Toys for children with Special Needs

Toys for children with Special Needs

Details about different types of toys useful for CWSN (Divyang)are given below. However, these are inclusive toys, which can be used by all the children at the appropriate stages:

a. Cause and Effect Toys: 

These toys work as stimuli (cause) to generate response (effect) from children (for example: push a button and sound will come out). Some of the more common causal toys are: shape sorters, pop-uptoys, sprinklers, light-up toys, toys that make noise when squeezed, etc. These toys help promote visual motor and grasping skills of children with Autism. Using these toys, children get an opportunity for hand-eye coordination, sensory exploration and repeat sequences. 

b. Puzzles: 

There are various types of puzzles for children like connecting puzzles (jigsaw) where pieces fit into each other, non-connecting puzzles (knobs or pegs) where pieces do not fit each other, etc. In puzzles, children have to pick up, grasp and place pieces or blocks to either complete a picture or model. Puzzles offer many developmental benefits that give children a chance to learn new skills while they work towards a goal. Puzzles also improve cognitive development as they help children learn strategy, choice and understanding of how pieces fit together to form a larger picture.

c. Fidget Toys: 

These types of toys are good for children with ADD or ADHD, These toys are feasible options for children to keep their hands and fingers busy while the brain is engaged. These toys can effectively help with self-regulation, promote focus and concentration, decrease stress and provide tactile awareness. Examples of Fidget toys are play dough, squeezable balls, etc.

d. Oral Motor Stimulators: 

Oral motor toys are designed to either go in or engage a child’s mouth. These toys can be effective stimulators for children who crave chewing or struggle with oral motor difficulty. Chewy tubes, chewable jewellery, wooden and warbling bird whistles, blowing bubbles, are some of the examples of these types of toys.

e. Sensory Toys: 

Children who suffer from sensory processing disorder are under-responsive to sensation and often need to feel intense outside sensations like texture, touch, pressure and speed. Sensory toys like light up toys, water or sand tables, finger paint, mini trampolines or personal bouncers offer a quick sensory response to help children calm down and focus their attention. It’s important to make sure a child is experiencing the sensory response he/she desires. If a child craves more of or a different response, he/she may misuse a toy in order to achieve it, which may be dangerous. Selecting the right type of toys for a child’s specific needs is a fun way to teach self-management techniques and learn new skills.

(Source - Toy Based Pedology Part 1, Handbook).