Best Toys for Children with Special Needs: A Guide

Quick answer: The best toys for children with special needs are the ones that match the child's goals, not just their age. Look for toys that build one skill at a time (communication, fine motor, sensory regulation, social or emotional skills), can be played together with an adult, and can grow with the child.

How to choose toys for a child with special needs

1. Start with the goal. Is the focus talking and listening, hand skills, calming down, turn-taking or understanding feelings? One clear goal makes the choice much easier.
2. Match the child's developmental level, not the age on the box. A ten-year-old may still get the most from a simple picture game, and that's fine.
3. Look for more than one way to play. Toys that can be used several ways (a game board, a set of cards, a ball with questions) stay useful for longer.
4. Think about the senses. Some children are bothered by noise, bright lights or certain textures. Others need extra movement or pressure. Choose toys that suit the child's sensory profile.
5. Check safety. Avoid small parts for children who still mouth objects, and choose sturdy, wipeable materials where possible.
6. Choose toys you can play together. Adult-child play is where most of the learning happens, especially for language and social skills.

Best toys by need

Communication and language

Games that give children a reason to talk, ask and answer questions work well, especially when they use pictures.

• Chipper Chat: a magnetic chip game that can be used with almost any speech or language target.
• MagneTalk Match Up Adventures Kit: a barrier game that builds listening and describing skills.
• Webber Photo Cards – WH Questions: real photos for practising who, what, where, when and why. See the full WH questions games range.
• Word Flips: a flip book for children working on clearer speech, often used with apraxia.

Sensory and calming

For children who seek or avoid sensory input, the right tool can make it easier to settle and join in.

• Sensory Sampler Bundle: a mix of textures and fidgets to find out what a child likes.
• Yogarilla "Otis" Weighted Neck Wrap: gentle deep pressure for calming.
• Lego Brick Chewing Necklace: a safe option for children who need to chew.
• Calm Down Cards: simple strategies children can choose from when they feel overwhelmed.

Read more in our guide: What are sensory toys?

Fine motor skills

Toys that involve pinching, tracing and controlled hand movements build the strength and control needed for writing and self-care.

• Fine Motor Fun Deck and Pre-Handwriting Fun Deck: quick, structured activities for therapy or home.
• My First Learn to Write Workbook: tracing practice for letters and numbers.
• Easy Buttoning & Zip Puller: a practical aid for building independence with dressing.

Browse all fine motor toys.

Gross motor and body awareness

• Sensory Massage Balance Ball: balance and core work with tactile input.
• Move Your Body Thumball: a throw-and-catch ball with movement prompts.
• Body Awareness Fun Deck: activities to help children understand where their body is in space.

Social skills

• Social Skills Chipper Chat: turn-taking practice built into every turn.
• Hidden Rules: Friends: explains the unwritten social rules many children find confusing.
• Talkabout for Children: a structured social communication program.

See the full social skills games range.

Emotions and self-regulation

• Feelings Detective: a matching game for recognising emotions.
• Stop, Relax & Think: a board game for impulse control.
• What Zone Are You In? Poster: a visual check-in for home or the classroom.

Attention and focus

Quiet fidgets and movement tools such as chair bands can help some children stay focused. For more ideas, see our guide to toys for kids with attention issues.

Tips for getting the most from play

• Keep sessions short. Five to ten focused minutes is often better than a long session that ends in frustration.
• Follow the child's lead. Let them choose between two toys and build on what interests them.
• Model, don't quiz. Describe what you are doing and what you see, rather than asking question after question.
• Repeat favourites. Children with additional needs often learn best through repetition, so it's fine to play the same game many times.
• Celebrate small steps. Notice effort and progress, not just the end result.

Frequently asked questions

What are good toys for children with special needs?
Toys that target a clear skill, such as communication games, sensory and calming tools, fine motor activities and social skills games, and that can be played together with an adult.

How do I choose a toy for an autistic child?
Think about the child's interests and sensory preferences first. Many autistic children enjoy predictable, visual games and sensory tools. Picture-based social and emotion games can also help. See our autism resources.

Are NDIS funds able to be used for toys?
That depends on the participant's plan and goals. Check with the plan manager, support coordinator or therapist before buying.

Should I ask a therapist before buying?
If a child sees a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or psychologist, they can recommend toys that match current therapy goals, so play at home supports the work done in sessions.

Browse our full range of special needs toys and resources, with delivery across Australia and New Zealand.

This article is general information. For advice about a particular child, speak with their health or education team.