Buying birthday presents for children can be joyful, but when your child is autistic, non-verbal, globally delayed, and unable to tell you what they want, it comes with a very different kind of mental load.

Our son recently turned four. He’s autistic and non-verbal, with developmental delays across the board, but he’s also bright, determined and full of personality. He knows what he likes, even if he doesn’t always show it in the ways we’re used to. His main interests right now are numbers and letters. He’s memorised the alphabet and can spot numbers a mile off. He also seeks out physical movement, climbing, spinning, bouncing, anything that helps him feel grounded.

This year’s birthday gifts reflect both those interests and his sensory needs. I’m sharing them here not because we got everything right, but because I know how hard it can be to come up with ideas , especially when you’re doing it with no clear signals from your child.

The pressure to get it “right”

As the primary caregiver, I usually carry the task of birthday prep. Family often ask what he needs, what he’s into, what he might enjoy. And the truth is, I don’t always know. I have hunches, observations and guesses, but I can’t ask him directly. That responsibility to “get it right” can weigh heavy. Little tip – if your child attends any sort of nursery/pre-school type setting, ask their keyworker the types of toys that they really enjoy in nursery. If you can replicate that at home, they’ll likely be delighted. I know my boy loves jigsaws and toys with ‘bits’ in nursery so he can line them up.

So I wanted to write this blog for parents like me, who are doing their best with limited clues, looking for real examples and honest reassurance.

What to Buy a Non-Verbal Autistic 4-Year-Old: Our Real Gift List

🧠 Letters and Numbers

• BigJigs Counting Tray – I know I’m going to regret this toy when it comes to tidying up with 100 little cubes to put back into place but it’s actually quite hard to find toys with numbers that go beyond 20 – so this is amazing
• Number pop it toy – Combines sensory satisfaction with a love of numbers. Once again, this is numbers up to 100 which I know he’ll really enjoy. This is a great one for travel too, I can see this one being used in the car.
• Leapfrog toy tablet – He already has a toy laptop with numbers and letters that ‘talk’ when pressed, so I know this will be another firm favourite. His interest in play like this makes me suspect he may be able to use an AAC device one day.
• Numbers and shapes book – A great one for little hands, I think this book will be enjoyed in the car soon. A good way to practice our pointing skills too.

🌀 Sensory and Movement Toys

• Indoor mini trampoline – Sturdy and low-noise, great for energy release indoors. This one folds which gives us more options for toy rotation and hiding out of sight.

🧸 Other Thoughtful Gifts

• Plastic letters for our light box – He’s been using a light box at a local soft play centre so I’ll dig our one out and team it up with these lovely plastic letters
• Yoto Cards – Asking family for Yoto cards at special occasions is a great way to add new cards to our collection and a different way to experience the stories.

Most of these items came from Amazon or specialist sensory shops. We choose toys that can be used flexibly and don’t rely on traditional play styles. (Please note – the links above are Amazon Affiliate links and I do make a tiny percentage if you click any of the links and go on to buy something from Amazon)

We don’t do cake, and that’s fine

One of the things we no longer try to force is cake. It’s not that our son doesn’t like sweet food, he loves chocolate, but he’s never liked the texture of cake. We’ve offered different types and flavours, and he’s always rejected them.

So we stopped trying. There’s no candle moment, no icing-smudged smile. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a birthday, it just means we’re shaping celebrations around what actually matters to him. This year it was about gifts he could explore straight away, time together, and a calm, happy day.

Why we don’t wrap our presents

Another thing that’s evolved over time is our approach to wrapping. Family usually prefer to wrap gifts, and we understand why, it’s a gesture, and it’s part of treating all children equally. But for our son, wrapping presents creates confusion, not excitement.

Unwrapping just doesn’t interest him. In fact, sometimes it gets in the way of him discovering the toy inside. So we leave our gifts unwrapped. We put them out in a visible spot so he can explore at his own pace. If something sparks his curiosity, he’ll go to it, no paper or fanfare needed.

It might look unconventional, but it works for us. And if there comes a day where he wants a birthday cake and balloons and party games, we’ll follow his lead.

Birthday alternatives we’ve loved

In previous years, we’ve swapped birthday parties for low-stress day trips. One favourite is Paultons Park, which is accessible, relaxed and caters really well to families with SEND needs. While Paultons is known for ‘Peppa Pig World’, we’ve found it to be far more than that. With beautiful grounds, a small selection and animals and two fabulous splash pad areas, we’ve found it gave us a full day out which combined the thrills of rides with more chilled out areas. For our family, spending the day somewhere where no one has to pretend can be more valuable than a big celebration.

Final thoughts

If you’re googling what to buy a non-verbal autistic child for their birthday, know this: it’s OK not to have all the answers. It’s OK to guess. It’s OK to make thoughtful choices even if your child doesn’t react how you hoped.

Birthdays don’t have to follow a set routine. They can be low-key, unwrapped, cakeless, and still full of love.

And for what it’s worth, you’re doing a great job.

If you’re raising a toddler or parenting a child with additional needs, you’ve probably come across Yoto and Toniebox. These screen-free audio players are becoming household names, and with good reason. They offer a structured, calm way for kids to engage with stories, music, and even white noise. But which one is best suited for SEND families?

As a mum of three young children, two of whom are autistic and both of whom are non-verbal, I’ve weighed this decision carefully. I haven’t owned a Toniebox myself, but I’ve tried other people’s Tonieboxes and watched countless YouTube reviews trying to make the right choice for our family. Here’s my honest, experience-led comparison of Yoto vs Tonie, tailored especially for families navigating special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

What Is a Yoto Player?

The Yoto Player uses physical cards to play audio content. You insert a card, and it plays, from classic stories and songs to mindfulness tracks and educational content. It’s controlled by two simple buttons and has a pixel display.

✅ Pros:

• You can record your own cards, which is great for adding personalised content.
• Offers longer-term use, the library grows with your child.
• Has a wide variety of educational and calming content.
• Often cheaper overall, especially with frequent deals and club discounts.

❌ Cons:

• Slightly harder for very young or motor-delayed children to use independently.
• Cards are small and can get lost easily.

Read more about how we use Yoto as a SEND family here.

What Is a Toniebox?

The Toniebox is a soft, padded cube that plays audio when you place a Tonie character on top. Each figurine contains its own content: stories, music or recorded messages.

✅ Pros:

• Easier for toddlers and some neurodivergent children to use , place a toy on, and it plays.
• Ideal for children with limited fine motor skills.
• The characters are tactile and engaging, often part of the play experience.

❌ Cons:

• Limited content longevity, outgrown faster.
• Kids may treat the Tonies as toys rather than tools.
• Can be more expensive, especially as collections grow.
• No screen, but also no display or visual cues.

Why We Chose Yoto

We opted for Yoto because of its longevity. My two eldest children are non-verbal, and although they don’t yet engage with the player independently, we’ve found:

• The ability to create our own cards is incredibly useful.
• It fits well with our calm corner routines.
• The sound quality and variety of cards gives us more options.

We also liked that it’s more budget-friendly in the long run. The Yoto Player works with both the Mini (which we own) and full-size versions, and they hold their value well, which brings us to another point.

For Some Families, Neither Option Works

It’s important to say this: not every child — SEND or not — will take to an audio player. Some children prefer screens, others need more tactile engagement, and for some, the concept just doesn’t land. And that’s OK.

The good news is that both Tonie and Yoto products resell really well. Many parents swap with local SEND families or sell their lightly used items online. So if it’s not the right fit, it won’t be a total loss.

Quick Comparison for SEND Families

Feature	Yoto Player	Toniebox
Ease of Use (Motor Skills)	Moderate	Excellent
Longevity	Excellent	Moderate
Personalisation	Record your own cards	Limited to Creative Tonies
Tactile Appeal	Moderate	High (character figures)
Price Over Time	Lower	Higher
Resale Potential	Good	Good

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to SEND parenting. What works for one child may fall flat for another, and that’s absolutely normal.

For our family, the Yoto Player came out on top. It offers us flexibility, value, and longevity, and we’ve made it part of our calm, screen-free routines.

Whether you’re leaning Tonie or Yoto, it’s worth trying what you can, speaking to other SEND families — and remembering that there’s always the option to resell or swap if it doesn’t work out.

Where to Buy (Affiliate Links)

👉 Buy the Yoto Player here (affiliate link)
👉 Explore Toniebox options here (affiliate link)

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!

If you’re looking for a family day out that works for toddlers, autistic children and the grown-ups too, WWT Slimbridge is one of our top picks. It’s open, calm, inclusive, and full of opportunities for learning and sensory play.

As a mum of three young children, two of whom are autistic and one who loves to run off, finding days out that work for all of us can be a challenge. But Slimbridge is somewhere we come back to again and again.

Here’s why we love it, and why other families with additional needs might find it a hidden gem too.

Space to Burn Off Energy

One of the best things about Slimbridge is just how much space there is. The paths are wide and flat, and there are plenty of open areas for kids to run, stomp, push buggies or wheelchairs, or just explore.

There are nature trails, picnic areas, outdoor sinks, and viewing hides all over the site, perfect for children who like to be on the move.

A Sensory-Friendly Paradise

Slimbridge is full of gentle sensory experiences. My eldest son, who is autistic and non-verbal, really enjoys birds — and this is a place where birds are everywhere. From the flamingos to the ducks you can hand-feed, there’s constant gentle movement, flapping, sounds, and colour. Bird food is available onsite for just £1.50 a bag from the shop – head down the ramp when you arrive and cut back in on yourself and you’ll find yourself in the gift shop. The bird food is located at the tills themselves.

Some autistic children love birds because they offer repetition, rhythm, and visual interest without the unpredictability of human interaction. Watching them is regulating. At Slimbridge, you can do that all day.

Welly Boot Land: Wet Play Done Right

Welly Boot Land is one of the best sensory play areas we’ve come across. There’s water to splash in, bridges to climb, mud to squelch through, and play equipment to explore. It’s not just a splash pad, it’s a full sensory playground.

But what makes it stand out even more? It’s fenced. There’s one entrance, with a latch out of reach of most little hands. That means children can explore freely without the constant fear that someone will wander off.

Top tip: Bring your swimming kits! If your kids are even vaguely like mine, they’re going to get soaked! If you’re caught short, the Welly Boot land is a relatively short walk to the car park afterwards.

Want to know why we care so much about fences? Read why all splash pads should be fenced.

Accessible Toilets (Including a Changing Places Facility)

Slimbridge has clearly put real thought into accessibility. The addition of a Changing Places toilet is a game changer for families who need hoists or adult-sized changing benches. It’s clean, well located, and gives families the dignity and space they need.

There are also multiple accessible toilets across the site, baby changing stations, and easy paths suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies.

A Bit of Everything

There’s a small soft play area inside, which we’ve used occasionally when it’s quiet, great for smaller tots (height limit 115cm). There are picnic benches throughout the grounds, a calm indoor space with amphibian tanks, and even a cinema with a hearing loop.

For us, Slimbridge has the perfect balance. There’s structure if you want it, but no pressure to follow a specific route. You can dip in and out of areas based on your child’s energy, mood and sensory needs.

Incredible Value with Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

One of our favourite things about WWT membership is that it’s available through the Tesco Clubcard scheme. We converted £57 worth of Clubcard points last year into an annual family membership for Slimbridge, and we’re doing the same again when our pass expires next month.

It’s one of the best value options on the scheme, especially because membership doesn’t just cover Slimbridge. You also get access to other WWT sites across the country, making it a brilliant investment for families who love the outdoors.

A New Experience Each Time

Slimbridge is open 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas Day), and the experience shifts with the seasons. On a recent visit, we loved spotting baby goslings and ducklings roaming freely, and in the winter, migratory swans arrive in their hundreds.

No two visits are quite the same, which keeps it interesting for children who thrive on both familiarity and change.

Other Accessibility Highlights

• Free wheelchair and scooter hire (booking recommended)
• Quiet areas and calm corners
• Subtitled short films and visual signage
• Sensory backpacks available on request
• Friendly, informed staff

Final Thoughts

We often say that our best days out are the ones where no one stares, no one rushes us, and everyone gets something they enjoy. WWT Slimbridge gives us that.

It’s not just accessible, it’s welcoming. And that makes all the difference.

Whether you’re visiting with a toddler, a non-verbal child, or someone with complex needs, this is one place where you can relax a little and just enjoy the day.

Splash pads are a fantastic addition to parks and towns. They’re accessible, inclusive, and can bring real joy to children of all ages and abilities. But if you’re planning one, especially as a local authority or town planner, there’s one design detail that should never be optional: a fence.

As a parent of three young children, two of whom are autistic, splash pads are a welcome outdoor activity for our family. They’re full of sensory experiences, encourage movement, and provide a wonderful way to cool off in warm weather. But without a fence, they quickly become stressful or even unsafe for families like mine.

Fencing is a Safety Must for Disabled and Younger Children

Many disabled children are known to be “runners.” My youngest child is not disabled, but he’s a runner too. The risk isn’t theoretical , it’s constant. If your child is prone to bolting, has no awareness of road danger, or simply wanders off, an unfenced splash pad surrounded by open parkland or roads is a nightmare.

When you’re managing multiple children with different needs, a secure perimeter creates peace of mind. It means we can let them enjoy the water rather than constantly scanning the area in panic.

Why Disabled Children Love Splash Pads

My eldest son is autistic and non-verbal. He loves splash pads. The water, the rhythm, the sensory feedback, it’s all regulating and joyful for him. He might not participate in traditional playground play, but at a splash pad, he’s right in the heart of the action.

Splash pads often suit children who:

• Seek sensory input through water
• Struggle with physical access to climbing frames or swings
• Find swimming pools overwhelming or unsafe

So when a splash pad is thoughtfully designed, it can be one of the most inclusive spaces in a community. But the inclusivity only works if it’s safe.

What Fencing Provides:

• A clear boundary for children with poor spatial awareness
• A way to keep runners safely contained
• Support for parents managing multiple children
• A safer experience for all families
• Peace of mind that doesn’t rely on constant high-alert supervision

Other Inclusive Safety Features to Consider

Fencing is a must, but it shouldn’t stop there. Here are other ways to make splash pads truly accessible:

• Single gated entry/exit to avoid confusion and increase safety
• Shaded areas for rest and sensory regulation
• Non-slip surfaces for all mobility types
• Accessible toilets and changing areas close by
• Visual signage or picture cues showing rules and features
• Reduced noise times or sensory-friendly sessions

These features aren’t just nice to have. For many families, they’re the difference between visiting and staying home.

Fencing = Inclusion

It’s a small thing that makes a big difference. If a splash pad is worth building, it’s worth building for everyone, including children who don’t understand danger, who need clear boundaries, and who just want to play like everyone else.

Please, if you’re designing a splash pad for your community, put up a fence. It’s not just about safety. It’s about inclusion, access and peace of mind.

And for families like mine, it means we can finally stop scanning the perimeter and start enjoying the splash.

Soft play can be a brilliant outlet for autistic children and those with additional needs, full of movement, sensory input, and safe exploration. But not all sessions are created equal. Some are thoughtful and inclusive. Others miss the mark, even with the best of intentions.

As a parent to three children under five, two of whom are autistic – we’ve been to our fair share of sessions designed specifically for children with additional needs. These SEN soft play sessions are essential for us. They’re a safe space for our children and, in many ways, a lifeline for us as parents.

Here’s what we’ve come to appreciate about the sessions that work, and a few things we wish more centres would consider.

Time to Settle In

An hour isn’t long enough. Children with additional needs often need time to process their environment, observe what’s going on, and feel comfortable enough to explore. When a session is just 60 minutes, we sometimes find our kids only start to enjoy it right as it’s ending.

The best sessions we’ve attended last around two hours. That extra time makes a world of difference. It means no one has to rush, transitions are smoother, and children get the full benefit of the play.

Timings That Work for Families

Some sessions are scheduled at 4pm on weekdays, which can be tough for working families and those juggling multiple school and nursery pickups. In our experience, weekend sessions work far better. It’s rare to have a session in the school holidays but SEND families would love it as there is a distinct lack of SEND friendly activities for kids during those long and lonely summer weeks. Slicing off one two-hour session a week would go a long way with local families.

The more accessible the timing, the more likely families will be able to attend and benefit from the experience.

Simple Snacks Go a Long Way

Many neurodivergent children use food as a way to regulate. For our boys, snacks are a big part of the routine. Some venues focus on niche offerings, like themed sweets or unfamiliar treats, but these often go untouched.

Simple, recognisable options, think crisps, toast, or plain biscuits go down far better. Crunchy textures, in particular, are regulating for many children. And yes, SEND kids are likely to make a mess. That’s okay. We’re just grateful when food is available and manageable.

Who Attends Matters

This one is vital: SEN sessions need to be for SEN families. Of course, siblings without additional needs are absolutely welcome, that’s part of making a session truly inclusive. But when families who aren’t part of the community wander in and are allowed to stay, the atmosphere changes.

SEN parents often come to these sessions for the predictability, the understanding, the relief of not having to explain or apologise. If a family unfamiliar with the session’s purpose is allowed to join, it can create anxiety for the rest of us.

We’re not asking for gatekeeping. We’re asking for clarity and care. A quiet word at reception can make all the difference.

The Right Environment

Bright lights, loud music and sudden announcements can be overwhelming. We really appreciate sessions that take this into account. Dimmed lighting, lower volume levels, and a generally calmer environment help make soft play accessible for autistic children.

A calm corner or quiet space is also a huge benefit. Just a few beanbags in a low-sensory area give children somewhere to decompress if it all becomes too much.

Clear Signage and Visual Support

Visual aids, whether it’s a simple picture timetable, clearly labelled zones, or a countdown clock are incredibly helpful. Many autistic children rely on visual information to make sense of what’s happening and what to expect next.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. A few laminated signs and a visible clock can make a big difference.

Changing and Toileting Facilities

Accessible toilets and changing areas matter. Lots of children with additional needs require more space, privacy, or adult assistance. A clean, easy-to-navigate toilet with a bench or plenty of room makes soft play feel far more welcoming.

We’ve also seen venues with step stools at sinks, which help children be more independent. These details are small but meaningful.

Let Parents Book Ahead

A simple pre-booking system that clearly outlines the nature of the session helps everyone. Many SEND families need time to plan and prepare their children in advance. We want to know the timing, the format, and what to expect.

We also don’t want sessions overbooked. Quieter sessions are calmer, for children and adults alike.

More Than Just Play

SEN soft play sessions aren’t just for the kids. They’re often informal support groups for parents, even if no one calls them that. We swap stories. We give recommendations. We laugh, vent, and nod in silent solidarity.

It’s one of the few spaces where you don’t feel the need to explain your child. That, in itself, is a gift.

When SEN soft play sessions are well-designed, they’re so much more than fun. They’re a moment of normality, relief and genuine joy in a world that often feels hard to navigate. We’re so grateful to the venues that get it right. And for those still learning, we hope this helps.

These sessions matter – for our children, and for us too.

I once read that with fussy babies, you should either take them outside or put them in water — and the fussiness would pass.

Only one of my three children is still a baby, yet that little saying still rings true. There’s something about water that seems to reset the day, calm big feelings, and bring a sense of peace that nothing else quite manages.

Swimming has become a really positive experience in our house. It’s one of the few activities that all three of my children genuinely enjoy — and that’s no small thing when you’re parenting kids with very different needs.

Swimming offers sensory pleasure, physical movement and — let’s be honest — a really welcome dose of tiredness afterwards. But I know that for many SEND families, the idea of swimming can feel a bit daunting. The logistics, the changing rooms, the noise, the water, and all the what-ifs around toileting and meltdowns.

So this is our experience. What works for us. Not perfect, not prescriptive — just one family’s honest take on swimming with autistic children.

Why swimming works for our family

Two of our children are autistic and each of them experiences the world differently. But swimming is something they both genuinely enjoy. It’s full of sensory input — the feel of the water, the way it moves, the pressure and lightness — and it physically tires them out in a way few other activities do.

We don’t go with any particular goals. We go because it works.

Getting ready: our pre-pool routine

1. Dress at home
I get my kids changed into their swimwear before we leave the house. It makes everything easier once we arrive. For the youngest, I pop a nappy on over the top of the swim gear to protect the car seat, and take it off when we arrive at the pool.

2. Nappy covers for peace of mind
Accidents happen, and if your child isn’t toilet trained (or not reliably), it can feel like a real worry. I always use Splash About nappy covers, which are designed to help contain any accidents in the pool and reduce the stress. They’re soft, reusable and give me a lot of reassurance.

3. Onesies for after
Coming out of the pool cold and wet is tough, and getting dressed isn’t always smooth. Instead of full outfits, I bring fluffy onesies. They go on quickly and keep everyone warm without any fussing with socks, jumpers or layers.

4. Crunchy snacks for calm
Swimming makes my children hungry, and trying to get everyone dressed while they’re tired and starving is a challenge. I always pack crunchy snacks — things like breadsticks, rice cakes or crackers — to help regulate and distract while I get changed myself.

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In the pool: what we use

1. Swim vests
We use Splash About swim vests in the pool. They add buoyancy without being bulky, and they seem to give the kids more freedom to move their arms. It’s a nice balance between safety and comfort.

2. Quiet sessions or SEND swims
During school holidays, our local pool runs SEND swim sessions, which are quieter, calmer and more structured. At weekends, we try to go early or late to avoid the busiest times, especially in the changing rooms.

Why it’s worth it

Swimming isn’t always easy. Getting everyone ready, managing the transitions, dealing with meltdowns — it can be a lot. But when it works, it really works. It’s one of the few activities that offers connection, calm and genuine enjoyment for all three of my children.

And that’s reason enough to keep going.

What we use and recommend

• Splash About Nappy Covers – secure and comfortable for pool confidence. The covers are called Swim Jammers for older kids and they even do adult sizes too.
  [Amazon affiliate link]
• Splash About Swim Vest – gentle buoyancy, great for SEND children. I’ve linked one for 4 years and above as it is less common to find these. A great investment as they last years and can be handed down too.
  [Amazon affiliate link]
• Fluffy onesies for after – warm, fast and stress-free
• Crunchy snacks – to help with post-swim regulation
  

These are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use ourselves.

Bubbles have been part of our parenting life for as long as I can remember. Big wands, bubble guns, machines, no-spill pots, bath bubbles, we’ve tried them all. And I mean all.

For my eldest son, who is non-verbal and almost five and a half, bubbles aren’t just a bit of fun. They’re a deep source of joy, comfort and sensory regulation. He’s been drawn to bubbles since he was very small, and his interest in them hasn’t faded in the slightest. If anything, it’s grown stronger.

How he asks for bubbles

Because my son doesn’t use spoken language, asking for bubbles takes different forms. Sometimes he brings the bubble pot or gun directly to us. Other times, he’ll take our hand and pull us to where he thinks the bubbles are kept.

There’s a clear excitement and urgency to the request. It’s one of the few activities that consistently lights him up, and he’s always been clear that he wants more.

Why some autistic children love bubbles

Bubbles offer a very specific kind of sensory input. They’re:

• Visually calming — the floating, shimmering movement is easy to track
• Tactile — the pop of bubbles provides quick, light feedback on the skin
• Predictable — you blow, they appear, then pop and disappear
• Engaging — they create a clear start and end, which many children find satisfying

Not every autistic child is drawn to bubbles, but for many like my son, it’s a perfect combination of visual, physical and emotional feedback.

He also loves bubbles in the bath. The feeling of them, the look of the foam, the way they move and disappear. It’s another form of the same sensory experience, just in a different setting.

When bubbles become challenging

As wonderful as bubbles are, there are moments when the obsession becomes difficult to manage.

My son struggles when it’s time to stop. If the bubble solution runs out, or the machine is switched off, it can quickly lead to a meltdown. The intensity of his attachment to the activity means that transitions away from bubbles need to be handled carefully — or avoided entirely if we know he’s already dysregulated.

It’s also a challenge when we’re out. If another child has bubbles — whether it’s a wand, a gun, or a machine — he will follow them. We’ve had situations in holiday parks or at family events where he’ll leave everything else and simply trail the bubbles. At a recent concert for children, he wasn’t able to sit down until we gave him his own bubble wand after spotting others using them.

It’s not just curiosity. It’s a fixation, and when he sees bubbles, it’s almost impossible for him to focus on anything else until he has access to his own.

What helps (sometimes)

There’s no one solution, but here are some of the things that help us:

• Bubble machines — these are easier to manage at home as we can place them outside. We prefer them to guns, which tend to get aimed at furniture or carpets and leave sticky messes behind.
• Short, structured sessions — setting a visual timer or using a “two more goes” countdown helps (on a good day).
• Clear alternatives — moving to another sensory activity like foam, water play, or a favourite toy.
• Consistency — we use the same “all done” signal and tone of voice each time to help set expectations.

But some days, we simply let the bubbles run until he’s done. It’s not always perfect, but it’s part of what works for him.

Why we still love bubbles

Even with the challenges, bubbles have brought us so many moments of connection. They’ve helped with transitions, kept him calm in queues, and turned difficult days around. They’re a motivator, a regulator and sometimes the only thing that works when nothing else does.

Our favourite bubble products

If you’re looking to explore bubble play or manage it a bit more easily at home, here are some of the things we use or recommend:

Rechargeable bubble machine
Our favourite for outdoor play and fewer messes inside.
👉 [Amazon affiliate link]

Giant bubble wand set
Great for calm, slow sessions where he can watch them drift.
👉 [Amazon affiliate link]

No-spill toddler bubble pot
Helps younger siblings get involved without spills or frustration.
👉 [Amazon affiliate link]

Scented bubbles
Adds a nice extra sensory layer, especially in the bath.
👉 [Amazon affiliate link]

These are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’ve used and found helpful.

Bubbles are simple, but they mean so much more in our house. For our son, they’re joy, regulation and sensory comfort — all in one. Yes, there are challenges. But we keep a steady supply of bubble solution on hand, and we build our expectations around it.

Sometimes the smallest things are the biggest tools.

Spinning has always been part of how my middle son regulates. Even before he could walk confidently, he’d spin on the spot, eyes lit up, arms out, completely absorbed in it. Like many autistic children, spinning brings him comfort, focus and calm when the world feels overwhelming.

So when he was two, we decided to try a spinning chair. It seemed like a logical next step, a safer, more structured way for him to do something he clearly enjoyed.

It didn’t go to plan.

The chair that felt like a mistake

We bought the chair (linked below if you’re curious) hoping it would give him the same joy he got from spinning on the spot. But it was too fast, too intense, and completely overwhelmed him. The first time he tried it, he was scared. We tried again a few times, but it quickly became something that gathered dust in the corner.

At the time, it felt like a bit of a failure. We’d bought something that looked perfect for him, but he didn’t want to go near it. And that was okay. We left it in the room, didn’t push it, and moved on.

Check out our spinning chair here

Two years later

Now he’s nearly four and things have changed. After we moved house, he pulled the chair back into the middle of the room and gave it another go. This time, he spun slowly. Then a bit faster. Then back to slow again. He’d learned how to control it.

And now? It’s his favourite way to regulate. He uses it every day, especially when he needs a moment to calm down or reset. What used to scare him now helps him feel safe. Taking it into the garden has been a game changer too. Warm weather has meant we’ve spent far more time outside and this has given a whole new environment to enjoy the sense of the spin.

Why some autistic children spin

Spinning can be a form of vestibular sensory input. That’s just a fancy way of saying it helps with balance, movement and body awareness. For many autistic children, spinning provides a sense of calm and control. It can also help them concentrate, process emotions, or release excess energy in a safe way.

Not every autistic child enjoys spinning. And those who do might enjoy it in different ways, some love fast, intense movement, while others prefer slow, rhythmic turning. What works at one age might not work at another. That’s been true for our son.

Toys and tools that support spinning

If your child enjoys spinning or you’re exploring ways to offer vestibular input at home, here are a few things we’ve tried or have on our wishlist.

The spinning chair we bought
This is the one my son loves now (but wasn’t ready for at two).
[Amazon affiliate link]

Sit and spin toy
Great for younger children who like to be in control of the speed – this probably would’ve been better when our son was younger but you live and learn!
[Amazon affiliate link]

Balance board
A good alternative for kids who want to move but aren’t into spinning. I love the colour ways on this one.

[Amazon affiliate link]

Spinning tops (for hands instead of bodies)
My older boys love watching adults making these spin
[Amazon affiliate link]

Light up spinning toys

These are great for extra visual stimulation. My kids are really into flashing spinning lights. Some of the ones you can buy have wonderfully annoying songs to go with them too – and why is it always the tune of the Witchdoctor?!

[Amazon affiliate link]

These links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only ever recommend things we’ve used or would use.

What I’ve learned

Sometimes it’s not that a toy or tool is wrong, it’s just not the right time. I’m glad we kept the chair around, even when it felt like a waste. Watching my son return to it, on his own terms, has been a lovely reminder that growth doesn’t follow a set timeline.

If you’re in the middle of trying something and it’s not working, that’s okay. Leave the door open. You never know what might click later on.