April is Autism Acceptance Month, dedicated to fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals. Many educational toy companies have specific initiatives dedicated to raising awareness and providing products that address the needs of children on the spectrum. Find some examples below.
Learning Games
AutiSpark – Kids Autism Games
Especially made for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with learning games. Kids can learn to associate objects via their pictures, understand emotions, do sorting, recognize sounds and words, and do much more.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time management skills allow children to plan, prioritize and exercise control over the amount of time spent on activities. Tools like clocks, charts, calendars and timers assist with efficiency and productivity.
Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock
This unique timer’s light and sound cues help to keep your child on track. Features 180° viewing and a large, easy to read LCD display. Allows quick programming of three colored lights (red, yellow and green) that alert children to time remaining. Ages 3+, $24.79
SchKIDule
A magnetic visual schedule for kids that uses pictures to communicate a sequence of events in support of a positive behavioral outcome.
SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL
Social and behavioral skills give children the ability to get along with others, act appropriately in different situations and make good choices to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Ocean Emotion Seashells
Kids strengthen their social-emotional skills with the help of 6 ocean friends—each double-sided sea creature figure feature two unique expressions for identifying and comparing feelings
Kids on Stage
Enjoy a game of charades with fun twists in Kids on Stage. This colorful game is for kids ages 3 to 8, so it makes for a great group activity. This game is good for early childhood development and building communication skills.
Crazy Aaron’s Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty: Clear silicone putty filled with hidden, emotion-themed emoji faces to find. It is designed to never dry out and serves as a stress-relief, hands-on sensory tool for stretching and molding
Social Skills Board Games
Games include Morals, Manners, Empathy, Showing Emotions, Friendship, and Managing Emotions. Each game supports the development of social and emotional skills and the consolidation of those already learned. Find at various retailers. Look for these options
SENSORY INTEGRATION
Sensory integration is the ability to take in and interpret information from the senses. Sensory integration toys help children strengthen their ability to receive sensory stimulation and relate them to previous experiences.
Playfoam
Playfoam is Educational Insights’ best selling squishy squashy molding compound that never dries out.
Count & Color Choo Choo
Driven by a friendly conductor figure that plugs right into the engine, this interactive train set pulls a load of learning lessons thanks to its cargo of removable blocks that come in different numbers, shapes and colors. Kids can sort the blocks by shape and color, count up the total number found in the train, or build fine motor skills while loading the blocks back into their rightful train cars.
MOLUK Bilibo: A versatile, bowl-shaped open-ended toy designed to foster imagination, movement, and sensory exploration. It can be used as a rocking seat, a spinning top, a sand scooper, or for balancing.
Teeter Popper
A sensory-driven, curved balance board designed for children ages 3 and older to rock, spin, tilt and wobble. It features silicone suction cups on the bottom that make a popping sound, engaging kids while improving core strength, stability, and gross motor skills.
Sensory Fidget Tubes
These securely sealed, easy-to-grip bottles offer fascinating movement patterns. It helps your students manage their emotions, focus their attention and practice quiet, calm engagement.
Sensory Cushions
Sensory seats, wiggle cushions, sensory pillows, and more offer dynamic support for children and adults with sensory needs. These cushions provide gentle movement and calming pressure, helping to improve focus and sensory regulation in any setting.