Choosing the Right Toy for Special Needs Children

Introduction

Main Item

Some of the best gifts you can give a child are the ones that give back. That's the word from a growing number of parents who say toys that help support a cause are among their top present picks this season - and they've got plenty of options to choose from.

For instance, one unique Website lets parents help children with disabilities as they shop for fun and educational toys tailored to their own child's stage of development.

The site - which offers toys for kids with and without special needs - reviews toys from the marketplace and evaluates them based on their relevance and benefits to children. Called www.AblePlay.org it lets shoppers search for toys by either disability category, the potential benefit they may offer, a child's age, or manufacturer. Site visitors can also make a donation to support the National Lekotek Center, a division of Anixter Center. The nonprofit group provides family centered, play-based services for children with disabilities.

So how can you choose the best toys for your child's age and abilities? The site's experts suggest asking yourself the following questions:

1. Does this toy promote inclusion

Can my child enjoy it by himself or does the toy allow others to play along with him

Can the whole family play together? Will it offer siblings and friends opportunities to share the experience and increase social learning opportunities

2. Can this toy be easily adapted to my child's abilities

Sometimes, toys are hard for children to use, yet they offer potential for fun and learning. Often, you can take a creative approach to making a toy accessible to a child.

3. Does this toy offer a variety of ways to play

Read the instructions but also get creative. Think about the different ways a toy can be used and how it might help build skills.

4. Does my child have the attention needed for this toy

Take your child's attention span into account when toy shopping, but also remember that many toys can help children learn to focus on tasks.

5. What sort of sensory stimulation does this toy offer

Do you want to introduce more sensory stimulation or less stimulation into playtime? Look at toys from an auditory, tactile and visual perspective and measure that against what your child is comfortable dealing with.

6. What kind of a challenge factor does this toy provide

Sometimes, the right toy can offer a fun challenge your child is capable of meeting. Children with disabilities may benefit from a toy that provides different levels of challenges, allowing them to build skills at their own pace.

7. Does this special needs toy hold some potential to motivate my child

Often, children who resist moving toward a goal in a traditional therapy session can be convinced to work toward that goal when toys and play are the reward.

8. Does this toy address some of my special needs child's developmental goals

How can this toy be used to help your child move toward specific physical, emotional and social goals

9. Does this special needs toy have potential to help build my child's self esteem

There are toys that help children build new skills and confidence. They range from bikes without pedals to baseball tees that allow for easy hitting.

10. Will my special needs child quickly outgrow this toy

Some toys offer incredible longevity because they entertain the child in a variety of ways. Other play products have built-in stages of difficulty to continue to capture a child's attention and interest.

AblePlay lets parents support children with disabilities as they shop for fun and educational toys tailored to their child's stage of development.

AblePlay is an initiative from the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, division of the nonprofit Anixter Center, and the leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities.

For further information, For more information, visit www.AblePlay.org, e-mail RMendoza@lekotek.org, or call (800) 366-PLAY, ext. 401.

▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): AblePlay. (2011, September 26 - Last revised: 2013, June 12). Choosing the Right Toy for Special Needs Children. Disabled World. Retrieved October 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/games/right-toys.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/games/right-toys.php">Choosing the Right Toy for Special Needs Children</a>: How to choose the best toys to suit your special needs child age and playing abilities.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.