Are you looking for ways to improve your child’s social skills? Sensory toys might be able to help. These toys stimulate children’s senses through touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, or movement. They also encourage them to interact with other children.
Sensory toys are designed to appeal to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often struggle with social interactions and communication. This makes them less likely to play with peers and engage in typical activities.
There are several types of sensory toys available. Some focus on tactile stimulation, such as rattles, balls, and plush animals. Others involve visual stimuli, such as mirrors, lights, and flashing objects. Still, others provide auditory cues, such as music boxes, bells, and whistles. Finally, some toys offer olfactory and gustatory stimulation, such as scented candles, bubble wands, and flavored foods.
This article will discuss how these toys can benefit children with ASD. It will also include a list of recommended products.
What are the benefits of sensory toys?
Children with ASD have difficulty interacting socially. They may avoid eye contact, make inappropriate noises, or fail to respond when spoken to. A sensory toy that stimulates their senses could help them overcome these challenges.
Children with autism often experience sensory overload and find it difficult to process information from multiple sources at once. Toys that use only one sense, like a ball that vibrates but doesn't move, can help them learn to pay attention to just one thing at a time.
Some children with autism have oral fixations. For example, they may chew on everything in sight, including clothing, furniture, and even food. Toys that appeal to this behavior can teach them to focus on what is important.
Sensory chewing necklaces are one example of toys that can help children with autism. They allow kids to chew on something while still being able to see and hear what's going on around them. The necklace provides an interesting sensation, which helps keep their attention focused on the task at hand.
How do sensory toys work?
A sensory toy works by stimulating one of our five senses: vision, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Each type of toy appeals in a different sense.
Vision toys, such as mirrors, flashlights, and light-up items, can help children with autism become more aware of themselves. They can also help them recognize familiar faces.
Hearing toys, such as musical instruments, wind chimes, and bell sounds can help children with ASD develop better listening skills. They can also help teach them about rhythm and pitch.
Toys that appeal to touch, such as balls, plush animals, and rattle beads, can help children with autistic meltdowns. They can also help calm them down if they're upset.
Smell toys, such as scented soaps, lotions, and perfumes, can help children with allergies and asthma learn to control their reactions. They can also help children who don't like certain smells relax.
Taste toys, such as candy, ice cream, and gummy bears can help children with eating disorders learn to enjoy new tastes. They can also help those who dislike certain flavors get used to them.
Which sensory toys should I buy?
The best sensory toys are ones that appeal to your child's interests. You'll want to choose toys that are safe and appropriate for your child's age. If you know your child has a particular interest, look for toys that match his or her needs.
We have put together a list of the best sensory chewing necklaces so you can choose more easily.
Sensory Chewing Necklaces for Kids with Autism
1. Olele Sensory Chewing Necklace
This necklace features a soft silicone band made from BPA-free, non-toxic ingredients. This product lasts longer due to the strong ingredients found in its composition. It also provides a calming and soothing effect as it comes in soft colors known to help children cope more easily with their overload symptoms.
Olele's silicone necklaces will come in therapeutic tones, perfect for autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and allow your child to actively chew.
2. Tilcare Chew Chew
These sensory chewing necklaces offer a safe, therapeutic outlet for fidgeting, anxiety, and stress due to their calming effect on kids and adults. It is made of high-quality materials and is designed to be durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Tilcare's products have colors that reduce stress and anxiety, and calming and soothing color tones that are perfect for kids with sensory needs, autism, ADHD, SPD, and those who are aggressive chewers.
3. V-Top Chewy Necklaces
These oral chew toys help autistic children keep from hands, clothes, pencils, erasers, etc. It aids them in handling overload sensory more easily, reducing anxiety symptoms and helping soothe, calm, or focus. V-Top's chewable jewelry is made of 100% natural rubber latex which makes it safe for use by all ages.
The unique design allows your child to chew on the toy without choking, and it is easy to use, clean, and dry. It can be washed in the dishwasher, and its convenient for children to use at school or any other public places.
4. Jnater Shark Tooth Chew Necklace
This product is 100% safe and non-toxic, made from 100% certified food-grade silicone, with no taste or odor, BPA free and without PVC or cadmium. It is suitable for all ages and is ideal for children with autism, ADD/ADHD, OCD, anxiety, aggression, and sensory issues. Jnater's shark tooth chew necklaces are available in different sizes and colors. These colorful pieces are great for children who love sharks and animals.
The shark tooth design chewing necklace is easy to grab, provides different oral motor inputs and reduces anxiety. Also, it is made from tear-resistant silicone designed specifically for mild to moderate chewers.
5. KongNai Sensory Necklace for Kids and Adults
Kong Nai's sensory necklaces are made from FDA-approved medical-grade silicone. They are safe for all ages and are suitable for children with autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and aggression. Kong Nai’s sensory necklaces are designed to provide an enjoyable experience while providing relief from overstimulation. They are easy to grip, and comfortable to wear, and they do not contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, phthalates, formaldehyde, or BPA.
6. Munchables Unicorn Sensory Chew Necklace
Munchables Sensory Chewy Necklaces are recommended by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Munchables' unicorn sensory chew necklaces are made of 100% silicone and are safe for all ages. They are suitable for children with ASD, ADHD, OCD, aggression, and sensory needs. Munchables' chew necklaces are designed with a variety of shapes and textures to stimulate your child's senses. They are easy to grasp, comfortable to wear, washable, and easy to clean up.
Have a look at this sensory chewing necklace from MaberryTech Direct and this one from LeeYean.
These eight products are some of the best sensory chewing necklaces for kids with autism. Hopefully, the information from this article will help you choose the best one for your child.
Photo credit: Unsplash.