Choosing the right toys for children with disabilities

With a dizzying array of toys competing for our attention, finding just the right gift for a child can be daunting, especially if the child has a physical, mental or developmental difficulty.

The right toys encourage learning, develop motor skills, coordination and balance, improve cognitive ability and concentration and strengthen muscles.

No matter what the child's needs are, experts say, certain general principles apply in selecting a toy or game, such as first identifying the child's abilities and interests and determining what is age appropriate given their mental or physical impairments. Just ask yourself: What will this toy require my child to do? And is he or she capable of that?"

Consider whether the child can sit up in a chair, complete a sequence of steps or push a button. Some children, for instance, may have problems turning knobs because their fine motor skills haven't developed. But if they can press an object with an index finger, select a toy with large buttons activated by a simple action and figure out what the child enjoys, whether it's listening to music, playing with dinosaurs or building things.

Because children may be delayed in their physical or mental development, parents should select what is appropriate for their developmental stage rather than chronological age. If a 6-year-old only understands language at a 3-year-old level, for example, gear toys toward the 3-year-old level.

Simplicity is important because it sparks imagination. And the toy or game doesn't need to be costly to be fun. Play-doh and modelling clay are often recommended for kids with attention deficit disorder because moving their hands helps them to focus. Similarly, colouring books and finger paints can help them develop fine motor functions. Balls, yo-yos, jump ropes and Hula Hoops strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination. Even familiar standbys such as Lincoln logs, Lego, Tinker Toys and blocks promote fine motor skills, visual acuity, problem solving and creativity, experts say.

Tips for Choosing Toys

Look for toys that appeal to more than one of the senses. Those with lights, sounds or movement are more likely to engage a child.

Weigh the complexity of toys. They should provide a challenge, not frustration. For example, a child with weak muscles may not be able to operate a toy requiring physical strength.

Be sure the toys can be used in different positions. A child who uses a wheelchair needs toys that fit on a wheelchair tray; one who can't sit up needs toys that can be used lying down.

Look for versatile toys. Items that can be played with in more than one way let the child adapt them to individual styles and abilities.

Buy popular toys. A child with toys like his or her friends' feels more like "any other kid."

Pick toys that encourage self-expression and imagination. Toys should allow a child to be creative in his or her own unique way, so provide tools for reading, drawing or manipulating blocks.

Be sure the toys can be adjusted, whether by height, sound volume, speed or level of difficulty.

Look for toys appropriate for the child's developmental and chronological ages.

Check to see if the toys are sturdy and can be used safely. There should be no loose parts that could be swallowed.

The best toys require that a child be an active participant. But because social interaction is important, especially for children with disabilities,make sure the toy encourages play with others.

This information is edited from an article as appeared on the internet as below
From: Big Trouble (Marilyn.David@net.HCC.nl)
Subject: Selecting the Right Toys for Kids With Disabilities