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.
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?!
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.