This article is mommy approved by Miriam Slozberg, mother of two.
It is a known fact that music is suitable for kids and their development, which is why they are introduced to it during their early years. And when it comes to kids with autism in all areas of the spectrum, music is hugely beneficial for them as it can help improve their overall skills and cognitive ability. It is also an excellent idea for them to play musical instruments for this reason. Â
Music helps to stimulate both brain hemispheres, and this is why it is good for the growth of kids on the spectrum (and typically developing kids as well). However, kids on the spectrum, regardless of where they fall on it need the exposure to music even more for the apparent reason, which is that they need extra help for developing, which is why music is a type of therapy for autistic kids as well. Â
However, the type of instrument that kids on the spectrum can use and gain benefits from depends on is their level of functioning. That is why listed below are the top 5 musical instruments (which are toys) for kids with the condition that are moderate to severely affected. And, there are top 5 real musical instruments for kids that are on the higher end of the spectrum. Â
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Best Musical Instruments For Children On The Moderate To Severe End Of The Autism SpectrumÂ
Listed below are the 5 best musical instruments which are toys for kids that are moderate to profoundly affected by autism:Â
Hape Pound, Tap, & Shake! Music SetÂ
- INTERACTIVE AND COLORFUL: The pound a ball toy has bright colored hammering balls and a slide out...
- CHILD SAFE AND WELL DESIGNED: The bamboo wooden construction is durable, sustainable, and built to...
- DEVELOP FINE MOTOR SKILLS: This toy set introduces logic, coordination, audio recognition, cause and...
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Wooden bench for pounding is includedÂ
- Tamborine for tapping along is also part of the setÂ
- Baby xylophone includedÂ
- Safe for kids and designed to be used easilyÂ
- It helps kids develop motor skills and other skillsÂ
- Hape won the 2018 Cribsie Award for Favorite First Musical ToyÂ
Kids that are on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum are a lot younger cognitively than their typical peers or their autistic peers who are on the higher functioning level. However, this musical instrument will help them evolve as it helps typical toddlers and kindergartners.
The set includes a xylophone with 8 different keys with different colors to teach them different colors, and it has a wooden pounding bench as well. They also will get a tapping Tamborine and these instruments are there to help kids on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum gain better motor skills as well as gaining the understanding of cause and effect.
The Hape Pound, Tap, & Shake! Music Set won the 2018 Cribsie Award for Favorite First Musical Toy. Â
Prosâ
- Colors are vibrantÂ
- The set is well-made and durableÂ
- This musical set is engaging and holds the interest of the kidsÂ
- It is visually appealingÂ
Consâ
- Some customers have said the xylophone is somewhat not in tuneÂ
- The wood grain on the side of the box makes the set appear cheapÂ
ToyerBee Musical Instruments Toys Set for Kids, 15PCS Wooden Percussion InstrumentsÂ
- 15 pieces of wooden percussion Â
- Includes a xylophone, maracas, a Tamborine, a Castanets, triangle with striker, and moreÂ
- Made with non-toxic materialsÂ
- Colors stand outÂ
- Features a bag to keep the instruments in so the kids can store it away after they are done with it. Â
ToyerBee features a 15-piece percussion set and the set includes instruments such as a xylophone, Maracas, Tamborine, Castanets, a whistle, a triangle, and striker as well as a rainbow bell stick.
The materials the toys are made with are non-toxic and are safe for kids to use. The musical set can help these kids develop better fine motor skills and gain sound and musical recognition, as well as color recognition.
Additionally, this product has a bag so that once the kids are done with using the instruments, they can place it in there as that can teach them skills that they need when it comes to cleaning after themselves. Â
Prosâ
- The set is safe and sturdyÂ
- The set keeps kids engaged for a long timeÂ
- It is quite enjoyableÂ
- Caregivers and parents enjoy the instruments well and it creates a nice family activityÂ
Consâ
- The colors and sounds may be overwhelming for kids with extreme sensory issuesÂ
- Customers have said that some of the instruments donât provide a high-quality sound Â
B. toys by Battatt â Drumroll Please â 7 Musical Instruments Toy Drum KitÂ

- Toy drum set: Drumroll please from b toys is a portable parade kit, with 7 musical Instruments for...
- 7-Pieces: comes with 1 toy drum, 2 drumsticks, castanets, 1 Whistle, 1 tambourine and 1 Shaka egg.
- Storage included: Easy to store and carry. All 7 childrenâs musical instruments fit in the drum.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- B. toys â Drumroll Please is a 7 piece set percussion setÂ
- Included are a drum, a whistle, a castanet, a Shaka egg, a tambourine, and drumsticksÂ
- Instruments fit into a drum which makes it a great storage space so it does not take up spaceÂ
- The set can be good for sensory issues as it provides the kids to feel any types of texturesÂ
- It can help improve eye-hand coordination and motor skill developmentÂ
- Safe and non-toxic materials are usedÂ
- DurableÂ
B. toys â Drumroll Please is a fun instrument that kids with moderate to severe autism can use as it is a 7-piece set that includes a variety type of percussion instruments. It has a Shaka egg, drumsticks, a tambourine, a castanet, a whistle, and of course, a drum.
What makes it great is that the pieces are designed to fit right inside of the drum so it can be stored and safe will be saved. The instruments have a variety of textures so that the kids can use them for sensory work.
These instruments as well are excellent for helping the kids develop better eye-hand coordination and it can help their motor skills as well. The materials that the set is made from are durable, safe, and non-toxic. Â
Prosâ
- The drumset can be carried safely by the neck with a strap which makes portability easyÂ
- Fun and engaging for the kids, caregivers, and parentsÂ
- The set is highly durable which means it will still last even after repeated droppingÂ
- The design of it is smart for storage purposesÂ
Consâ
- Unwrapping each piece is difficult to do as they are sealed in separate wrappingÂ
- The lights are bright on the instrument which can be a sensory disturbanceÂ
AGREATLIFE Wooden XylophoneÂ

- This wooden xylophone is made with keys that are multicolor and comes with 2 malletsÂ
- It comes with an Eagle whistleÂ
- The sounds that produced are very clear and on keyÂ
- The mallets are very easy to hold as kids with moderate to severe autism often have poor muscle tone and motor skillsÂ
- The music they produce from the instrument is soothing Â
- The materials this instrument is made from is free of phthalates as well as BPAsÂ
The AGREATLIFEÂ wooden xylophone is another excellent musical instrument for kids with moderate to severe autism (however, for severe autism it is better suited for kids that are closer to the moderate end). It also comes with an Eagle whistle.
The keys are made with wood and are multicolors, and the set comes with 2 mallets that are easy for kids to hold considering often they have poor muscle tone and coordination.
The music that the kids can produce by using this xylophone is soothing as music is calming to kids on the autism spectrum. The materials and wood are safe, durable, and are BPA -free and phthalates- free.Â
Prosâ
- The mallets are easy to grasp and it can help develop their motor skill soundsÂ
- The colors are not too bright which will not be a risk for sensory triggeringÂ
- The music is calming and comfortingÂ
- The instrument is engaging and will hold the childâs interest for a whileÂ
Consâ Â
- Customers have said the sound can be a bit dullÂ
- The xylophone is a little smallÂ
iPlay, iLearn Kids Drum SetÂ

- ăMusical InstrumentăThis 6 instrument percussion set comes with Marching Drum, Drum Stickers,...
- ăEducational Musical ToysăThis toy helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye...
- ăSuitable Size for KidsăPerfect size for preschoolers and early elementary children.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- This drum set contains a drum, a Tambourine, a maraca, a flute. a trumpet. and a harmonicaÂ
- Musical instruments were tested with CPSC and laboratories of a third-party accepts themÂ
- The materials that are made with is high-quality and durable ABS plasticÂ
- These instruments help kids on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum develop better eye-hand coordinationÂ
- The drum has space inside which allows kids to use it as a storage box for the other instrumentsÂ
Children that are on the moderate to the severe end of the autism spectrum can get a lot of benefits from playing with the iPlay, iLearn percussion set. This set contains a drum, a maraca, a tambourine, a flute, a harmonica, and a trumpet.
They are made with the best quality ABS material and do not have any toxins, as they were tested with CPSC and third-party laboratories had given them a pass. They are safe for use. Â
This percussion set will help kids improve their eye-hand coordination and will help their mouth muscle tone development as well as they need to blow into the trumpet, flute, or harmonica.
Additionally, the great thing about this set is that the drum can be used as a storage area for the other instruments as it will help save space. Â
Prosâ
- The price is good for what comes with itÂ
- Instruments are highly engaging and will hold the interests of the kidsÂ
- The storage room in the drum is largeÂ
- They are resistant to dropping and will not breakÂ
Consâ
- Some instruments have inaccuracies in the notes such as the trumpetÂ
- The noises have been said to be high-pitched which can be a sensory trigger (the ideal solution is for kids to use earplugs if they have auditory sensory issues). Â
Those are the most recommended musical instruments which are toys for children on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum. They will help them improve their overall development, especially their eye-hand coordination skills and help them become more engaging. Â
Kids that are on the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum can use real musical instruments. They can as well help them with their overall development. Listed below are the 5 most recommended instruments for kids that are on the higher end of the autism spectrum. Â
Best Musical Instruments For Children On Th Higher End Of The Autism SpectrumÂ
Forum Novelties Gold Trumpet Party Kazoo Play Musical InstrumentÂ

- Party Kazoo trumpet in metallic gold is sure to liven up any party
- Perfect for children, teens and adults
- Combine with dress up items by Forum Novelties for a complete costume
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Party Kazoo trumpet is made out of a gold metalÂ
- It can be used for kids on the higher end of the spectrum of all agesÂ
- It not only is a trumpet that creates tunes but can be used in settings to stimulate the imagination for playÂ
- This trumpet has been a leader in the Halloween industry for a long timeÂ
Kids on the higher end of the autism spectrum of all ages will enjoy using this trumpet as it will help them improve their mouth muscle tone as they are required to blow into it.
However, this trumpet can also help them with make-belief play as it can be a tool to help stimulate imagination which will bring out creativity. And in the end, this can help with the development and ability to think on a more abstract level.
For example, they can play dress-up and pretend they are performing at a concert. Forum Novelties has been a leader in the Halloween industry for several decades. Â
Prosâ
- It is a great tool for imaginary play and goes well with costumesÂ
- The instrument is sturdyÂ
- It will keep the child engaged for a whileÂ
- Kids really love itÂ
Consâ
- Customers have said it doesnât work overly well as a kazooÂ
- It is a little large from what customers have described Â
M SANMERSEN Electronic Piano KeyboardÂ

- ăMultifunctional Musical ToysăNOTE: The piano only works with left speaker. So the right speaker...
- ă37 Key Piano Keyboard for KidsăThe small music keyboard piano has record & play function, kids...
- ăEducational Learning Toys for Kids 3-5ăM SANMERSEN musical toys for 3 4 5 6 year old kids is an...
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Keyboard piano with 37 keysÂ
- Keys have multi-functions and purposesÂ
- It has a record and playback featureÂ
- Kids can use the piano with both hands which are good for developing both brain hemispheresÂ
- Helps kids develop an interest in musicÂ
- Made with safe and durable ABS plasticÂ
- Combined with demos, rhythms, animal sounds, tones, and percussionÂ
- Good for promoting eye-hand coordinationÂ
- Adapter which is not included plugs into the wall for charging, or operates on 3 AA batteries which are not includedÂ
The M SANMERSEN Electronic Piano Keyboard is a keyboard that kids on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum would enjoy a lot to play. The keyboard consists of 37 keys and the sounds that come from it are different tones, demos, rhythms, percussion sounds, as well as animal sounds. It also has a record and playback feature. Â
And it is good for brain development as both hands are used on the piano which will help develop both hemispheres of the brain. Additionally, it is good for the promotion and development of good eye-hand coordination.
The product is made with ABS plastic that is very durable. It needs to be charged with an adapter that is not included, or it can operate on 3 AA batteries which are also not included. Â
Prosâ
- It can run on a rechargeable batteryÂ
- It does not lagÂ
- The sound is clearÂ
- Kids love it and it keeps them engagedÂ
Consâ
- Some chords are off-keyÂ
- It is a little smallÂ
Abco Tech Giant Piano Mat Â

- INTERACTIVE & ENGAGING TOY â Bring out the ABCO piano mat & start the dance party! Our piano play...
- MULTIPLE INSTRUMENTS â Introduce your child to various instruments in their young years with our...
- 4 UNIQUE MODES â Our giant piano mat has 4 different play modes â Play, Record, Playback & Demo,...
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The 70-inch playmat is meant for kids to play a giant keyboard with their feet by stomping on the keysÂ
- The keyboard features 8 different musical instrument soundsÂ
- Features a record and playback modeÂ
- It has a demo modeÂ
- There are 24 keys on this floor keyboardÂ
- This instrument is good for the development of gross motor skillsÂ
- On and off switch that is automaticÂ
- Runs on 2 AA batteries that are not includedÂ
This giant floor keyboard is 70-inches long and it is meant for kids to play music by stomping on the keys with their feet. It has 24 keys and it features a demo, record, and playback mode. Additionally, it features 8 different musical instrument sounds as well such as the xylophone, piano, banjo, violin, saxophone, guitar, clarinet, and trumpet. Â
Kids with high-functioning autism would get a lot from this as they would find this floor keyboard enjoyable, and it also helps to promote good gross-motor skills. It has a switch that is automatic and turns on and off, and it runs on 2 AA batteries that are not included. Â
Prosâ
- The sound is on key and clearÂ
- The floor keyboard is largeÂ
- Kids playing it can get their exercise while strengthening their gross-motor skillsÂ
- It is enjoyable and engagingÂ
Consâ
- There no labels of where to find the types of sounds on the keysÂ
- The battery door does not always screw shut and may have to be taped up Â
Tosnail Kids Piano Percussion Accordion Musical ToyÂ

- Portable and Gripable Size - 7-1/2" x 6-3/4" x 4"; 1.8 lb weight. Perfect size for young hands....
- Made of food grade ABS plastic, 100% safe for kids to learn and play. The bellow made from kraft...
- Easy to Lean and Play - Pulling the bellows to make sound, there are 7 vocal keys on the right, and...
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Accordion made of wood and ABS plastic which makes it durableÂ
- The keys are basic and provide easy learning for kids with high functioning autismÂ
- It creates an accordion sound that is authenticÂ
- The key of C has a 2-octave rangeÂ
- This accordion is geared for kids from ages 3 and upÂ
- This instrument will help kids develop and fine-tune the fine motor skillsÂ
The Tosnail accordion is not a toy as it is a starter musical instrument for kids, and kids with high-functioning autism will gain a lot from using this instrument. It is made of wood, and ABS plastic, and is crafted to perfection which means it will last a long time. The keys are extremely basic and very easy to learn and creates an accordion sound that is authentic. Â
The C-key has a 2-octave range as well, and this is the perfect toy for kids that need to work on their fine motor skill development as kids that are on the spectrum have a lot of difficulty with this as it is. Therefore, this accordion has the great potential to be highly therapeutic. Â
Prosâ
- This instrument is durable and long-lastingÂ
- It is enjoyable and engagingÂ
- The price is goodÂ
- It is a great starter musical instrument for kidsÂ
Consâ
- The keys can be somewhat stiff when it is brand newÂ
- Some of the tones are off-key based on what some customers have saidÂ
Goplus Classical Kids PianoÂ

- đšăASTM Certification Guarantees Safetyă Delicately made of high quality ABS and solid birch...
- đľă30-Key Piano with Appropriate Sizeă Coming with 30 black and white keys, this pretty piano...
- đšăGreat Educational Musical Instrumentă Exquisite craftsmanship endows this piano's classical...
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Wooden starter piano for kids with a wooden benchÂ
- 30 ABS keys are featuredÂ
- Piano keys are wide as this instrument helps kids learn how to hit the keys properlyÂ
- Constructed firmly and made with safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly paintÂ
- The piano comes in black or pinkÂ
Goplus makes a starter piano just for kids and this instrument is perfect for kids with high-functioning autism. It features 30 keys that produce a gentle sound, and they are made of durable ABS plastic.
The keys are also wide which makes it ideal for learning, and the piano is well-constructed. It is made with paint that is non-toxic and eco-friendly, and safe. The wood is safe and firmly shaped so no slivers will happen. Â
This piano is great to be used in music therapy as well as in occupational therapy as it can help with the development of eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. This piano comes in black or pink color. Â
Prosâ
- The piano itself is quite sturdyÂ
- It is perfectly easy for kids to learn to play piano withÂ
- The price is good for the qualityÂ
- Enjoyable and engagingÂ
Consâ
- The bench itself is a little floppy from what customers have saidÂ
- The piano sounds more like a xylophone than a real piano Â
Those musical instruments are ideal for kids on the autism spectrum based on the level of functioning. The first half includes the recommended instruments which are really toys, for kids that have moderate to severe autism. The second half has the top 5 recommended instruments, which are basic for kids that are on the higher end of the spectrum. Â
Each of these instruments listed is an excellent tool for music therapy. Music therapy is highly effective for kids in all areas of the autism spectrum. That is because music will stimulate both brain hemispheres. Therefore, their cognitive ability can be promoted when both the right and left brain are activated. Increased cognitive ability will help with self-awareness as well as having the ability to have relationships with others. Â
All kids on the autism spectrum deserve to have a chance at having the best quality life possible. And music will help with making that happen. Â

Miriam Slozberg is a Canadian author, blogger, and mom to 2 kids. One had combined autism and ADHD. After years of trialing different forms of therapy, she learned how to best support her son. She writes on publications such as BabyGaga.com. She also is a mental health advocate as she lives with ADHD and has experienced depression.