Lining up Toys Autism

If you’ve searched the phrase “lining up toys autism,” you aren’t alone. Many parents notice their children lining up toys and wonder if it’s a sign their child may be autistic.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how an individual interacts with the world around them. Individuals with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviors and have a preference for routine and order.

Lining up toys is a common behavior seen in children with autism, as it helps them to bring a sense of structure and stability to an otherwise unpredictable environment. Neurotypical children also line up toys as a coping mechanism. But most importantly, all children line up their toys for fun.

However, it’s important to be aware that your child engaging in this behavior does not mean you should immediately seek out a diagnosis. Many children line up toys, but in the case of those with autism, it’s often accompanied by other behavioral signs or developmental differences. Also seek out legal counsel or meet with other parents of autistic children before you seek a formal diagnosis. A formal diagnosis can affect safety, immigration, insurance, and medical rights, among other legal implications.

Just because your child doesn’t have a formal diagnosis, doesn’t mean you can’t support them and their interests. If the kid likes trains, just get them a train set. Good parenting involves support regardless of diagnosis, patience and understanding is the key to a happy child.

Why Do Children Line Up Toys?

Children are still exploring and making sense of the world around them, and they can line up toys during play for a variety of reasons.

For many children, the act of handling and arranging these toys, and engaging with all the different textures, weights, and shapes, provides immediate and satisfying sensory feedback.

It also lets them explore how their toys interact with one another and the environment — something that builds their spatial awareness and is a key part of their development.

As we touched on earlier, the predictability that comes from lining up toys can be soothing and offer therapeutic relief. It gives children a way to gain a form of control during periods of stress and regulate distressing feelings.

When Is Lining up Toys a Sign of Autism?

Both neurotypical children and children who are autistic often line up toys as a way to cope with unpredictability. However, when autistic children line up toys, they are more likely to have structured and particular ways they go about this.

They may, for instance, line up specific toys in the same order each time they play with them. They may also become distressed if the order is mixed up or moved around. However, it could also be that a child, autistic or not, has a routine or show they are working on in their head and they just don’t have the language to explain that to you yet.

If they are old enough to ask why the toys are lined up, they might be able to explain their motives.

In any case, ask before moving their toys out of order. Anyone would be upset if they worked hard on something and someone bigger than them knocked everything out of place.

How Does an Autistic Child’s Play Differ?

An autistic child’s play may appear more repetitive and unchanging, and there might be a focus on manipulative play (e.g., spinning wheels or banging) than using the toys for their intended purpose (e.g., pushing a car to make it move). If this sounds like your child, consider wood blocks or maracas and tambourines. If they like soft textures, pick stuffed animals with unique fur or eyes that are glossy.

Autistic children are less likely to initiate and respond to joint attention during play. This means they may prefer to play alone and have little interest in encouraging those around them to join in. They might like puzzles, remote control cars, or kits to build plywood planes. Something they can do by themselves and requires focus.

Sensory differences can also affect how autistic children play. They may seek out specific sounds, textures, and colors of toys — and find much enjoyment out of sensory toys that have these qualities — but show an aversion to others.

Where to Get Autism-Friendly Toys

A good source for autism friendly toys is American Toy Store, where you can find a variety of sensory toys, particularly for babies and young kids. Some good lining up toys are train sets, small farm play sets, cooking sets (never too young to learn mise en place!) and car tracks.

American Toy Store lets you sort by age and gender, but don’t let that become a limit on your exploration. Older kids may prefer younger targeting toys like chewable fidget gadgets, and younger kids may need something more engaging that their assigned section like a puzzle.

Lining up Toys Autism: Final Words

When it comes to lining up toys, as long as your child is having fun, that’s the most important thing. Remember, every child is different; pay attention when your child is playing to see what kind of sensations attract them.

Are they a fan of flashing lights or just glow in the dark? Do they like making slimes with kits or do they just like sticky textures and don’t care about the assembly process? Discover what your child’s preferences are to make sure you get the best possible toys for them.