As an autistic support teacher, I have spent the last 6 years working with autistic children. Each child is unique and I have found that they all benefit from different items. Check out some of my favorites here.
I love this busybook! It is a hands on opportunity for kids to work on different skills.
Busy Book for Kids, Montessori Toys for Toddlers, Autism Sensory Educational Toys, 12 Pages Toddler Preschool Activity Binder and Early Learning Toys Book - for Boys & Girls Develops Fine Motor Skills
This pillow is great to practice and reinforce fine motor skills.
Buckle Pillow Toys Sensory Toys for Toddler, Toddler Plush Travel Activity ,Sensory Buckle Pillow Fine Motor Development Toy
Chewys are great for kids who put non-food items in their mouth. This is a safe alternative and will help with their oral senory needs.
Gafly X's and Y's - 5 Pack - Sensory Chewy for Children with Autism, Kids with Special Needs - Silicone
My students love these! They are calming when my children are overwhelmed and needs to be calmed.
Big Mos Toys Rectangular Liquid Motion Timer Toy for Sensory Play - 1 Piece - Colors Vary
Water beads are a super fun activity! All kids love them, just be careful, when they fall they are not the easiest to clean!
ELONGDI Water Beads Pack Rainbow Mix 50,000 Beads Growing Balls, Jelly Water Gel Beads for Spa Refill, Kids Sensory Toys , Vases, Plant, Wedding and Home Decor
Knob puzzles are great for those with fine motor issues.
Gallickan Toddler Toys for 1 2 3 Year Old Boys Gifts Educational Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers Ages 2-4 Montessori Toys Chrismas Gifts on Clearance!
Individuals with autism often struggle with their play skills. Toy food is a great way to work on play skills as well as practice interpersonal communication by pretend playing restaurant.
Learning Resources New Sprouts Cookout! ,19 Pieces, Ages 18+ months, Barbecue Set, Pretend Play Food for Toddlers ,For Kids, Girls, Boys
Often, individuals with autism have difficulty identifying and expressing their feelings. Stories such as this one can act as a model to support learning about feelings.
How Do I Feel? - (First Emotions) by DK (Board Book)
Some individuals with autism also have sensory needs and physical needs. Adaptive shoes are a great alternative to support children who may wear braces or need a modified shoe.
BILLY Footwear Kids' Harmon Essential High Top Sneakers
My students LOVE these, but I have to say, the sound drives me a little crazy. But, it helps them and that's the point!
Cevioce Fidget Slug Toy, Sensory Slug Fidget Toy for Kids & Adults, 3Pcs Cute Autism Sensory Toys for Autistic Children, Toddler Toys|Exercise Wrist Strength & Stress Relief, Great Gift for ADHD
This is a great way to practice/learn tying shoes and work on fine motor skills.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wood Lacing Sneaker - Learn to Tie a Shoe Educational Toy
These lacing beads are a great tool to practice fine motor skills, patterns, sorting and color identification.
Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads - Educational Toy With 30 Wooden Beads and 2 Laces
I love this puzzle to practice spelling CVC words and encoding.
Learning Resources 3-Letter Word Puzzle Cards
Sensory hallways and pathways are a great resource for children when they are over stimulated or have high energy.
HK Studio Education Floor Decal for Classroom Decor - Number Frog Hopscotch for Boosting Gross Motor Skills - Sensory Path - Montessori Gym - Indoor School Game
Sensory tubes are great for students when they are feeling over stimulated or just need a break.
Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory Tubes - Set of 4 Tubes, Ages 2+ Science Toys for Kids, STEM Toys, Fine Motor and Sensory Toys
I add these different squishy balls to my fidget bin and calm down area. They provide an outlet for my students and are a great resource for sensory needs.
Squishy Stress Balls for Kids and Adults - 6 Balls Water Bead Stress Balls Balls Sensory Ball Squeeze Ball Fidget Toys Set for Anxiety Autism ADHD and More
This feelings chart is amazing! It helps students identify how they feel, then what they can do to manage their emotions.
Children's emotional charts Mental health posters help students understand emotions posters -emotions poster Calm Down Corner Classroom Decorations For Preschool Teachers
This interactive visual provides children with images of the emotions they may be feeling. In addition, it can help the children express what they want to help manage their emotions,