10 Best Autism Games for Toddlers in 2023

Introduction

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. It can present in a variety of ways, and each child with autism is unique. However, there are some common features that many autistic children share, such as difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Playing games can be a great way to help autistic toddlers develop and learn. Games can help to improve social skills, communication skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and memory skills. They can also provide a fun and engaging way for autistic toddlers to learn new concepts.

In this blog post, we will list 10 of the best autism games for toddlers in 2023. These games are chosen for their educational value, their ability to engage autistic toddlers, and their safety.

Here are 10 of the best autism games for toddlers in 2023:

1. Puzzles: Puzzles are a great way to develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities in autistic toddlers. Various types of puzzles cater to your child’s developmental level.
2. Sorting games: Autistic toddlers can improve object identification and classification skills through sorting games. These games include shape, color, and size sorters.
   • Shape sorters
   • Color sorters
   • Size sorters
   • Sorting toys by type (e.g., animals, vehicles, food)
3. Matching games can help autistic toddlers develop their memory and visual perception skills. Many matching games, such as memory, concentration, and matching puzzles, are available.
   • Memory games
   • Concentration games
   • Matching puzzles
   • Matching games with real objects (e.g., matching socks, matching shoes)
4. Stacking games: Stacking games can help autistic toddlers develop fine motor and spatial reasoning skills. Many types of stacking games are available, such as cups, blocks, and rings.
   • Stacking cups
   • Stacking blocks
   • Stacking rings
   • Stacking toys by type (e.g., stacking animals, stacking vehicles)
5. Building games: Building games can help autistic toddlers develop fine motor skills, spatial reasoning skills, and creativity. Many building games, such as building blocks, construction sets, and LEGO sets, are available.
   • Building blocks
   • Construction sets
   • LEGO sets
   • Building toys by type (e.g., creating a train track, building a house)
6. Sensory games: Sensory games can help autistic toddlers learn to explore and understand their senses. Many types of sensory games are available, such as water tables, sandboxes, and playdough.
   • Water tables
   • Sandboxes
   • Playdough
   • Sensory bins with different textures and materials (e.g., rice, beans, pasta)
7. Musical games can help autistic toddlers develop auditory processing and rhythm skills. Many types of musical games are available, such as dancing games, singing games, and playing musical instruments.
   • Dancing games
   • Singing games
   • Playing musical instruments
   • Listening to music and matching it to different emotions
8. Pretend-play Playing pretend games like doctor kits, kitchen sets, and dress-up clothes can aid in the development of imagination and social skills for autistic toddlers.
   • Doctor kits
   • Kitchen sets
   • Dress-up clothes
   • Playhouses
   • Vehicle toys
9. Cooperative games: Cooperative games, such as board games, card games, and dice games, can help autistic toddlers learn to work together and take turns.
   • Board games for toddlers (e.g., Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders)
   • Card games for toddlers (e.g., Go Fish, Matching Game)
   • Dice games for toddlers (e.g., Hi Ho! Cherry-O, Trouble)
10. Outdoor games: Outdoor games can help autistic toddlers develop their gross motor skills and social skills. Many outdoor games, such as tag, hide-and-seek, and swinging, are available.
    • Tag
    • Hide-and-seek
    • Swinging
    • Playing in the park
    • Riding a tricycle or bike
11. Simple wooden puzzles with 2–4 pieces
12. Peg puzzles
13. Foam puzzles
14. Matching puzzles
15. Puzzle books

When selecting the perfect games for your autistic toddler, it becomes increasingly important to consider games that capture their interests and match their developmental abilities. Such considerations ensure that the activity is engaging and beneficial for their growth.

Autism can involve a unique set of strengths and challenges, and it is vital to recognize that each child is different; what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, games should be tailored to the individual needs of the child. Many autistic toddlers may prefer repetitive activities or may be particularly drawn to visuals. Games with a visual component, like simple puzzles or matching games, can be soothing and stimulating, providing an opportunity for learning through play.

Safety and age appropriateness cannot be stressed enough. Toys with small parts should be avoided to reduce the risk of choking, especially since many toddlers explore their environment through their sense of taste and touch. Large, durable pieces made of non-toxic materials are ideal when selecting games for young children.

In addition, consider incorporating sensory play into your game selection to help toddlers with autism engage their senses. This could include games that involve textures, sounds, and light patterns. Sensory bins filled with rice or beans and various toys can provide a safe, controlled environment for your child to explore different sensory stimuli.

Interactive games that allow for parallel play can also encourage social engagement. These might include games that involve imitation, such as Simon Says, or simple turn-taking games where your child can begin to understand the dynamics of playing with others in a low-pressure setting.

Overall, when choosing games for your autistic toddler, remember to seek out games that are flexible and can be modified to suit your child’s changing needs and abilities. A game that can grow with them as they develop new skills will provide a lasting source of fun and learning. Keep an eye out for games that can be played in multiple ways, are easily paused and resumed, and ones that emphasize the joy of participation over competition. By doing so, you will create a supportive and enjoyable play environment that caters to both the needs and the happiness of your autistic toddler.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and playing games with autistic toddlers:

• Start with simple games and gradually move to more complex ones.
• Choose games that are repetitive and structured, if necessary.
• Adapt the rules of games to fit your child’s needs and interests.
• Break down games into smaller steps and provide support as needed.
• Be patient and encouraging. Play is a process that takes time for autistic toddlers to learn new skills.

FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of playing games for autistic toddlers?

A: Playing games can help autistic toddlers develop their social skills, communication skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and memory skills. Games can also help autistic toddlers learn to explore and understand their senses, develop their imagination and creativity, and work together with others.

Q: What types of games are best for autistic toddlers?

A: The best games for autistic toddlers are repetitive and structured, but they also allow for some creativity and exploration. Games that are too complex or challenging may frustrate autistic toddlers, while games that are too simple may not be engaging enough.

Q: How can I choose suitable games for my autistic toddler?

A: When choosing games for your autistic toddler, it is essential to consider their interests and developmental level. You should also select games that are safe and appropriate for their age. Here are some additional tips for selecting games for autistic toddlers:

• Start with simple games and gradually move to more complex ones.
• Choose games that are repetitive and structured, if necessary.
• Adapt the rules of games to fit your child’s needs and interests.
• Break down games into smaller steps and provide support as needed.
• Be patient and encouraging. Play is a process that takes time for autistic toddlers to learn new skills.

Q: Where can I buy autism games for toddlers?

A: Autism games for toddlers can be purchased at various retailers, including toy stores, online retailers, and specialty stores. You can also find many autism games for toddlers for free online or at your local library.

Q: What are some specific examples of good autism games for toddlers?

A: Here are some specific examples of good autism games for toddlers:

• Puzzles
• Sorting games
• Matching games
• Stacking games
• Building games
• Sensory games
• Musical games
• Pretend play games
• Cooperative games
• Outdoor games

Q: How can I play games with my autistic toddler?

A: When playing games with your autistic toddler, it is essential to be patient and supportive. Start by introducing simple games and gradually work up to more complex ones. Adapt the rules of games to fit your child’s needs and interests. Break down games into smaller steps and provide support as needed. Most importantly, have fun! Playing games is a great way to bond with your child and help them develop essential skills.