Safe and Effective Sensory Chew Toys for Autistic Children – Review

Yes, they can be cleaned with hot soapy water or placed on the top shelf of a dishwasher.

No, they are free of BPA, lead, PVC, and phthalates, making them safe for children to use.

Benefits of Using Sensory Chew Toys for Children with Autism

Sensory chew toys are invaluable tools for children with autism, providing numerous benefits that aid in their daily lives. These toys are designed to meet the unique sensory needs of autistic children, helping them manage stress, improve focus, and develop essential motor skills. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Chewing can be a calming activity for children with autism, especially when they are overstimulated. Sensory chew toys provide a safe outlet for this behavior, helping reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.

2. Improving Focus and Concentration

Chewing can enhance concentration and focus, particularly in environments with competing stimuli. Sensory chew toys provide the proprioceptive input needed to help children maintain attention, whether in a classroom setting or during therapy sessions.

3. Encouraging Self-Soothing and Self-Regulation

Sensory chew toys help autistic children learn to self-soothe and regulate their emotions. This can lead to improved behavior, fewer meltdowns, and reduced feelings of frustration and overwhelm.

4. Promoting Healthy Chewing Habits

Sensory chew toys prevent children from chewing on unsafe objects like pencils, clothing, or even their fingers by providing a safe and appropriate outlet for chewing. This encourages healthier and safer chewing behaviors.

5. Strengthening Oral Motor Skills

Chewing on sensory toys can aid in developing oral motor skills and strengthen facial muscles. This is particularly beneficial for children with low muscle tone, as it can improve speech development, eating, and drinking abilities.

6. Providing a Sensory Filter

The rhythmic motion of chewing acts as a sensory filter, helping to reduce hyperactivity and support self-regulation. This allows children to better navigate various environments by providing a calming effect on the sensory system.

7. Assisting with Transitions and Organization

Chewing provides proprioceptive input, which is known to be calming and organizing. This can help children manage transitions throughout the day more smoothly and with less anxiety.

8. Enhancing Social Skills and Reducing Social Anxiety

Children can feel more comfortable in social settings by managing stress and anxiety levels through chewing. This can improve social skills and interactions, making children less anxious and more relaxed.

9. Teaching Parents About Their Child’s Needs

Observing a child’s use of sensory chew toys can provide valuable insights into their unique sensory needs. This can help parents anticipate and better prepare for situations that may cause stress or anxiety for their child.

Here are some key tips for choosing the right sensory chew toy for your child:

1. Consider your child’s specific sensory needs:

• Evaluate what types of sensory input your child seeks or avoids
• Observe if they prefer certain textures, shapes, or levels of resistance when chewing

2. Think about the intended use:

• Will it be used mainly at home, school, or on-the-go?
• Does your child need something discreet or more obvious?

3. Assess chewing intensity:

• Determine if your child is a light, moderate, or aggressive chewer
• Choose a toy with appropriate durability for their chewing strength

4. Look at safety features:

• Ensure it’s made of food-grade, BPA-free materials
• Check that it’s an appropriate size to prevent choking hazards

5. Consider sensory preferences:

• Choose colors, shapes, and textures your child finds appealing
• Some children prefer smooth surfaces while others like textured options

6. Factor in age-appropriateness:

• Select designs suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage

7. Evaluate ease of cleaning:

• Opt for toys that are easy to wash and sanitize regularly

8. Consider versatility:

• Look for options that can be worn as jewelry or attached to clothing if needed

9. Start with variety:

• Try a few different options to see what works best for your child

10. Consult professionals:

An occupational therapist can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs