fine motor skills.
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Available: June 2024
GIANT CONNECT 4
The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…
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MEMO RUSH
Kids can get their memory racing for the right characters in this game full of emotions! Players simultaneously tap cards matching either a character or one of six emotions. Memo Rush improves visual perception, memory, and emotion recognition.
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SPACE ROVER DELUXE CODING ACTIVITY SET
With simple push-button coding, kids can code their space rover through customizable mazes and coding challenges. Comes with a coding rover, an astronaut, a flag, space rocks and obstacles, maze tiles, and coding cards.
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RAINBOW TEA FOR TWO
This peppy, light-up teapot introduces toddlers to colors and numbers and plays pouring sound effects and music for the perfect tea party. Tots can lift the peek-a-boo lid to change tea flavors and smile into the mirror. The set also comes with two tea cups, plates, and six cakes with removable fruit toppings. Little ones…
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MAGNATAB FREE DRAW
Using the magnetic stylus, kids pull the beads up to the surface to draw pictures, letters, numbers, and shapes for sensory-based play experience. The beads are magically “erased” when pushed down by the tip of a finger or the swipe of the side of the stylus. The tablet features easy storage for the magnetic stylus,…
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STORYTIME WITH SUNNY
Meet a bright, entertaining friend with Storytime With Sunny! Sunny’s expressive personality engages kiddos as she tells stories with surprising plot twists to keep them hanging on her every word. Sunny invites participation in 300+ activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly…
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FEELINGS FAMILY HAND PUPPETS
Each of the five puppets expresses an emotion through its unique facial expression, body position, and design. As kids explore the puppets through dramatic play, roleplay, and guided discussions, they will develop the skills to understand five core emotions: happy, angry, surprised, sad, and scared.
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WORRY STONE PALS SENSORY WRISTBAND
Each Sensory Wristband comes with four removable worry stones, each with a character that highlights positive learning traits. Kids can pop the double-sided disks into the soft plastic wristband for a discreet, tactile approach to focusing their attention, calming their nerves, and managing stress throughout the day.
