The Role of Fidget Toys and Stress Balls in Autism – Few Valuable Insights
You have to agree that Stress management is a crucial aspect when it comes to dealing with an autistic family member. It is an undeniable fact that successfully raising an autistic child is a real-time hardship. So, as parents or as teachers, you must be trying to decipher newer ways to help the child cope with stress. Yes, it is true that autism is incurable, but that does not mean you cannot help the sufferer to manage some of the associated symptoms.
Irrespective of adults or children, people suffering from autism seem to have several sensory issues. Autistic children become over-sensitive to specific sensory stimuli such as taste, smell, light, the feel of clothes or even excess noise. However, what is astonishing is that there are times when they crave the same.
The unregulated sensory system of a child with autism creates an inability to process information that is being taken in. The equilibrium that rest can overlook is a mandate for them. The balance can be achieved by active avoidance of specific stimuli and active seeking of other stimuli at the same time. Are you confused about what to do in such a situation? Do not worry; you can just use a stress ball. You heard that right! If you have not yet heard of treating autism with stress balls, you should know that there are hundreds of reasonable fidget toy options that work great for autism.
Why Fidget Toys?
You must be wondering when another human being is struggling to manage an autistic family member, how can a fidget toy help. Well, the signs of anxiety and stress are humongous in a child with autism which makes them unable to focus or concentrate. Having something to squeeze or chew with their mouths or to simply occupy their mind can help a great deal, and they can concentrate better on the overflowing feelings and thoughts hovering through their brain.
If you come to think of it, there must have been times when say, for instance, you were brainstorming over an important project, and suddenly your thinking got better when you started chewing on some snack. Yes, fidget toys in case of autistic children work with the same principle. All they need is for their sensory system to become calm by reaching a point of equilibrium. There is a plethora of fidget toy that is available on different websites. However, you need to observe your children or consult an occupational therapist to find out what calms them the best and buy the fidget toy likewise. Only then the autistic child will benefit the most out of it. The key is to follow their lead.
A squishy StingyBall, punching bags or pillows, a Koosh ball, bubble wraps, rubber duck, chewable jewelry, Pilate-style balls to sit on can help manage stress and anxiety in your autistic child.
Please note that the fidget toys must also be altered on a weekly basis. Children might just get bored with the same old toys and lose attention.
Author Bio: Craig Kendell is an Occupational Therapist. He specializes in providing therapy to children with autism. He recommends treating Autism with stress balls. Parents with special children seek his consultation to identify the problem areas and accordingly proceed with necessary treatment.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
