Toys for neurodivergent children showcased at Shaastra 2025

Cognify toy competition at Shaastra 2025 showcases innovative toys for neurodivergent children by talented teams from India.

Cognify, a toy competition organised as part of Shaastra 2025, the technical festival of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), captured the attention of all onlookers on Saturday. Two dozen teams from across India were invited to design evidence-based, adaptive toys for neurodivergent children. The teams were shortlisted following two rounds of evaluation.

Anoushka Waje from MIT Institute of Design Loni, Pune, showcased a ‘Ball Puzzle’. “This toy aims to improve cognitive and gross motor skills of children with autism aged one to three. It helps them develop certain life skills such as problem solving and socio-emotional and language growth,” she told The Hindu. They also learn to judge colour and shapes and develop self-executive and regulatory skills necessary for their overall development, she added.

Nandana Preenand, a second-year creative education student at Srishti Manipal, displayed a stacking toy made from magnets. She said, “I’m focusing on two disorders: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. This toy is designed for children aged three to six and features pieces that can be stacked in any order, progressing in size. As children engage with the toy and move their hands, it helps them develop motor skills, making it easier for them to later hold pens and pencils.”

Devika P. Prasad, a user experience designer in Air India, and Divyansh Yadav, a researcher in Consumer Insights at Reliance Consumer Products Limited, explained their idea which was a book-cum-toy that aims to help kids with dyslexia learn words in a fun and interactive way.

The TouchQuest team from RV University, Bengaluru, showcased a tactile-based maze game designed specifically for children with ADHD. “Our game is carefully crafted to aid sensory integration, focus, and cognitive development, helping children with ADHD develop essential skills,” the team said. “What sets TouchQuest apart is its unique features, including the interactive gameplay with RFID tags and receiver, 3D-printed pawns, and game pieces, colourful and visually appealing designs, and a variety of themes to keep children engaged,” they said.

Shailendra Jaiswal, advisor, Toy Association of India, and lead mentor, Srijan Sanchar community, who was one of the judges at the event, said: “Every child should have the right to play. And if their needs are different...they need different toys.” He added that there weren’t many players who focused on this space in India.

Aksshith Golla, head, ReWire Shaastra 2025, and Sai Harshith Gajendra, a second-year electrical engineering student at IIT-M, said this particular event had over 1,200 registrations. “Participants were allowed to design toys using any materials or platforms,” they said.