Special Needs Toys

I work in a toy store and a while ago, we had a little autistic boy looking for some toys (He was the cutest little guy and his nana was soo sweet) But I really didn't know what kinds of toys are best for children with disabilities like Autism and I know a lot of it varies due to the spectrum being so wide.

But what kinds of toys do you find are liked the best if your child has special needs or you know a child who does? I just want to be able to help more next time, especially with Christmas coming up.

My son has Autism and loves Tangle toys


He also likes Legos, trains and easy to manipulate video games. IT would depend on how high functioning the child is, as well as his/her interests.

Quoting Squid Kid:" I work in a toy store and a while ago, we had a little autistic boy looking for some toys (He was the ... [snip!] ... special needs or you know a child who does? I just want to be able to help more next time, especially with Christmas coming up."

It just depends on the specific child. Sensory issues are very prevalent among children on the spectrum, but some children are sensory seeking, while some are avoidant, and some may be sensory seeking in one area and avoidant in another.

One child with autism might like something that is really noisy or bright but another might be completely overwhelmed by it.

My sister seems to really like anything colorful, musical or something with flashing lights. (She is   Also any dvd's that have people singing or sing along songs. Anything in the arts and crafts as well! My mom got my sister a kids tablet for Christmas, if that helps any as well.
They all kind of have their own interests though. Even though my sister is autistic she's still in the grade she should be and likes what most girls who are 8 enjoy!

Quoting Addison&Quinn'sMama:" My sister seems to really like anything colorful, musical or something with flashing lights. (She is ... [snip!] ... though. Even though my sister is autistic she's still in the grade she should be and likes what most girls who are 8 enjoy!"

I've seen a lot of kids with autism are usually more artistic. The little boy that came in LOVED music. I'm just looking for a big general ideas of toys to lean towards so I can make better suggestions based off their likes and knowing they have different ableness of other children.

Quoting Squid Kid:" I've seen a lot of kids with autism are usually more artistic. The little boy that came in LOVED music. ... [snip!] ... towards so I can make better suggestions based off their likes and knowing they have different ableness of other children. "

It's nice that you are doing this! Especially when other family, or friends come in to get them something and aren't too sure what to get. I would just ask if they have any idea's of what the child may like and give suggestions 

We have a toy store here that has many toys on display (kind of like testers) and the store is quiet and not a lot of flourescant (sp) lights, so it is great because then my son can show us what he likes (he is non-verbal). The other poster is right though each childs likes and dislikes vary so much really.

I would ask what he seems to be interested in and go from there. My son LOVES Lego, so anything lego is a go. As well as "little" things, model sized men and furniture. Anything detailed.

He has no desire to touch stuffed animals or anything along the lines of crayons, playdough etc.