Today, we take a deep dive into the world of play for children with special needs. Just like any other child, children with special needs deserve opportunities for play, exploration, and enjoyment. Toys designed for their specific needs can provide them with engaging and enjoyable experiences that enhance their quality of life, boost their self-esteem, and provide a sense of achievement and independence. Of the many benefits they can reap from play with toys, today we have the topmost seven and we as well share some toy suggestions to guide you through this journey. First off, let us explore the benefits:
Developmental support: Toys designed for special needs children are often created with specific developmental goals in mind. They can help promote the development of physical, cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional skills that may be challenging for these children. By engaging with appropriate toys, children can practice and improve various skills in a fun and engaging way.
Sensory stimulation: Many special needs children have sensory processing differences or sensitivities. Toys that provide sensory stimulation can help them regulate their sensory experiences, explore different textures, sounds, lights, and movements, and develop their sensory integration skills. This can contribute to their overall sensory development and well-being.
Therapeutic benefits: Toys can be used as therapeutic tools for children with special needs. Occupational, physical, speech, and behavioral therapists often incorporate play and toys into their therapy sessions to target specific goals and facilitate progress in areas such as motor skills, communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Toys can make therapy sessions more enjoyable and motivating for the child.
Inclusion and social interaction: Toys designed for special needs children can promote inclusion and social interaction. When children with special needs have access to toys that are specifically tailored to their abilities, it can help level the playing field and enable them to participate in play activities with their peers. This fosters social connections, cooperation, and shared play experiences, which are important for their social development and building relationships.
Engagement and enjoyment: Just like any other child, children with special needs deserve opportunities for play, exploration, and enjoyment. Toys designed for their specific needs can provide them with engaging and enjoyable experiences that enhance their quality of life, boost their self-esteem, and provide a sense of achievement and independence.
By providing appropriate toys for special needs children, we can support their overall development, enhance their well-being, and ensure they have opportunities to participate in play and social interactions that are crucial for their growth and development.
When choosing toys for special needs children, it’s important to consider their specific abilities, interests, and developmental needs. Here are some general suggestions for toys that can be beneficial for children with special needs:
Sensory toys: Since most special needs’ children benefit from sensory stimulation, look for toys that engage multiple senses, such as textured balls, squishy toys, or sensory mats. Toys with lights, sounds, and vibrations can also come in handy. Perhaps, you may want to explore our collection of sensory toys which include: Playgro Textured Sensory Balls; Lamaze Tails of the World Sensory Book; Learning Resources Colormix Sensory Tubes; Pop Up Push Bubble Fidget Toys and;Social skill toys Infantino Sensory Water Play Mat.
Adaptive toys: These are specially designed toys that are modified to accommodate children with physical disabilities. Examples include switch-adapted toys that can be activated by pressing a button or switch, or toys with larger handles or grips for children with limited dexterity. Some of our collection essentials in this category comprise of: Playgro Sights and Sounds Music Box TV, LeapFrog My Peek-A-Boo Lappup; LeapFrog Lullaby Lights Lion; LeapFrog Learn and Groove Drum; Playgro Jumbo Jungle Musical Piano Mat; LeapFrog Little Office Learning Centre; LeapFrog Scout’s Get Up n Go Walker and, Infantino Piano and Numbers Learning Toucan.
Fine motor skill toys: Toys that promote fine motor skills can be beneficial for children with coordination difficulties. Puzzles, building blocks, and toys with buttons, zippers, or laces are great for improving hand-eye coordination and finger skillfulness. We have plenty of these in stock ranging from Learning Resources Sand n Water Fine Motor Set; Learning Resources The Fine Motor Dino; SES Creative Airplane Folding to; SES Creative Casting and Painting Fantasy Horses.
Communication and language toys: Always look for toys that encourage communication and language development. This can include picture cards, electronic devices with recorded sounds or speech output, or toys with buttons that play words or phrases. From Playgro Sights and Sounds Music Box TV, LeapFrog My Peek-A-Boo Lappup; LeapFrog Lullaby Lights Lion; LeapFrog Learn and Groove Drum; Playgro Jumbo Jungle Musical Piano Mat; LeapFrog Little Office Learning Centre; LeapFrog Scout’s Get Up n Go Walker to; Infantino Piano and Numbers Learning Toucan we got them all.
Gross motor skill toys: For children who need to work on their gross motor skills, consider toys that encourage movement and physical activity. Trampolines, balance boards, or ride-on toys can help improve coordination, balance, and strength. The best of our assortment in this category encompass: Disney Frozen II Ride On Car; Disney Spiderman Ride On Car; Mookie Trike 2in1 and; Playgro Push Along Ball Popping Octopus.
Social skill toys: Toys that promote social interaction and turn-taking can be helpful for children with social and communication challenges. Board games, pretend play sets, or cooperative play toys can encourage social engagement and teamwork. Great samples in our assemblage are: Learning Resources Alphabet Marks the Spot Floor Game; LeapFrog Rockit Animals Game; Four In A Row Wooden Game; Kitchen Play Food and; Little Chef Kitchen Play Set.
Calming toys: Some special needs children benefit from toys that provide a calming effect. This can include items like stress balls, fidget spinners, weighted blankets, or sensory bottles. These include: Playgro Textured Sensory Balls; Lamaze Tails of the World Sensory Book; Learning Resources Colormix Sensory Tubes and; Pop Up Push Bubble Fidget Toys and; Infantino Sensory Water Play Mat.
Remember, every child is unique, so it’s essential to consider their individual needs and preferences when selecting toys. Consult with therapists, educators, or other professionals who work with the child to get personalized recommendations tailored to their specific needs.
