ASD Kids' Favorite Products

Autistic kiddos benefit from a variety of different products. Here's a list of the most common categories with some details on why they're faves with the ND set!

Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which can help calm and soothe children with ASD. It addresses sensory processing issues and can improve sleep quality. Available from various retailers like Amazon or Target, prices range from $30 to $200 depending on size and weight.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These headphones help reduce sensory overload by blocking out environmental noise. They're great for children who are sensitive to sound. Brands like Bose or Sony offer options, available at electronics stores or online. Prices typically range from $50 to $300.

Chewelry

Chewable jewelry provides a safe outlet for oral stimulation needs. It addresses sensory seeking behaviors and can help with focus. Available from specialized retailers like Ark Therapeutic or Stimtastic. Prices range from $5 to $20 per piece.

Fidget Cube

A small handheld device with various tactile elements to keep hands busy. It helps with focus and addresses the need for tactile stimulation. Available from toy stores or online retailers. Prices range from $5 to $15.

Visual Schedule Board

A board with pictures or symbols representing daily activities helps with routine and transitions. It addresses difficulties with change and time management. Available from educational supply stores or can be DIY. Prices range from $20 to $50 for pre-made versions.

Compression Vest

Provides deep pressure input throughout the day. It can help with body awareness and anxiety reduction. Available from therapy supply companies like Fun and Function. Prices range from $30 to $80.

Wobble Cushion

A textured, inflatable cushion that allows for movement while seated. It addresses the need for vestibular input and can improve focus. Available from therapy supply stores or online. Prices range from $15 to $40.

Time Timer

A visual representation of time passing, helpful for transitions and time management. It addresses difficulties with abstract time concepts. Available from educational supply stores or online. Prices range from $25 to $40.

Sensory Swing

A swing that can be hung indoors provides vestibular input and can be calming. It addresses sensory processing needs and can help with emotional regulation. Available from therapy supply companies or online retailers. Prices range from $50 to $200.

Social Stories Books

Books that explain social situations and expected behaviors. They address difficulties with social understanding and communication. Available from bookstores or specialized retailers like Social Stories. Prices range from $10 to $30 per book.

Weighted Lap Pad

A smaller version of a weighted blanket, designed for use while seated. It provides localized deep pressure, which can help with focus and calm. Available from sensory product retailers or online. Prices range from $20 to $50.

Noise-Reducing Earmuffs

Similar to noise-cancelling headphones but without electronics. They help reduce auditory input in overwhelming environments. Addresses hypersensitivity to sound. Available from hardware stores or online retailers. Prices range from $15 to $40.

Therapy Putty

A resistive putty that strengthens hands and provides tactile input. It addresses fine motor skill development and sensory seeking behaviors. Available from therapy supply stores or online. Prices range from $5 to $15 per container.

Light Projector

Projects soothing patterns or images on walls or ceilings. It can help with relaxation and sleep issues. Addresses visual sensory needs. Available from various retailers or online. Prices range from $20 to $100.

Communication Cards

Picture cards that help non-verbal or minimally verbal children communicate their needs and wants. Addresses communication difficulties. Available from speech therapy suppliers or can be homemade. Prices range from $20 to $50 for pre-made sets.

Stretchy Resistance Band

Provides proprioceptive input and can be used for exercises or as a fidget tool. Addresses sensory seeking behaviors and can help with focus. Available from fitness stores or online. Prices range from $5 to $20.

Vibrating Pillow

A pillow that vibrates to provide calming sensory input. It can help with relaxation and sleep issues. Addresses sensory processing needs. Available from sensory product retailers. Prices range from $30 to $70.

Visual Timer App

A smartphone or tablet app that provides a visual representation of time passing. Addresses difficulties with time management and transitions. Available from app stores. Prices range from free to $5.

Chewy Tube

A handheld chewing tool designed for oral motor needs. It addresses sensory seeking behaviors and can help with focus. Available from therapy supply stores or online. Prices range from $5 to $15 per tube.

Body Sock

A stretchy fabric sack that provides full-body proprioceptive input. It addresses body awareness issues and can be calming. Available from sensory product retailers. Prices range from $30 to $60.

Sensory Brush

A soft-bristled brush used for the Wilbarger Protocol, providing tactile input. It addresses sensory processing issues and can help with body awareness. Available from therapy supply stores. Prices range from $5 to $15.

Liquid Motion Bubbler

A handheld toy with colorful liquid and bubbles that move when tilted. It provides visual stimulation and can be calming. Addresses visual sensory needs. Available from toy stores or online. Prices range from $5 to $15.

Wiggle Seat Cushion

An inflatable cushion that allows for subtle movement while seated. It addresses the need for vestibular input and can improve focus. Available from therapy supply stores or online. Prices range from $15 to $30.

Visual Choice Board

A board with pictures representing different choices, helping with decision-making and communication. Addresses difficulties with verbal communication and choice-making. Can be homemade or purchased from educational supply stores. Prices range from $20 to $40 for pre-made versions.

Weighted Vest

A vest with integrated weights that provides deep pressure throughout the day. It addresses proprioceptive needs and can help with focus and calm. Available from therapy supply companies. Prices range from $40 to $100.

Textured Tangles

A plastic fidget toy with interconnected, rotating pieces and various textures. It addresses the need for tactile stimulation and can help with focus. Available from toy stores or online. Prices range from $5 to $15.

Bubble Tube Lamp

A lamp with bubbles and changing colors that provides visual stimulation. It can be calming and addresses visual sensory needs. Available from sensory product retailers. Prices range from $30 to $200 depending on size.

Sensory Balance Beam

A textured balance beam for developing gross motor skills and providing vestibular input. It addresses motor planning and body awareness issues. Available from therapy supply stores. Prices range from $50 to $150.

Vibrating Pen

A pen that provides subtle vibration while writing, offering tactile feedback. It addresses sensory needs and can help with handwriting. Available from specialty retailers or online. Prices range from $15 to $30.

Emotion Flash Cards

Cards depicting various emotions to help with recognizing and expressing feelings. They address difficulties with emotional recognition and expression. Available from educational supply stores or online. Prices range from $10 to $25 per set.

Tactile Sensory Balls

A set of balls with various textures, sizes, and densities. They provide diverse tactile experiences and can help with sensory exploration. Available from toy stores or therapy supply retailers. Prices range from $15 to $30 for a set.

Visual Sand Timer

A colorful sand timer that provides a visual representation of time passing. It addresses difficulties with time management and transitions. Available from educational supply stores or online. Prices range from $10 to $25.

Compression Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing that provides constant, gentle pressure. It addresses sensory processing issues and can help with body awareness. Available from specialty retailers or adaptive clothing stores. Prices range from $20 to $60 per item.

Sequin Pillow

A pillow covered in reversible sequins that change color when brushed. It provides visual and tactile stimulation. Available from home goods stores or online retailers. Prices range from $15 to $30.

Therapy Swing

A platform swing that can be used indoors for vestibular input. It addresses sensory processing needs and can be calming. Available from therapy supply companies. Prices range from $80 to $200.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Book

A book of picture symbols used to facilitate communication. It addresses difficulties with verbal communication. Available from speech therapy suppliers or can be custom-made. Prices range from $30 to $100 for a complete set.

Weighted Stuffed Animal

A plush toy with added weight that provides comforting deep pressure. It addresses anxiety and can help with sleep issues. Available from sensory product retailers. Prices range from $20 to $50.

Sensory Tent

A small, enclosed space that provides a calm environment with reduced sensory input. It addresses overstimulation and the need for a quiet space. Available from toy stores or online. Prices range from $30 to $100.

Vibrating Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush that provides oral sensory input while promoting dental hygiene. It addresses sensory needs and can make toothbrushing more enjoyable. Available from drugstores or online. Prices range from $5 to $50.

Liquid Floor Tiles

Durable tiles filled with colored liquid that move when stepped on. They provide visual stimulation and tactile feedback. Available from sensory product retailers. Prices range from $20 to $100 per tile, depending on size.

Sensory Sack

A stretchy fabric sack that provides resistance and deep pressure input. It addresses proprioceptive needs and can be calming. Available from therapy supply stores. Prices range from $30 to $70.

Visual Schedule Watch

A smartwatch-like device that displays pictorial schedules. It addresses difficulties with time management and transitions. Available from specialty retailers. Prices range from $50 to $100.

Weighted Pencil

A pencil with added weight to provide more sensory feedback during writing. It addresses fine motor skill development and sensory needs. Available from therapy supply stores. Prices range from $5 to $15 per pencil.

Light Filtering Glasses

Glasses with tinted lenses that reduce visual overstimulation. They address sensitivity to light and can help with focus. Available from optometrists or online. Prices range from $20 to $100.

Textured Seating Disc

A flat, textured cushion that provides tactile input while seated. It addresses sensory seeking behaviors and can improve focus. Available from therapy supply stores. Prices range from $15 to $40.

Calming Scent Diffuser

An essential oil diffuser that releases calming scents. It addresses olfactory sensitivities and can help with relaxation. Available from home goods stores or online. Prices range from $20 to $50.

Sensory Wall Panels

Wall-mounted panels with various textures and interactive elements. They address sensory exploration needs in a contained space. Available from specialty retailers. Prices range from $50 to $200 per panel.

Vibrating Massage Pillow

A small pillow that provides vibrating deep pressure. It addresses sensory processing needs and can be calming. Available from home goods stores or online. Prices range from $20 to $60.

Sensory-Friendly Clothing

Clothing designed without tags, seams, or irritating fabrics. It addresses tactile sensitivities and can improve comfort. Available from adaptive clothing retailers. Prices vary by item, ranging from $15 to $50 per piece.

Interactive Metronome

A computer-based program that helps improve timing and rhythm. It addresses motor planning and coordination difficulties. Available from therapy supply companies. Prices range from $100 to $500 for the complete system.

ASD Kiddo Products

The world of sensory products for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is vast and varied, offering solutions for a wide range of needs and preferences. From calming weighted blankets to engaging fidget toys, and from communication aids to sensory exploration tools, these products aim to support children with ASD in their daily lives. It's important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Parents, caregivers, and therapists should work together to find the most suitable products for each child's individual needs. As research in this field continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective products designed to enhance the lives of children with ASD, promoting their comfort, independence, and overall well-being.