Finding the Perfect Toys: A Journey Through the Aisles for Children with Autism

Finding the right toys can be daunting for any parent. This task is especially challenging when your child has autism. Shannon Penrod and Nancy Allspa Jackson invite you to join them. They embark on a heartwarming adventure through a Toys R Us in Porter Ranch, California. They are discovering treasures that bring both joy and development to children on the spectrum.

The Discovery Begins

“We’ve been looking for toys like these for a long time.” Shannon whispers to Nancy as they enter the brightly lit store. The Christmas season is in full swing around them.

The two mothers navigate the aisles with purpose. Their eyes scan each shelf with the practiced expertise that comes only from raising children with special needs. They’re not just shopping—they’re on a mission to find toys that would make meaningful gifts for children with autism.

Timeless Treasures: Melissa and Doug

Their first stop reveals a collection of Melissa and Doug toys, with a shape sorter catching Shannon’s eye immediately.

“This is perfect for beginners,” she says, running her fingers along the smooth wooden edges. “Safe, educational, and durable enough to withstand years of play.”

Nancy nods in agreement. “And no small parts to worry about,” she adds. She knows the concerns that come with toy safety for children who might put items in their mouths.

All Aboard with Thomas & Friends

As they turn the corner, Shannon’s face lights up at the sight of the Thomas & Friends display.

“My son was obsessed with Thomas,” she shares, picking up one of the trains. “These are fantastic for children with autism. The characters have such pronounced facial expressions. This helps them understand emotions in a way that can be difficult in real life.”

They spend time exploring the various characters and train sets. They discuss how the tactile nature of connecting the tracks can help with fine motor skills. The storytelling aspect also encourages language development.

Affordable Quality in the Imaginarium

“Have you seen the Imaginarium aisle yet?” Nancy asks, guiding Shannon toward a section filled with quality toys at accessible prices.

Here, they find a treasure trove for sensory play. It includes textured balls and shape sorters that light up and play music. There are pretend-play kitchens and fine motor skill toys that challenge without frustrating.

“The beauty of these toys is that they grow with your child,” Shannon observes. “They can be enjoyed at different developmental stages in different ways.”

Games That Connect

Their final stop takes them to a section filled with games designed for interactive play.

“‘Guess Who’ was a breakthrough for us,” Nancy shares. “It helped my daughter practice asking questions and understanding features—skills that were challenging for her.”

They also explore “Headbands and intricate maze games like “Perplexus” that promote problem-solving and patience.

“These games are more than fun—they’re bridges,” Shannon explains. “They create opportunities for connection and learning that might otherwise be difficult to establish.”

The Journey Home

As they check out, Shannon and Nancy share a knowing look. Their carts are filled not just with toys, but with potential for growth and joy. They’ve found more than Christmas presents. They’ve discovered tools. These tools will help their children and others navigate their unique paths of development.

“The right toy can open up a whole world,” Shannon says as they load their cars.

Nancy smiles. “And today, we found quite a few worlds to explore.”

For parents of children with autism, the journey to find the right toys is ongoing. Guides like Shannon and Nancy assist. Stores that cater to various needs also help. This support makes the journey a little easier. It becomes a lot more hopeful, one toy at a time.