INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Many autistic children have sensory challenges, particularly tactile defensiveness. Toys can be an excellent way to introduce tactile sensations in a low-key, non-threatening way, in which they have total control. Suitable toys might include: Books with cloth, foil, yarn, etc. attached to themyou can even make your own Blocks with raised lettering or numbers (this appeals to the ordering need as well) Toys with bumps, fur, raised elements, ridges, etc. Musical toys and toys that make sounds Hard board books for children prone to tearing - allow them to tear the wrapping paper as much as they wish! Teaching all children cooperation through toys is an important rite of growing up. For autistic children, socially interactive toys are even more important for helping them to develop coping mechanisms when interacting with the wider world. Board games are excellent for this, especially when the whole family pitches in to play together. Focus especially on the issue of taking turns and that losing is not a big deal. All children need to learn these skills but the frustration element can be very intense for autistic children. All children need to develop motor skills, but autistic children are especially likely to struggle in this regard. Painting and drawing are good choices, and trying fingerpainting can help sensory issues (if the child is able to try it). Developing balance might be tricky if the child refuses to ride a tricycle or bicycle. A lot of encouragement and patience will be required, as well as understanding that it might never happen. Trampolines are excellent but make sure it is safe and always be present. Functional play does not only help the child with their weaknesses; it also encourages them to build upon their strengths. Autistic children are often skilled at creating and understanding systems. You can encourage this by buying toys that allow them to design cars, construct elaborate towns for their dolls, and employ their visual skills. It may inspire them to go into STEM at an older age. Look for... Building blocks Toys that can be taken apart and reassembled in different ways Puzzles and brain games Dollhouses or toy towns to organize Buttons and beads (consider choking hazards) Less complicated toys are better for younger children or ones with greater sensory or intellectual impairments; simple push-button, open and use toys are best. For children with stronger skills, building, creating, discovering, connecting, etc. toys are generally fine. Sometimes, it is fine to let your child simply enjoy a line of toys that is pure fun. The point of playtime is to have fun and relaxnot to behave exactly like other people want you to. Allow your child to be themselves. It's okay if their playtime looks a little different from that of other children.

SUMMARY: Look for toys that stimulate their senses. Choose toys that help social interaction development. Find toys that help to develop motor skills. Consider toys that emphasize or provide room for organizational skills. Always be considerate of the child's skill levels. Don't overdo the functional play. Remember that there is no "correct" way to play.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Protein fibers, like wool, cashmere, and silk will hold the dye for the longest. Cotton fabric dyes well, but the color generally fades a little bit faster over time. Remember that you can always re-dye items that have faded. Use towels or sheets that you don't mind getting discolored. You'll also need a large plastic bowl, white vinegar, water, and various food coloring options. Getting everything together is helpful so that you don't have to go searching for anything while your hands are messy. There are some techniques to remove food coloring stains, but it's easiest to avoid making them if you can. Place your clothes in the bowl first, and then add enough equal parts of water and white vinegar so that they're completely saturated. To keep things even, use a measuring cup to add 8 ounces (230g) of each liquid at a time. The pre-soak prepares the clothes to accept the dye better than if you were to go straight to water and food coloring. Although you can dye your clothes without soaking them first, the color won't be as vibrant! Dump out the water/vinegar mix, and gently wring out your clothes. Then use 3 to 4 cups (710 to 950mL) of water (or more, depending on how bulky the clothes are) and 10-15 drops of food coloring. Mix the water and dye in a large bowl and place your wrung-out clothes into the new mixture. If you're nervous about the color being too dark, start with fewer drops and add more until you get the desired color. Most packs of food coloring have 4 basic color optionsblue, green, red, and yellow. Mix together red and blue to make purple. If you want orange, combine red and yellow. Make a beautiful cyan color by mixing green and blue. Experiment with your dyes and water to find the perfect shade for your clothes. If your pack of food coloring comes with white or black dyes, use those to either lighten or darken the mixture to get the color you want. Use a long spoon to push the fabric down in the water to make sure it's fully submerged, and stir it every few minutes let the dye access all of the material. You could even wear rubber gloves and manually rearrange the fabric every couple of minutes, too. After 10-20 minutes, you will notice that the water is clearer than it was before because the dye is getting absorbed into the fabric. Wring out your clothes after they've soaked in the water and dye mixture, and then place each item into its own resealable bag and set them out of the way somewhere. It's okay if they're left for longer than 8 hours. The time in the resealable bag makes the dye react with the fabric faster, which gives you a more vibrant, longer-lasting color in the end.

SUMMARY:
Choose a wool fabric if you want your color to last. Lay down old towels and gather your materials together in one place. Place your clothes in a 1:1 mixture of water to vinegar for 30 minutes. Soak your clothing in water and food coloring after the vinegar soak. Mix together 2 or more dyes to create different colors. Let your clothes sit in the water and dye mixture for 10-20 minutes. Put the clothes into a resealable bag for at least 8 hours.