Toy Guide For Children with ADHD and Autism

Experts in neurodivergence share their toy ideas for learning and development.

Leading experts specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions including Clinical Psychologists Dr Selina Warlow - founder of The Nook Clinic - and Dr Eleanor Burch, Speech and Language Therapists Emma Ahern and Harriet Hunter and Occupational Therapist Sacha Clark, have come up with the ultimate toy suggestions to support children with ADHD and autism.

When it comes to choosing toys, Dr Warlow says: “My advice would be to consider which aspect of the condition is the biggest challenge, and pick something to match their personal needs. If they struggle with focus, then a watch or timer could be incredibly useful to help them countdown during a particular task.’

‘Perhaps someone has lots of energy to release - in this case, something which helps them physically, like a trampoline or a piece of exercise equipment. On the other hand, if the person you are choosing a toy for has recently been diagnosed, a book which helps them to understand and learn about their condition would make a considerate option.”

Toy suggestions for Children with ADHD

Help identify feelings

Start conversations about emotions with The Mood Flip book, a useful tool to help children make positive choices for coping, including asking for help, deep breathing and talking about feelings. Facial expressions depict a range of feelings and moods that can be matched to the child's state of being.

The MoodFlip Book, £10.26 from Wordery.com

Sensory timer to help focus

People with ADHD think about time differently and may suffer with procrastination, disorganisation and commonly have wandering minds, which can make time management a particularly difficult concept to master. Children with ADHD often struggle to focus, but a Spiral Liquid Tube Timer is a fun way to help centre their attention on tasks in five minute bursts.

Spiral Liquid Tube Timer, £6.99 from TinknStink.co.uk

Journal to promote happiness

Children with ADHD can struggle with self-esteem, so a journal where they can map their feelings and develop positive habits makes an incredibly thoughtful gift. The Happyself Journal, which has a junior version for those aged 6-12, and one for teens aged 12+ helps young people to develop life skills including mindfulness, self-belief and emotional awareness.

The Happyself Journal, £24.90 from HappySelfJournal.com

Book that promotes the positivity of ADHD

ADHD is our Superpower is a fantastic book which helps children to see the strengths in their condition, building confidence. It also gives guidance to parents, recommending tasks to help support their little ones. It introduces characters who display different ADHD traits, allowing children to relate to them and recognise similarities in their own behaviours.

ADHD is our Superpower, £10.99 from SENBooks.co.uk

Sensory toy to help calm the mind

Kinetic sand is great for children with ADHD as it helps to calm the nervous system, mind and body. The sand has a unique consistency, so children who prefer sensory stimulation can squeeze it to help increase focus during challenging tasks. It also doesn’t create a mess… an added bonus for adults too!

Kinetic sand, 13.99 from SmythsToys.com

Toy suggestions for Children with Autism

Vibrating massage toy to promote calm

The Vibrating Snake offers therapeutic vibrations and proprioceptive stimulation, helping children with autism calm down, relax, and feel more comfortable in their bodies. It can be wrapped around the body and clipped to help hold the snake in shape.

The Vibrating Snake, £30.54 from RhinoUK.com

Weighted cuddle toy to soothe anxiety

Weighted toys are great for people with autism as they promote Deep Pressure Touch (DPT), a form of relaxation that works by applying pressure to the body. The Weighted Soothing Sloth is perfect for children and can also be personalised for that extra special touch.

Weighted Soothing Sloth, start at £37.99 from SensoryHugs.co.uk

An emotional support toy to banish worries

The Worry Yummy is a cute little monster with a zipper mouth where children can write down or draw a picture of what is upsetting them and then put it in the toy's mouth, meaning the monster eats their worries away. This is great for children with autism who can struggle with their emotions. There is also a keyring version meaning they can be clipped to a bag and taken anywhere.

Worry Yummy, £12.99 from WorryYummy.co.uk

Multi sensory gel to explore feelings

Happy Senso Gel stimulates multiple senses. You can hear, feel, smell and see it, and there is also a cooling effect on the skin. This sensory product is great for children with autism who can explore the different textures, consistencies, and temperatures of the gel using their hands, fingers, or feet.

Happy Senso Gel, £34.00 for a set of four from Southpaw.co.uk

Rocking chair to help regulate emotions

The rhythmic motion of rocking provides peace and comfort to those with autism, helping to ground and regulate emotions. Rocking chairs provide a sanctuary for children where they can find comfort, balance and calm. They can also be used in therapy sessions and during the bedtime routine.

Rainbow rocking chair, £49.99 from TheRange.co.uk