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Buying Toys for Special Needs Children: What Should You Look For?

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Buying Toys for Special Needs ChildrenYou probably think nothing about popping into town and picking up a toy as a treat for your child, yet when you have a child with special needs the first toy that you pick up is more than likely going to be an inappropriate choice. All kids love receiving new toys, they tend to see ad advert in between the children’s television programmes and set their hearts and minds on having one for themselves.

Toys can stimulate the imagination and help to develop both fine and gross motor skills. But what can you do when the child that you love does not have the skill set necessary to play with the toys that you buy them? Many mainstream toys are just not suitable for a child with special needs, which is why there is a growing market that specialises in designing and manufacturing adaptive toys especially for special needs children.

Selecting the Right Toy

When choosing a toy for a special needs child there are a number of things to take into account. You need to know just how developed the child’s motor skills are to know whether or not they are going to be able to hold and interact with the toy you have chosen. You may need to find a toy that is aimed at triggering sensory responses rather than one that relies on manipulation by the child in order to activate its features. Adaptive toys are generally designed so that they help to develop skills over time, and help to bring out a skill that the child was originally lacking.

Remember to keep in mind that you also need to find a toy that is appropriate to the child’s age, if you are unsure about buying a toy for someone else’s child, speak to the people that care for them regularly as they should be able to offer you some advice on the types of toys that would be suitable. There is no point paying for an expensive toy that promises all kinds of things if the child does not have the ability to use it – it will end up getting them frustrated and upset rather than bringing them pleasure.

Things to Consider

When selecting a toy for a special needs child remember to keep the following things in mind.

  • Which of the child’s senses will the toy appeal to or stimulate the most?
  • Does the child in question have the physical ability to activate and manipulate the toy?
  • Think about the locations that the toy can be played with – is it suitable for when they are in a wheel chair, laid down on the floor or sat at a table for example.
  • Can the volume of the toy be adjusted, or can the dimensions of it be changed in any way?
  • Will the child have to play with others to be able to enjoy the toy to its full potential or will they be able to play alone?
  • Is the toy that you have chosen suitable for their physical age or their developmental age?
  • Will the child find the toy interesting and appealing?
  • Is the toy durable? Will it stand up to a lot of wear and tear?
  • Have you selected a toy suitable for the child’s physical capabilities and limitations?

Are you looking to buy more traditional toys for your child this Christmas? Visit Toys Naturally now for more information.


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