Discussing Autism

I discovered yesterday that what calms AJ most is visual therapy, not proprioceptive or vestibular. This is quite contrary to what we have been told or have been doing…interesting? It was sure interesting to me, as I thought he was always visually stimming. Well, perhaps he is in his own sort of way but he is stimming to calm himself.

Today I went in search of some stocking stuffers to fill that little stocking of his (which, by the way, he pulled off the mantle yesterday and learned the hard way that stocking metal stocking holders really hurt).

I found this incredible site called Playworks. They have several categories of toys…Manipulatives, Special Needs Toys, Early Toys, And Others (of course). Playworks specializes in Special Needs toys…in helping children cope with the stressors of everyday life. They specifically state: “All Special Needs Toys enhance child development, allowing children with diverse abilities to experience a variety of sensory feedback and stimulation. Distraction Toys also provide relief from stress and enhance a child’s ability to cope.”

On this page, Playworks describes each of the functions of their special needs toys: distraction, light up, light and sound, sound, texture, oral motor, and multipurpose. Keep in mind, though, that some of these toys are stimulating, not calming. for example, the Meteor Storm is going to stimulate while the Rainbow Waterfall should be calming.

I ordered the Rainbow Waterfall for AJ because when he had his MRI two years ago (and they could not put him under) they sent him to Children’s Hospital in Detroit for full anesthesia. While preparing him for the sedation his anxiety kicked in and they used this toy to help calm him. I had seen things like it in doctor’s offices before but never knew what they were. It calmed him completely. (Interesting that Playworks works with Child Life Council, an organization that works with hospitals and children).

Since then I have been on the search to find one but did not know the name. Finally, I found this site and am grateful. I’m sure I will return for items like the Zorf Ball, The Find It Games, the Gertie Ball (AJ has a similar one and it is his favorite ball), Wiki Stix, some Farm Sticks for Pincher Grasps.

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