Although holiday shopping is over, we are always looking for new things to reinforce and help motivate the kids we work with. Cause and effect toys are enjoyable across the spectrum and developmental levels. At times children with autism are steered away from these activities due to self-stimulatory and perseverative behavior. However,we see this as a great thing for individuals to 'earn' for their free time. Using some simple, sensory-stimulating toys can assist parents and professionals in their quest to capture every one's attention.
Playskool Busy Ball Popper
Music, lights and balls racing around spiral paths. Lots of fun for kids to try to catch the balls as they pop out and scramble to put them back in!
Fisher Price Roll-a-Rounds Swirlin Surprise Gumball
Load the balls on top and push the lever. Fun lights and sounds are activated with the lever as the balls swirl out the gumball machine.
Roll-a-Rounds & Listen-Up Rounds
I use these interchangeably with many activities and toys. They are visually stimulating and the 'Listen-Up' version makes fun noises. Kids will have a great time exploring the variety of objects inside each one!
B. Whacky Ball - Target
One of the best toys has been revamped by Target stores. This great toy has four balls that can be placed on top and pushed in or pounded in with the hammer. It is fun for the kiddos to watch go through the ramps and this version even has a mirrored background which is even more exciting!
Little Zoomers Spinnin' Sounds Speedway - FP
This toy is absolutely adorable! The fun cars that come with it fly down the ramp and spin around the 'speedway' before shooting out the other side. There are great lights and sounds that go with the spinning. The kids found it even more interesting to add some of the balls from other toys and watch them whirl around the ramp too!
Fisher Price Playzone: Pull up Ball Blast
Put the balls on top and watch them roll down the spiral path. In addition to watching the balls, this toy lights up and plays music. Definitely a toy for all the senses!
Fisher Price Little Superstar
Adorable toy with a mirror (always a plus!), lots of lights, music and large buttons. It can sit on the floor or up on a table for taller kids.
Playskool Busy Poppin Pals
There are lots of versions of the pop up toys and I have had experience with many of them. I don't favor one over the other but like them all. They are exciting having the 'Peek-a-Boo' effect of the animal or character popping up and always a hit!
Chicco Butterfly Spinner
This is another toy that has many versions that are just as enjoyable as the last. It is fun for kids to watch the butterflies, balls or other objects spin around as the top is pressed. This version also has a mirror inside to make it even more fun to watch!
This is a very short list of some of our favorite toys that we hope to continue adding too. It is hard to mention them all. Let us know about some of your favored toys as well. Must keep playing!
-Abby
Nice post - just tweeted it. Barbara
ReplyDeleteIf my dd was younger these would be perfect :)
ReplyDeleteThanks all! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today- I was at a garage sale and bought a busy ball popper for $2! We brought it home, put in some batteries, and our son LOVED it. I think his favorite part was feeling the air blow on his face, but he eventually played with the balls and said "ball" too! It was so much fun, especially since he usually doesn't care much about toys. He and his sister even played with it together. :) So thanks so much for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that he was saying "ball" and playing with his sister! The songs (as with any toy) will eventually drive you batty but so worth it. I have to admit the air is fun; if you hold your hand on it a few seconds (while the balls are in) and let go they will shoot way up in the air.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love garage sales...$2 is a steal!! Always a great place to find cheap toys.
Thank you so much for sharing, Christy!
-Abby