For children on the autism spectrum, play provides important sensory input, which simply means engagement with their senses — sight, sound, smell, and touch (this includes balance and body awareness).

From Furbies, Hatchimals, and Tickle-Me Elmo to Tamagotchi digital pets, Cabbage Patch Kids, Baby Alive and even pet rocks, generations of kids have been drawn to toys that feed their need to “nurture ...