8 Fidgets for Autistic People Who Like Furry Fluffy Textures

Here are fluffy or furry fidget items for Autistics who love the feel of these textures.

In fact, there’s some on this list that you’ve probably never even considered in your quest to seek out furry or fluffy things for stimming.

For some autistic individuals, the touch and feel — even the mere appearance of — furry, fuzzy or fluffy textures can be profoundly soothing.

These textures provide a comforting sensory experience, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

But they can also deliver pure joy, in the total absense of any need to self-regulate or feel calmer. 

1     Furry Stress Ball

Just looking at the ball pictured above can be intensely soothing or joyful for some Autistics.

Furry stress balls offer a portable and discreet way to engage with fluffy textures.

Squeezing the ball provides a sensory outlet for stress relief while the furry exterior adds a delightful tactile element.

And you’re not alone if you thought of Tribbles upon taking your first look at the ball shown above.

2     Fluffy Fabric Swatch

Creating a tactile toolkit with a variety of fluffy fabric swatches allows autistic people to explore different textures and find the one that resonates best with their sensory preferences.

These swatches can be carried in a pocket or purse, providing a readily available comfort or joy tool.

Swatches can be crafted from old coats and sweaters. But you can also visit a carpet store and ask the manager if there are any fluffy scraps you can take home. 

3     Furry Blanket

Doesn’t the blanket shown above look sooooo wonderful to get under — or roll around on top of?

Fidget blankets are larger, versatile tools that incorporate various textures, including furry and fluffy elements.

Smaller blankets can be draped over the shoulders or used as lap blankets, offering a more immersive sensory experience. 

4     Furry Keychain Fidget

Miniature fidgets attached to keychains allow for easy transportation and access.

Furry keychain fidgets can be discreetly used in various situations, providing a familiar and calming texture for individuals on the go.

5     Fluffy Tactile Stimulation Toys

Tailored fluffy toys designed for tactile stimulation can serve as dedicated fidget tools.

These toys can be manipulated and explored to fulfill sensory needs while maintaining a discreet appearance. 

Don’t let the term “toy” make you think this kind of stimming implement is only for kids.

You’re never too old for a fluffy-type toy to satisfy your stimming needs.

6     Fake Ponytails

Yes, that’s right: Fake ponytails. If you search online you’ll find clip-in or tie-in ponytails of every imaginable texture, including poofy, fluffy, fuzzy and frizzy.

Fortunately, I have a built-in fluffy poofy ponytail; it’s with me 24/7 to stim with it any time (mostly tactile and olfactory).

You can run your fingers through a fake ponytail while dangling it before yourself with the other hand, or tack it to a wall board and “play” with it.

You can swing it around, bounce it up and down on your bare arm or leg for a delightful sensory experience, or just take to looking at them.

7     Furry Tangle

Look for a tangle twisty fidget that’s coated with a velvety-like texture — then carry it with you wherever you go.

As twist it about, you’ll also get that added sensory input of feeling something plush or velvety on your fingers.

8     Makeup Brush

Yes, a big makeup brush. And I don’t mean for applying makeup. I mean strictly for stimming.

If you’ve always liked the feel of anything furry, fuzzy or fluffy, you’ll want to try out a big makeup brush — even if you’re a man — by pressing it into your palm, gliding it along your palm or arm, or pressing it to or stroking your face. You just might discover a new “stim toy”!

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical and fitness topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer. In 2022 she received a diagnosis of Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

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Top image: ©Lorra Garrick