I’ve written a few posts about stimming so far (1, 2).

I frequently get messages and emails from readers asking after my recommendations for stim toys.

Thankfully, the autistic kids of the millennial diagnostic wave are growing up, as is the neurodiversity movement, and we’ve been seeing a huge surge in the mainstream production of fidget toys.

Below is a brief (but ever-increasing) list of my favorite stim toys!

It’s a work in progress, meaning I’ll be adding to this whenever I try out some new cool stim. I just keep putting off publishing this post because the list doesn’t feel “complete,” so I figured–what the hay! I’ll post it now, and just add to it as-needed.

Enjoy!

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Tangle

• My favorite go-to. I keep one in my pocket!
  • standard 3-pack
  • fuzzy
  • bumpy
  • different textures variety pack

Wacky Tracks

• One of my longest favorites, and a universal favorite of kids and adults alike!
  • amazon link here
  • stimtastic has them too
  • stimtastic’s unique twist on the classic kind

Zipper bracelets

• Cool looking, and so soothing.
  • Also very cheap online!

Chewelry

• Less subtle, but oh so essential! Can be found in different textures and durabilities for all chewing intensity levels.
  • stimtastic, an autistic owned and operated company, has great chewelry
  • Amazon has a ton as well (my favorite example)
  • Did you know that adult-sized pacifiers exist?

Spinner rings

• Super unobtrusive and subtle!
  • stimtastic rings
  • Amazon rings

Fidget spinners

• Famous, easy to find, and inexpensive. In addition to the normal kind, there are also lots of neat ones!
  • My favorite “alternative” type

Fidget cubes

• My all-time favorite! Very multipurpose. There’s a tactile stim for everyone on these. Each side is a different stim, and some sides even have more than one stim.
  • The original kind are worth it. Smoother mechanics for a more enjoyable experience.
  • Many knock-offs are available online for cheap though!

Weighted blankets

• An amazingly easy way to get deep pressure stimulation. You can make them yourself if you’re very crafty.
  • Autistic Rabbit is my favorite autistic owned and operated seller.
  • You can also get weighted pillows and stuffed animals

Keychain fidgets

• Subtle, small, easy on-the-go. My favorites are either cute, or simulate fun common items.
  • Bean pod keychain
  • pop-top can keychain
  • shipping envelope keychain
  • video game controller keychain

More autism-friendly products and apps can be found at my tumblr blog here.