Autism and the Importance of Soft Toys

In this insightful article for Counselling Directory, Elaine Nicholson MBE explores the emotional and sensory importance of soft toys for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Drawing on her specialist counselling experience, she explains how comfort objects can provide grounding, emotional regulation, predictability and a sense of safety in an often overwhelming world. The article challenges misconceptions about age-appropriateness, highlighting how attachment to soft toys can support anxiety reduction, self-soothing and resilience in both autistic children and adults.