The Chicago Toy Store for Kids With Autism

Jamilah Rahim decided to open a toy store geared to children on the autism spectrum after working as a home behavioral therapist. Rahim noticed that in the homes she visited with autistic children, the parents tended to order toys online—and the children often didn’t warm to them.

Because people with autism often have sensory processing disorder, in which they feel either overstimulated or understimulated by their senses, they might shun or crave specific sensations. For instance, a child on the autism spectrum may be overstimulated by sound and become very upset by loud noises, or understimulated by taste and constantly seek out new or stronger flavors. Toys that are meant to calm or fulfill these sensory disorders, such as compression vests or objects to chew on, can help—especially when a child can test them out to see what most appeals to their senses.