Autism and Stuffed Animals: How Do They Help?

For many autistic individuals, comfort is a soft and cuddly source of security, and autism and stuffed animals can be a great match.

One common source of comfort could be the famous stuffed animals that give emotional solace and can work quite effectively as sensory tools to amplify the well-being of an autistic individual.

Whether a child clutches their favorite cuddly toy or an autistic adult finds comfort in some sort of ‘weighted’ object, these soft companions offer much more than a cozy presence in everyday life.

The role of stuffed animals in autism

Stuffed animals have become a major source of significance for many on the autism spectrum. These inanimate objects can be very calming, helping reduce anxiety and stress in overwhelming situations.

For example, in an environment such as a mall, where autistic individuals can become easily overwhelmed by too much noise or too many people, the act of holding a stuffed animal can be comforting.

These become the well-worn companions for many autistic children and supply much-needed stability or predictability. This can be essential, especially for children who have difficulty navigating changes in routine.

These objects might help fulfill the need for repetitive behaviors and a familiar texture, which can make a new or challenging situation feel more manageable.

They also help with the development of social skills by letting the autistic child role-play with other children or their family in playful ways.

Stuffed animals have great sensory regulation benefits. Many autistic people have stronger sensory sensitivities, which can be very important for tactile experiences.

The feel of a plush toy can be a gentle sensory experience that may soften a person during times of anxiety or overload. Weighted stuffed animals are probably among the most effective therapy tools for autism.

These toys are designed to match the calming sensation associated with deep-pressure therapy, a technique often utilized to help autistic individuals regulate sensory input.

With the calming sensation, weighted stuffed animals provide a comforting pressure that may ease nerves and make a person feel more secure.

This is particularly helpful during times of stress, making these tools especially useful for both children and autistic adults.

Other benefits of stuffed animals for autistic individuals

Apart from the regulation and comfort, there are numerous other benefits that stuffed animals give to autistic individuals. Plush toys also encourage imaginative and creative play in children.

Many autistic children do have rich inner worlds, and stuffed animals may be integral parts of imaginative playing as they act out social situations or create scenarios that make sense.

In addition, stuffed animals could help with emotional regulation. Children who have difficulties understanding or processing emotions might find their fluffy friends an easier way to express those emotions.

For example, a child may say, “Teddy is sad,” as opposed to, “I am sad.” This allows the child to improve their communication skills and also allows the parents to interact better.

Are there any negative sides to stuffed animals for autism?

Though stuffed animals have many advantages, there are certain disadvantages, too.

The first negative aspect is the over-dependency on that object for soothing strategies. Autistic people may rely on their comfort item or transitional object too much.

This may reduce their self-soothing capabilities when that object may not be accessible in some public venues or social settings.

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The second issue is hygiene. A frequently used soft toy can gather dust, dirt, or allergens inside it. This can affect the health of a person every time it is used, especially for those with other sensitivities.

For example, stuffed toys can be fun and a great way to improve social skills. However, if a child takes their stuffed toy to school for their peers to play with on the playground, the toy will be exposed to numerous germs.

This points to the importance for families to clean these objects regularly to maintain their safety and usefulness.

Adults with autism and stuffed animals

Sometimes, these stuffed animal relationships can extend into adulthood. For many adults on the autism spectrum, comfort, emotional security, and sensory regulation may still come from cuddly toys.

Holding or sleeping with a stuffed animal can be an effective way to manage anxiety, especially in stressful situations like medical appointments or travel.

Autistic adults often still face social stigma due to their attachment to stuffed animals. Society tends to view stuffed animals as something one should ‘outgrow’ in adulthood, leading to judgment from others.

Despite this fact, many autistic adults understand the value these objects bring to their lives. The attachment to them is healthy and serves effectively in carrying out self-regulation.

Choosing the right stuffed animal for autistic individuals

Finding the proper stuffed animal for an autistic person has much to do with the individual’s sensory needs.

Weighted stuffed animals would be great for those who seek deep-pressure input, and hypoallergenic materials would be perfect for those sensitive to dust or fabrics.

A durable toy, on the other hand, can take repetitions without wearing out. This is important since individuals with attachments may have them for long periods of time.

Safety considerations for stuffed animals

While stuffed animals can offer numerous benefits, it’s important to be mindful of a few considerations. Here are some precautions to consider:

• Pay attention to sensory sensitivities: Consider your autistic loved one’s sensitivities, such as their issue with textures and fabrics. It’s crucial to select stuffed animals made from materials that are comfortable and non-irritating for the individual.
• Be aware of potential allergies: Stuffed animals often accumulate dust, pet hair, and other allergens. It’s important to clean them regularly, so machine-washable stuffed animals may be the most practical choice.
• Be cautious of small parts: Small parts, such as buttons or plastic eyes, can pose a choking hazard. Ensure that all elements are securely fastened and appropriate for the individual’s developmental level. If possible, try to avoid stuffed animals with small parts altogether.
• Be careful with weighted stuffed animals: Weighted toys can provide comfort, but they should be avoided for infants or young children due to choking and suffocation risks. Always consult a doctor before using weighted items, especially if your child has conditions like epilepsy, breathing issues, or any chronic illnesses.
• Pay attention to the toy’s weight: If you’re choosing a weighted stuffed animal, ensure the weight does not exceed 10% of the individual’s body weight. The weight should feel comforting, not restrictive or overwhelming. If the person feels hot, trapped, or uncomfortable, it may indicate that the weight is too heavy.
• Encourage healthy boundaries: While emotional attachment to a favorite stuffed animal can provide comfort, it’s important to monitor how dependent the person becomes on it. Healthy boundaries ensure that the individual doesn’t become overly reliant on the toy for coping.

The lasting comfort of stuffed companions

For many autistic individuals, these can be more than comfort objects. They help them regulate their emotions and provide much-needed sensory input throughout their lives.

Families and caregivers need to be aware that these inanimate objects can play a deep role in equipping them with the necessary tools to go through many of life’s daily challenges.

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Be it teaching a child to interact with other children through their plush companion or helping an adult through stressful environments, one can never deny the importance of soft, familiar friends.

By understanding their place in the lives of autistic individuals, we all become more considerate and supportive of their needs.

FAQs

Q: Do autistic kids like weighted stuffed animals?

A: Autistic children often like weighted stuffed animals, which provide the required calming pressure to regulate sensory function and reduce anxiety.

Q: What toys do autistic kids love?

A: Many autistic children enjoy the pleasures of sensory-based playthings, such as fidget toys, stuffed animals, and other objects that can help regulate their senses.

Q: Why is my child obsessed with stuffed animals?

A: Your child may be obsessed with stuffed animals because autistic children can develop a strong attachment to them. This is due to the sensory comfort and emotional security they provide, acting as a coping mechanism in stressful situations.

Q: At what age should kids stop having stuffed animals?

A: There is no exact age. For an autistic person, continuing a bond with stuffed animals into adulthood can be both healthy and beneficial.

References

Barton, E. E., & Pavilanis, R. (2012). Teaching Pretend Play to Young Children with Autism. Young Exceptional Children, 15(1), 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096250611424106

Golem D, Eck KM, Delaney CL, Clark RL, Shelnutt KP, Olfert MD, Byrd-Bredbenner C. “My stuffed animals help me”: the importance, barriers, and strategies for adequate sleep behaviors of school-age children and parents. Sleep Health. 2019 Apr;5(2):152-160. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2018.11.003. Epub 2019 Jan 11. PMID: 30928115.

Seo, J.H., Aravindan, P. (2015). Designing Interactive Soft Toys for Children with Autism to Improve Communications Through Sensory Relaxation. In: Stephanidis, C. (eds) HCI International 2015 – Posters’ Extended Abstracts. HCI 2015. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 528. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21380-4_66

Tseng KC, Tseng SH, Cheng HY. Design, development, and clinical validation of therapeutic toys for autistic children. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jul;28(7):1972-80. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1972. Epub 2016 Jul 29. PMID: 27512246; PMCID: PMC4968488.

Yu J, Yang Z, Sun S, Sun K, Chen W, Zhang L, Xu J, Xu Q, Liu Z, Ke J, Zhang L, Zhu Y. The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: a brief review. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 15;15:1333015. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333015. PMID: 38686123; PMCID: PMC11056563. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11056563/#s3:~:text=The%20higher%20weight%20of%20weighted%20blankets%20may%20cause%20pain%2C%20anxiety%2C%20and%20panic%20to%20a%20few%20children%20(33%2C%2073).%20In%20general%2C%20children%20under%203%20years%20of%20age%20or%20weighing%20less%20than%2050%20pounds%20should%20not%20use%20weighted%20blankets%20due%20to%20the%20risk%20of%20suffocation%20or%20entrapment