Parents are a child’s first and most beloved play companions. They are entrusted with the important task of choosing the most nurturing toys and creating a welcoming environment that promotes learning. Special needs toys - toys for kids who have physical or developmental disabilities - can provide children many different opportunities to play, share, and learn.
Providing toys that your child will love is one of the fun parts of special-needs parenting. It’s also one of the most effective ways to nurture their growth, happiness, and the development of a strong sense of self. Access to a variety of stimulating toys allows children with special needs to reach their fullest potential.
Choosing a Toy – Focus on Fun
Choosing the right toy is often an unexpected challenge for any parent. The added complexity of finding toys for children with disabilities can leave parents unsure of where to even begin their search. For parents on the hunt for special needs toys, however, it’s important to remember the real purpose of all toys—fun!
It can be tempting to select toys based solely on their therapeutic or educational value. But if a learning tool doesn’t bring your child joy, it’s unlikely that it will be used frequently enough to reap the hoped-for benefits. Most parents are familiar with the frustration of purchasing the “perfect” toy only to see it hardly leave its box.
Switch Toys and Adaptations
There are a few specialty companies that design and build toys specifically for children with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. Some parents find these toys expensive, but the growing ingenuity of companies when it comes to meeting diverse needs may provide your child a play opportunity that isn’t available in the mainstream market.
One company, Science Shareware, provides free DIY instructions for adapting electric cars (e.g., Power Wheels) to be powered from a light switch near the steering wheel. With these adapted switch toys, children who cannot hold their foot to the pedal or who cannot use their legs can practice the early skills of driving without sacrificing the element of fun.
Another variation on switch toys familiar to those who’ve been special needs parenting for awhile is altering mainstream toys, one of the most diverse options for play. One of the most common adaptations includes the addition of large switches to operate electronic toys.
Empowering children to turn toys on and off, experiencing the independence of activating their own toys, gives them confidence-inspiring control over their environment. Special Needs Toys and Beyond Play both offer these switches for use with a number of well-known toys.
Getting the Kids Involved
As children learn to communicate, most will gladly join you in the search for new toys. What if an item on their wish list isn’t accessible? Independent play is important. Your child may lack the coordination necessary to press small buttons or dress dolls. What if their wheelchair doesn’t fit through the door of their playhouse?
Many parents prefer to tap their own creativity and ingenuity to adapt toys for their children. Choosing or building a playhouse with widened doorways and adequate area to turn a wheelchair or walker is one way to offer access – and demonstrate both love and support for your child.
One of the Most Important Lessons of Special-Needs Parenting
Don’t forget to consider safety when purchasing toys for any child, whether or not special-needs toys.
To prevent choking and injury, think about a child’s special needs and unique capabilities rather than general age recommendations. No safety precautions can match the importance of parental supervision.
A watchful eye on all aspects of your child’s development will also foster awareness of the unique power of toys to influence the development of body image.
But keep in mind this basic precept of special needs parenting: all children should enjoy toys that represent the diversity of people in a positive way. Careful selection and presentation of the best toys for your child will be rewarded by their growth into creative and confident adults.
