For children with hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to stimulation, like many kids with autism or ADHD, the main course of action is to seek therapy. But what if there were a way to help your kids cope with their Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at home and in the classroom?

Chewable toys for children with autism can help provide the extra input they need to calm down or focus. These products are often made of silicone, rubber, or another soft material that’s safe to chew on; they act as a more sanitary alternative to chewing on clothes, fingers, or other objects that may not be clean.

Here, we will walk through the best process for choosing a chewable toy for your child with autism, as well as the different types of chewable toys available.

Autism Chewable Toys for Sensory Issues

Did you know that as many as 40 percent of kids with autism are also diagnosed with anxiety? The two tend to go hand-in-hand, which is why many parents choose to seek out chewable toys for their children; they provide excellent relief for overstimulation caused by stress.

This is a much better option for kids than chewing on clothes or other objects. Random items can hold all sorts of germs, and they’re often not as durable as chewable toys, which are made to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Chewable toys can also help provide a sense of calm for kids who have difficulty sitting still or focusing. The act of chewing helps release dopamine in the brain, which can have a calming effect. Chewable jewelry is a popular option for kids who need to fidget; it’s less likely to cause a disturbance than other fidgets, like spinners or worry stones.

Related: Autism and Anxiety

Often, children most suited to chewable toys are sensory seekers; in other words, they crave extra input to help them feel balanced. If your child is constantly on the move, seems unable to sit still, or is always touching things, they may be a sensory seeker.

Other signs that your child may benefit from chewable toys include:

• Mouthing objects frequently
• Excessive chewing or biting
• Picking at skin or nails
• Hair twirling or pulling

Sensory seekers aren't the only children to benefit from chewable toys, but they often require the most immediate intervention – especially if they have dangerous tendencies, like chewing dirt or swallowing toxic objects.