Autism Therapy: toy

definition of toy: Any object that is used for play. Toys can be made specifically for play or objects can be used as representation. For example, folded paper can be used to make a toy plane. Materials that make toys can be hard like blocks to stack or soft like a stuffed animal. Toys bring enjoyment and comfort.

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Generalized Effects of Video Modeling on Establishing Instructional Stimulus Control in Children with Autism
Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, by Nikopoulos, CK, Canavan C., and Nikopoulou-Smyrni P., published in 2009, summarized Mar 2, 2010

Video modeling may be a useful tool for stopping problem behaviors as well as teaching skills to children with autism.

This study looked to see if video modeling could help children with autism learn to stop what they are doing and clean up a toy. The three children in the study had good classroom behavior even before the study began. Two of the three children were able to generalize from the toy seen in the video to other toys. The third child had the most problem behaviors going into the study and he also had the most trouble learning from the videos. The authors note that videos are good because they can be made for each child to meet the needs of each child.


Establishing Response and Stimulus Classes for Initiating Joint Attention in Children with Autism
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Jones, EA, published in 2009, summarized Nov 27, 2009

Behavioral therapy may help children with autism learn verbal and nonverbal ways to start a social interaction.

People with autism may have problems initiating (starting) a social interaction. The first step is called “initiating joint attention.” This article describes the way that 3 preschool children with autism were taught these skills. Therapists used behavioral therapy techniques based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) theory. For one boy, the therapist used toys that could show a response (e.g., singing stuffed animal or piano with lights). When the boy did the right behavior, the therapist would make the toy react and the boy liked that. For another boy, the therapist used games as a way to teach the skills. The boys learned some of the skills, and eventually were able to use them with their.


Social Training of Autistic Children with Interactive Intelligent Agents
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, by Barakova, E., Gillessen J., and Feijs L., published in 2009, summarized Jul 30, 2009

Robots and technological toys may help teach social skills to children with autism.

Researchers used special blocks that worked like mini-robots. The blocks changed color depending on which other blocks they were close to. The blocks were used as a therapy tool with twelve children (3-5 years old) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The children were taught specific rules about the blocks. One simpler game focused on interactions between blocks. The second game was more complex and used blocks for symbolic play. Some blocks were "animals" and some were "food" or "water" that children "gave" to animals by moving that block close to the animal block. Pairs of children worked together to make the "zoo" run smoothly. Children needed to learn to pretend a block was an animal or food. Most of the children learned the rules of the first game. Five out of six pairs of children worked well together in the second game. The authors said that if children with autism can understand how to play with a block as if it is food (metaphor), they may be able to learn more complex social skills.


Brief Report: Toward Refinement of a Predictive Behavioral Profile for Treatment Outcome in Children with Autism
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Schreibman, L., Stahmer AC, Barlett VC, and Dufek S., published in 2009, summarized Mar 27, 2009

Future research may allow therapists to know in advance which type of applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is most likely to work for any given child with autism.

While many children with autism respond well to ABA therapy, not all children show a good response to all types of ABA therapy. This study of six children was designed to see if it is possible to predict which type of ABA therapy will work for which child with autism. The authors were able to predict which children would respond to pivotal response training, but not which ones would respond to discrete trial training. The authors note that all children were first exposed to pivotal response training and then to discrete trial training and this may have influenced the results. Children who liked toys were more likely to respond to pivotal response training than children who did not like toys.


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Toilet Training for Kids with Autism

Apr 30, 2012

Denise Reynolds, a registered dietician, has provided some good suggestions for toilet training your child with autism. She reminds parents that there are milestones that must be reached before a child can be toilet trained, for example, knowing how to dress and undress, understanding the bodily clues needed to use the bathroom, and walking. She explains that sometimes kids with autism have gastrointestinal problems that need to be addressed before successful toilet training. She quotes from an referenced article by Danica Mamlet, Autism and Toilet Training, for motivation cues and potential social integration issues. “A system that uses picture icons with each step identified is recommended as a tool to teaching toilet independence. A consistent routine capitalizes on the autistic’s child need for repetition.” Other tips include a transition object such as a book or a toy and teaching your child words specific to the bathroom so he can communicate. Reynolds’ final reminder is that each child has his own timetable and some children take longer than others to toilet train.

Read original article: Potty Training Tips for An Autistic Child


Kids Toolbox Store Supplies Items for Kids with Autism

Apr 17, 2012

Kids Toolbox in Clearwater Florida supplies “tools” or toys or whatever a child with autism might want. Owners Mike and Pam LeGath have created a store that helps children be comfortable: low lights and a sensory play area. One item they stock is a game called Tricky Fish. A child might think it’s a toy, but it actually helps him develop eye/hand coordination, motor skills, and attention span. Kids Toolbox carries other special items as well as seamless clothing for children who have sensory issues. The store wants to be a community resource and is also hosting lectures on special needs once a week.

Read oringal article: Clearwater Store Stocks Tools for Helping Children with Autism, ADD, Special Needs


Special Toys for Special Kids Raises Autism Awareness

Apr 9, 2012

Creative KidStuff has partnered with St. David’s Center to raise autism awareness with special toys selected for kids with autism. Roberta Bonoff, CEO of Creative KidStuff in Minneapolis, said they were getting more and more parents and grandparents looking for toys that would be appropriate for their children’s needs. Sarah Reyman, a psychologist at St. David’s Center, worked with Bonoff to select toys that “encourage interaction, social and sensory skills, imagination, communication and problem solving. For example, a classic jack-in-the box teaches cause and effect as well as anticipation.” Creative KidStuff has a special section on their Web site for these special toys.

Read original article: Twin Cities Company Creates Toys for Kids with Autism


Applied Behavior Analysis One of the Most Widely Used Therapies for Autism

Apr 3, 2012

Many parents will use some form of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy with their children with autism. ABA has been in use for over 35 years, and is a therapeutic intervention that can be done in a clinic, at school, and/or at home; it works best when it’s used throughout the child’s day. Dr. Nina Pinnock, director of the consultation program at the Fernandes Center for Children & Families at St. Anne’s Hospital in MA, explained, “ABA is a playful way of managing behaviors and also skill-building by working on many different things each day: using building blocks, finishing puzzles and drawing with crayons. It’s all the things you might do with a preschooler, but with a child who is resistant you would find a reinforcer such as praise, a high-five, a tap on the shoulder or an edible — sometimes we just switch on a toy that lights up.”

Read original article: ABA Therapy Helps Autistic Kids Develop Positive Habits


Showing 1-4 of 76 results


Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to weighted vest

Mar 1, 2011 by Anonymous

When my boy was in preschool we found a "cool" vest that was made out of a heavy fabric. We attached things to it to give it the heavy weight. (He needed it very heavy!) We used clips to attached a water bottle on one side and a little electronic toy he liked on the other side.

 

When he didn't have the weighted vest and was having a really hard time, I found that putting pressure on both shoulders was very calming for him. For example, when I picked him up from preschool, if he was "flappy", I would say hello while pressing down about 5 lbs worth of pressure on each shoulder. That's a lot of weight for little shoulders, but wow, his face lit up! It was what he needed. =)


Responding to Socially Assisted Robotics (SAR)

Mar 16, 2010 by Anonymous

My son is 6 years old & has autism. We gave him a toy robot for christmas & he loves it. I would love to know more about this & if these robots are available. There are very few therapies in my area or doctors.


Responding to sensory integration/cool stuff, but rather I would not teach a child in therapy to "just run into" any room of any kind to "play" ever, leisurely approach any KinderKare object of play and treat those things with respect

Feb 12, 2010 by Anonymous

You might be more helpful at teaching children who normaly sabbatage their own products from obnoxioius undisciplined behavior by giving them applied time outs whenever they "just run into" a room, any room of the house except to go to the toilet, we all have to rush on that urge to go to the restroom lavatory at times. Not a good habit too. Anyway, at no time should a child be encouraged to run through a park ding dong unaware, a street to chase a ball where cars are. It shows them respect when we guide them to their play toys, participate in front of a therapist with them intercommunicative style of interest about thier childhood items. Also keeping aloof with the help of a good dr. to remain a disciplinarian parent that often makes too harsh remarks, bad errors, but means do as I say and not as I do and keeps the family goin. That is what the good dr. is for to notice the parents errors and correct them. I encourage the child-parent familiarity to be one of once upon a time and thats it for me. After adulthood a little more approval of talents, achievements, but a stauch, living room parent and a DO NOT EVER ENTER A CHILDS BEDROOM even if it is questionable what is going on, you either call 911 or stand at their doorarch and speak issues from there. A room of a kid is their absolute haven and never to be crossed in my book. Thanks for listening K.K.


Great Autism Therapy Toy/Product

Mar 22, 2009 by Anonymous

www.boardbookalbums.com  offers the new "Take Your Pix" board book photo album, which is perfect for autisitc kids and children with othe developmental delays and challenges.  Developed at the direction of a speech therapist, the "Take Your Pix" albums have thick cardboard pages that hold 20 photos, plus one on the cover frame.  Your 4" x 6" photos slide right in the top of the pages and are protected from harm.  Your kids will love looking at all their favorite photos.  Great with the PECS communication system for autistic kids, too!  Check it out and please share with family and friends !


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Please comment on toy or other autism therapy topics.

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    • Synonyms for toy include: educational toys, toys
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