At-Home Activities & Toys for Children with Autism

Choosing the right activities and toys can make a big difference in your child's development. Here are our BCBA-recommended picks organized by skill area.

Communication & Language

✓Cause-and-effect toys (pop-up animals, push-button toys)
✓Picture communication cards
✓Interactive storybooks
✓Play phones or microphones for imitation

Fine Motor Skills

✓Play-Doh and modeling clay
✓Threading beads
✓Puzzles (start with knob puzzles, progress to jigsaw)
✓Coloring and painting supplies
✓Building blocks and Legos

Sensory Play

✓Kinetic sand
✓Water tables
✓Sensory bins filled with rice or dried beans and hidden objects
✓Bubble machines
✓Weighted lap pads
✓Fidget toys and spinners

Social & Pretend Play

✓Play kitchens and food sets
✓Dollhouses
✓Toy doctor kits
✓Dress-up clothes
✓Board games with simple rules (Candy Land, Hi Ho Cherry-O)

Gross Motor

✓Mini trampolines (great for sensory input)
✓Balance boards
✓Tunnels and tents
✓Ball pits
✓Swings (indoor doorway swings work great)

Tips from your BCBA

Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest.
Follow your child's lead — if they love trains, use trains to teach colors, counting, and turn-taking.
Always join in the play rather than directing it.

Want personalized recommendations?

Schedule a free consultation with the RealPath ABA team for toy and activity recommendations tailored to your child's specific goals.