Autism is a complex developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Enter any toy store and you’ll likely encounter bright lights, sensory-rich displays and, especially during the Christmas holiday season—too-loud music. This can be very stressful and even overwhelming for those with autism and similar conditions.
Does your child have sensory issues? Here’s how they can still enjoy shopping this holiday season.
Toy stores are toning down sights and sounds for autistic children
However, several toy manufacturers and many individual toy stores have begun to recognize the need for toys and store environments that accommodate the needs of children with autism. For example, Hasbro now offers tips on how parents can teach autistic children to play with Mr. Potato Head or a My Little Pony play set. A Toys R Us in Pennsylvania turned off its music for several hours and even turned its break room into a quiet zone. The 100 Toys R Us stores in the United Kingdom have offered similar events for years and the plan is to host similar events in the 900 stores in the U.S.
Diming the lights and turning off the music can help some autistic kids, but others may still be affected by a big space, says Dr. Eileen Crehan, a postdoctoral fellow at the autism program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She’s noticed that movie theaters and ballparks are also offering sensory-friendly days. “It’s sort of catching on,” says Dr. Crehan.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Children with autism have specific needs that are currently unmet by most toy stores.
- Some stores such as Toys R Us have events where the music is turned off and the break room is converted into a quiet zone for autistic children.
- Toy makers such as Hasbro and Melissa and Doug offer information on how autistic children can play with their products.
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