The Holiday Guide to ENGAGING Toys for Special Needs
The holidays are upon us with full force. Are you wondering what you should get that kiddo in your home that they will actually play with? What about if your child has special needs? Engaging toys are the key! Having been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 25 years, I like to think of myself as a “TOY SPECIALIST”. I know what toys kids will engage with and how to help BAY AREA parents with their little ones!
Really!! I have way too many toys for a grown-up!! I love choosing the right toy for a child based off of their individual needs. For the kids I work with, every kid is different. Each child has their strengths. They may also have challenges that come with their different abilities.
I think really hard about the toy as a means to ENGAGE! Both parent and child. THIS IS IMPORTANT! PAY ATTENTION! The toy must ENGAGE both the parent and the child. AND bring JOY to BOTH.
Part of PLAY is from EXPERIENCES. I mean full immersion into playing. Some kids play differently. Having a child with special needs means you are thoughtful about the toys you buy. Some autistic children love Brio trains. Some love air conditioners. Is one “toy” better than another? NO! What is your child interested in? How can you become interested too? You’re wanting to become immersed in your child’s play? How can you find the JOY and CONNECTION you want?
WHAT’S THE SECRET?
Not any toy will do. Many toys do not offer opportunities for engagement. That’s what you want! That spark; the sparkle. The gleam when you know that your kid is having fun WITH you!
TRICK #1
Stay away from battery-operated toys or toys that have a plug- They really take away from opportunities to get your child to visually regard you or anything you are doing. I like SQUIGS.
Squigs make great sounds when you pull them apart-that you can mimic. You can stick them on windows, the bathroom wall or a yoga ball. You stick them together to make them long and make “bridges”. SO MUCH FUN! Great for kids who are extra interested in sounds!
TRICK #2
YOU be the toy! Make sounds! Be animated! Pop out! Hide! Any opportunity to help your child find you in space and enjoy the interaction is a win! Try a blanket or SCARF to hide under or behind. If your child gets tired of the interaction; take a break but don’t give up! Keep them coming back for more!
See through scarves are great fun! Hide behind them! Wear them like a hat or dress; throw them in the air and catch them (they float slowly so kids with visual spatial difficulties can catch them easier). Perfect for a kid who needs less visual stimulation. Kids who look away from toys or people.
TRICK #3
Add a little movement. BOUNCE on a ball. SWING on a rope. CRASH into pillows. Watch and wait to see how your child reacts. Try to slow your movements down; make a sing songy voice. Draw your words out to entice him to play some more. I Love the YOGIBO Max.
This awesome bean bag chair can be used for crawling under, crashing onto or give squishies, Plus it is a comfy chair to snuggle in! This is a great toy for kids who need movement (constantly on the move) or for kids who need more deep pressure touch. (kids who press themselves into people or objects; kids like to crash into things.
TRICK #4
Play in a smaller space. Try to make the space you are playing in LESS VISUALLY distracting. Move furniture, hang up a tapestry, play in a tunnel, try a tent. The smaller space makes it easier for your child to find you in the room.
Here’s my favorite tunnel. It is heavy duty and an adult can even fit through it! It folds up easily for simple storage! Push a yoga ball through it for extra heavy sensory work! This is great toy for children who need less visual stimulation. It is also great for kids who are constantly moving their body.
TRICK #5
PLAY SLOWLY. MOVE SLOWLY. DRAW your words out so your child can PROCESS what you’re saying. USE LESS words when you need to. PLAY a tune instead of talking. The SAXOFLUTE is perfect for this.
This trumpet and construction toy is so fun! Build and play music! Hide the pieces and find them around the room; play the instrument and see if your child can copy you back. Let your child make sounds with it and you copy it. Give your child the power of being intentional! Plus, blowing through a musical instrument is great for breath work and can help your child to be calm. A wonderful toy for a kiddo who is able to blow bubbles. Good for kids who need support in relaxation.
While we’re talking about Holidays, here’s one last trick! Are you shopping for clothes for this Holiday season? Have you got a sensitive child? Head over to this blog – Sensory Sensitivity Clothing Edition for lots of ideas!
Looking for more great ideas or what to know more about how occupational Therapy and FloorTime can help you ENGAGE with your child?
You can find me at therapeepsot.com or call 650-204-0677
