Fun in the Car: The Best Car Toys for Kids with Autism

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If you didn't know, April is Autism Acceptance Month. Led by the Autism Society, the month is dedicated to cultivating acceptance and bringing awareness to those with autism. Since 2013 the presence of sensory sensitivities has been used to help diagnose autism. Research has suggested that sensory-focused toys can provide children with a way to develop their senses in a safe and natural environment using play. Perhaps more importantly, toys are simply fun.

Last year around this time our parent company Hearst donated over $22 million in grants to organizations including Autism Speaks. Here at Autoweek, we've assembled a list of car-related toys specifically for kids with sensory sensitivities. From fun sounds and colors to puzzles that will allow your child to organize and express their creativity, here is a list of our favorite car-related toys for the budding auto enthusiast with autism.

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Things To Consider

Sensory Features

Choose toys that engage multiple senses and provide different tactile, visual, auditory, and proprioceptive experiences. Look for toys with interesting textures, bright colors, soothing sounds, or distinctive shapes that can stimulate and engage the child's sensory processing.

Safety and Durability

Prioritize toys that are durable, non-toxic, and free from small parts or choking hazards. Ensure that the toys are sturdy enough to withstand rough handling and play while also being safe for the child to use independently.

Educational Value

Choose toys that promote learning, creativity, and skill development. Look for toys that encourage problem-solving, imaginative play, social interaction, and motor-skills development, such as building sets, art supplies, pretend-play props, or sensory tools.

Best Car Toys for Kids with Autism

Line Up Sensory Toys Playset

The Line Up Playset is perfect for kids who love to line up or sort things. The set features 20 cars made from quality metal including Jeeps, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. The cars come in five distinct colors and the set includes a fold-up parking lot and line-up strips, giving your child a challenging new way to line up their toys. Additionally, the set comes with a carrying case and number stickers so kids can line up by numbers.

Recommended for children ages three and up.

Light Up Transparent Sensory Car

This car from ArtCreativty offers a dazzling array of lights, colors, and sounds while giving your child several ways to play. The three-mode power switch allows the car to be completely off, illuminate the lights only, or jump into motion along with its lights. Once the car is in motion, the Bump N' Go Mechanism allows it to stay in motion by changing directions when it comes in contact with a barrier.

If you don't think the shape of this car will get your little one going, maybe they'll like the transparent sensory race car, SUV, train, or plane.

Recommended for children ages three and up.

Magnetic Build-a-Car Toy Play Set

The Magnetic Build-a-Car set encourages imaginative play thanks to its 11 distinct pieces that are made to form six different vehicles: a coupe, sedan, pickup, crew cab truck, sporty SUV, and standard SUV. The large magnetic pieces snap together easily providing a durable play experience that's also safe.

Recommended for children ages three and up.

Wooden Stack & Count Parking Garage

Melissa & Doug is a brand known for nicely made wooden toys for young children. The Stack & Count Parking Garage is great for kids who like to sort and stack. The garage comes with 10 wooden cars in distinct colors and a bonus Scratch Art Mini-Pad. The garage itself features a color-coordinated sliding counter that helps stimulate mathematical thinking.

Recommended for children ages three and up.