The Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism by Age Group

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When children play, what they’re really doing is learning! Play and learning are intrinsically linked, and children absorb an enormous amount of information in their first few years of life. Though there may be learning differences, the same rule applies to nonverbal autistic children. That’s why it’s essential to have suitable toys for the right age group. We’ve taken the time to seek out helpful toys for nonverbal autism. These toys range from sensory toys that provide outlets for stimming to games designed to teach about feelings and emotions. Read along to learn the best toys for nonverbal autism by age!

Try Goally: Excellent for All Ages

Goally is an AAC app and visual schedule that helps children stick to a routine by earning points for rewards! Now included is a language learning app for kids with autism that models real kids in age-relevant situations. Penny, the forgetful word scientist, needs someone to help her pick the right word blocks. Your child could be the one to help her! Goally uses proven language learning strategies for children. Grow their vocabulary and independence through this interactive app. Watch a tour of our apps below!

Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids

A young child demonstrates brushing teeth on the best tablet for kids by Goally, highlighting a kid-friendly interface.

Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism: 2 to 4 Years Old

When it comes to nonverbal autism, every child’s journey is unique. While typical children may start speaking, reading, and writing around the age of two, nonverbal autistic children may require more time and support. However, it’s important to remember that nonverbal doesn’t mean non-communicative. By providing the right toys and tools, we can help facilitate their communication skills and support their progress. Discovering the best toys for nonverbal autism can be a game-changer, helping them navigate their way towards unlocking their voice and expression.

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Goally

Goally is an exceptional toy designed especially for nonverbal children with autism. This innovative tool offers a host of interactive life skills classes that make learning joyful and engaging. It breaks down complex tasks into simple, understandable steps, which can be incredibly beneficial for autistic children in developing their life skills.

Goally also features a wide range of language learning games tailored for nonverbal kids. These fun-filled games not only serve as an entertaining pastime but also present an intriguing way for children to explore and grasp various aspects of language in a stress-free environment. By combining education with play, Goally offers an effective solution to foster the growth and development of nonverbal autistic children.

Phonics Fun Animal Bus

The Phonics Fun Animal Bus includes every letter of the alphabet on the side of its bright, yellow body. It has four different modes, including…

  • Letter
  • Animal
  • Game
  • Music

When one of the letters is pressed in letter mode, the child hears both the letter and the sound it makes. In animal mode, the bus says the name of an animal that starts with the letter. The bus has two fun songs that it plays and also has a few sensory activities on the top. This toy is perfect for children starting even at nine months up to 4 years.

Read More: Teaching Kids With Autism How to Ride a Bike

Bluey Dance & Play

Dance And Play Bluey is a plush doll that helps children learn new words and songs. She dances, sings, and even plays games from her show when her tummy is pressed. She says over 55 different phrases! Bluey is soft and plush with embroidered details and stands 14″ tall. She’s a great gift for toddlers and preschoolers who love her hit Netflix show and is especially helpful with introducing nonverbal toddlers to new words and phrases.

Touch & Teach Word Book

The Touch & Teach Word Book is an educational toy with touch-sensitive pages to teach children more than 100 words. It has three different modes that are…

  • Words
  • Letters
  • Music

This interactive toy is great for learning new words and songs, but it’s also beneficial for growing those fine motor skills required to point and touch. Pick up this book for children aged 18 months to 4 years!

Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism: 4 to 6 Years Old

Continuing into 4 to 6 years of age, it’s normal for autistic children to struggle with words, sounds, and especially emotions. Look for toys that continue to grow their vocabulary and emotional intelligence.

See & Spell Wooden Educational Toy

This toy made by Melissa & Doug holds 50 plus colorful wooden pieces ready and waiting to be placed into eight 2-sided cutout boards. The puzzles spell 3 to 4-letter words like duck and cow. It comes packaged inside a wooden case for easy transportation and is compact enough for when you’re on the go. See & Spell is good for spelling, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. It’s an engaging, hands-on toy when you want your child to have less screen time. Kids ages 4 to 6 years old will enjoy this puzzle toy.

Wacky Tracks Snap & Click Fidget Toys

Wacky Tracks Fidget Toys have 24 colorful links that snap/click together and make a satisfying sound when they do. They also pivot and lock into five different positions. Wacky tracks are safe, nontoxic toys that promote calmness and reduce stress. These links keep kids’ hands busy snapping and clicking instead of tapping, fidgeting, or continuing bad habits like:

  • Skin picking
  • Nail biting
  • Hair pulling

They are perfect for kids who need to be stimming to focus and pay attention at home or in class. Children may start using this toy as young as 3, and many adults find them soothing as well.

Emotions & Feeling Flashcards for Nonverbal Autism

There’s a large pool to choose from regarding emotions and feelings flashcards. These types of cards are suitable starting at the age of 4 and even younger for nonverbal children who don’t know how to express their emotions. They are also ideal for teaching neurodivergent children how to read facial expressions and body language, which they may not have the natural ability to do. A pack of emotions cards allows parents to play a matching game with their children or allows that child to play the matching game by themselves.


“Which language games will help my kid the fastest?” 👇

Goally’s tablet has some of the top language learning games & apps that help kids learn their first 50 words, practice finger dexterity & fine motor skills, AND communicate with AAC.


Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism: 6 to 8 Years-Old

Social dynamics begin to present themselves even more at this age range. Children are making friends at school and learning to pay attention to teachers. If this is a struggle for a nonverbal child, there are toys and games to help!

Social Skills Group Activity Board Games

Social skills board games help children of all ages learn good social skills and behaviors in an easy and fun way. Race from start to finish learning about…

  • Empathy
  • Friendship
  • Manners
  • Emotions

This board game teaches how to treat others and respond with kindness in situations. It’s great for increasing social awareness for children who that doesn’t come easy for. Kids can start playing as early as 5 years old and onward.

BooTaa 2 Pack Airplane Toys

BooTaa Airplanes are foam plane toys that are good for building and flying. These are 17.5″ and ideal for getting your child moving outside. Let their imaginations soar with their planes as they devise flight and landing scenarios. Since this is a two-pack, children’s social skills can also grow when they share with friends and play together. These can be used at most ages. However, starting around 6 is a good idea since younger children could easily break them.

best toys for nonverbal autism. a girl is playing with her blocks and showing the block to someone.
Read more: What are the Best Autism Sensory Toys?

TheFube is another kind of fidget toy except it’s rated for children 6 and older. It has some weight to it because it’s made of aluminum alloy, which makes it highly durable as well. The smooth surface makes for a nice sensory experience, and it’s made with hinges instead of magnets, which eases concerns. The cube can be folded into different shapes and helps with manual dexterity because of its weight.

Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism: 8 to 10 years old

Movement is essential for growing bodies, and the stimming that comes with autism can be put into good outlets with toys like the ones we’ve listed below. Sensory toys are helpful for peace and safety for changing hormones as well.

Teeter Popper

The teeter popper is an excellent gift for an autistic child that enjoys rocking as a stimming behavior. It tilts side to side, and the bottom has suction cups that make a popping noise as it moves. This toy helps core muscles, improves balance and stability, and grows gross motor skills. It gets kids up and moving and gives them a way to move while focusing. The plastic body holds up to 110 pounds. So, while children as young as three may enjoy the teeter popper, 8-year-olds and beyond will also!

Therapy Swing for Nonverbal Autism

A therapy swing offers many sensory benefits. The tight cocoon makes neurodivergent children feel safe, and the swaying motion scratches the itch of vestibular stimming. When a child needs to calm down, a therapy swing can be their safe place. They can stand, sit, or lay in the soft, sturdy fabric. It’s wonderful for all ages and can hold up to 200 pounds.

Mini or Regular-Sized Trampoline for Nonverbal Autism

Jumping and bouncing is something hyperactive kids want to do. Trampolines give them a safer outlet than jumping the stairs. They develop balance and coordination and provide a nonverbal child with a way to get pent-up energy. During winter, pulling out a mini trampoline is a lifesaver.

Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism

Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.

Final Thoughts on Toys for Nonverbal Autism

We have found these to be the best toys for nonverbal autism. However, they’re not the only ones out there! You know your child better than anyone. What one child finds fascinating, another finds boring, and not all children diagnosed with autism have the same behaviors and symptoms. They must continue learning and growing their mind, muscles, and emotions. Whatever you find helps them do is the best choice for you and your family. While you’re here, check out Goally’s language learning app. Have a toy in mind that didn’t make the list? Leave a comment below!


FAQ’s About the Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism

What are the best toys for kids with nonverbal autism?
Sensory toys, puzzles, art and craft kits, musical instruments, and visual learning aids are typically beneficial for children with nonverbal autism.

How can toys help kids with nonverbal autism?
Toys that encourage interaction, sensory stimulation, and creative play can enhance their communication skills, concentration, and emotional regulation.

What should I consider when choosing toys for my nonverbal autistic child?
Consider their interests, abilities, sensory needs, and the toy's ability to help them develop communication or social skills.

Are digital tools like apps effective for nonverbal autistic kids?
Yes, digital tools like visual schedule, or emotional regulation apps can enhance their learning and communication skills.

Where can I find suitable toys for my child with nonverbal autism?
Specialty stores, online platforms, and toy brands specializing in educational or therapeutic toys for neurodivergent kids are good starting points.

This post was originally published on 9/23/2022. It was updated on 01/04/2024.

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Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps. <br> Website