For children with autism, sensory processing can be both a unique challenge and a key area for development.
When our son was younger he used to put everything in his mouth. It wasn’t immediately a red flag for me because it’s something that most babies do. I got concerned when he started putting non-edible things in his mouth. When I caught him playing with poop and attempting to put it in his mouth I freaked out. At the time I wasn’t aware that he had sensory processing disorder or autism. Talking to my friends about it didn’t help because they would stare at me in disgust. After I found out he needed autism oral sensory toys, I tried to make sure I understood exactly why.
Oral sensory needs, in particular, are common in many autistic children. They often seek oral stimulation to help regulate their sensory systems, manage anxiety, or simply explore their environment. Understanding these needs and finding the right tools to address them is crucial. Oral sensory toys can be a significant aid in this regard. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 10 autism oral sensory toys you need to try today. These sensory chew toys are specifically designed to provide oral stimulation and help children with autism fulfill their sensory needs safely and appropriately.
From textured chewy tubes to vibrating toothbrushes, these toys offer a variety of options to engage the mouth and provide calming or alerting sensory input.
What Are Oral Sensory Issues In Autism?
Oral sensory issues in autism refer to atypical reactions and behaviors related to the sense of taste, texture, and touch within the mouth. Children with autism may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to oral sensory input. It’s not uncommon to see children with autism display oral sensory seeking behaviors. This can manifest as aversions to certain food textures, excessive drooling, difficulties with feeding, or a strong need to chew or bite on objects.
Top Autism Oral Sensory Toys
Here are ten of the best autism chew toys, each offering unique benefits:
Chewable Jewelry (e.g., Chewigem, Ark’s Grabber)
These provide a safe and discreet way for children to satisfy their chewing needs. They can improve focus and self-regulation. And, it’s not just about fulfilling sensory needs; the action of biting and chewing also aids in developing jaw strength and oral motor control. With these benefits in mind, chewable jewelry emerges as a versatile, effective, and fashionable oral sensory solution for autistic children.
Looking to combine style with sensory satisfaction? Look no further than chewable jewelry. Available in a range of designs from chewable necklaces to bracelets, ARK Therapeutic’s chewable jewelry not only makes a trendy statement but serves as a discreet, safe chewing surface for children. This is particularly handy for those times when your child needs a sensory outlet but doesn’t have access to other toys. The beauty of this chewable jewelry is that it caters to varying levels of chewing intensity. Whether your child is a light nibbler or an aggressive chewer, there is a chewable jewelry option to suit their needs.
Silicone Teething Tubes
For children who seek oral sensory stimulation, silicone teething tubes offer a safe and appropriate outlet. The texture and flexibility of the tubes provide satisfying sensory feedback to the mouth. The act of chewing or biting on these tubes can have a soothing and calming effect, which can be particularly helpful for managing anxiety, sensory overload, or stress. They are great for structured sensory breaks throughout the day. These tubes offer gentle oral stimulation, ideal for sensory seekers.
Vibrating Oral Massager
Helps desensitize the mouth, useful for children who are oral defensive or have food aversions. For kids who yearn for a more focused and specific type of oral sensory input, sensory brushes are a brilliant solution. These unique tools, often used under the direction of an occupational therapist, offer a targeted stimulation experience. The bristles of these brushes can give children the right amount of pressure and texture they need to satisfy their oral sensory needs.
Ideal for those with oral aversions or texture sensitivities, sensory brushes can also pave the way toward acceptance of new food textures. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of brushing can create a calming effect and bring about a sense of comfort for children. It’s important to note that the use of sensory brushes should be guided by a professional who can ensure the safety and effectiveness of this tool. Whether you’re looking to expand your child’s oral sensory toolbox or introduce them to new sensations, sensory brushes can be an essential piece of the sensory puzzle.
Textured Spoons
This oral motor tool can provide varied sensory feedback to the mouth, which may be beneficial for children who seek oral sensory input. It’s useful for feeding therapy. For children who are hypersensitive or have oral aversions, using textured spoons can gradually desensitize the mouth to different sensations, potentially making mealtimes less stressful. The act of eating with a textured spoon can provide proprioceptive input, helping to strengthen the muscles in the mouth, which are essential for speech and eating. The texture can encourage the child to move their tongue in different ways, aiding in the development of necessary oral motor skills.
Oral Motor Chew Tools
Specifically designed for therapeutic use, they can aid in strengthening jaw muscles and improve speech articulation. Incorporate into daily speech therapy and language exercises. Incorporate the oral sensory tool into regular sensory breaks throughout the child’s day, especially during times of stress or sensory overload. Limit the time spent with the chew tool to ensure the child doesn’t become overly reliant on it. Use it for specific periods to provide necessary sensory input.
Flavored Chew Sticks
They come in various flavors and textures, providing a multisensory experience. Helpful during snack times or as part of a sensory diet. They offer a safe alternative for children who tend to chew on non-food items like clothing or pencils. Chew Stixx pencil toppers are a great option and come in different flavors. Please encourage your child to use the chew stick in situations where they feel overwhelmed or anxious. Help the child recognize signs of sensory discomfort and use the chew stick as a coping strategy.
Rubber Chew Tubes
Autistic kids who need to chew might otherwise chew on items like clothing, toys, or other unsafe objects. Rubber chew tubes provide a safe and hygienic alternative. By redirecting chewing to a safe object, rubber chew tubes help prevent the child from potential harm or ingestion of non-edible items. Regular use of rubber chew tubes can help strengthen the jaw muscles, which is beneficial for children who may have weak muscle tone in the mouth area.
Oral Sensory Balls
Help in developing oral motor skills. Oral sensory balls come in different textures, sizes, and levels of firmness, allowing customization to each child’s specific oral sensory preferences and requirements. They are small and easy to carry, making them a convenient tool for providing sensory input at home, school, or while traveling. These balls can be a subtle way for a child to meet their sensory needs in different settings.
What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Autism Oral Sensory Toys?
Oral sensory toys can provide a range of therapeutic benefits.
Enhance Focus: By satisfying sensory needs, these toys can help a child focus better on tasks.
Calming Effect: They can have a calming effect, reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation.
Aid in Speech Development: Regular use of certain oral toys can strengthen the muscles in the mouth, aiding speech and language development.
Oral Sensory Toys Are A Sensory Seeker’s Dream
Oral sensory needs embody a yearning for proprioceptive feedback that comes through activities involving the mouth, lips, and jaw. Understanding and catering to oral sensory needs is vital for many children with autism. The right oral sensory toy can make a significant difference in their daily life, aiding in sensory regulation, focus, and speech development. It’s about finding the right fit for each child’s unique needs and preferences.
These toys aren’t just about meeting sensory needs, they’re about nurturing development, promoting self-regulation, and providing a sense of comfort. Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right fit for their specific sensory needs is key. Always keep an eye on your child as they explore these tools, ensuring their safety and maximizing their benefit. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from an occupational therapist, who can help customize recommendations based on your child’s special needs.
Recognizing and understanding these needs is key for parents and occupational therapists alike, as it directly impacts a child’s overall comfort and developmental progression.
[…] Opt for gifts that stimulate curiosity and comfort without overwhelming the senses. Consider tactile toys that encourage gentle touch, like soft fabric books for young children or stress-relief squishies for older kids. Visual simplicity can also be key; look for items with soothing colors and uncomplicated designs that provide visual interest without the chaos. Auditory gifts might include musical instruments with soft, harmonious tones, or sound machines that emit nature sounds, promoting a calm environment. […]