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Special Toys for Special Kids

The right toys encourage learning, develop motor skills, coordination and balance, improve cognitive ability and concentration, and strengthen muscles.

No matter what the child's needs are, experts say, certain general principles apply in selecting a toy or game, such as first identifying the child's abilities and interests and determining what is age-appropriate, given their mental or physical impairments.  

Simplicity is important because it sparks imagination. If the toy does everything, says Martha B. Bronson, professor of developmental and educational psychology at Boston College, "it doesn't stimulate the participation and interaction that is essential to learning." So:

• Look for toys that appeal to more than one of the senses.  Those with lights, sounds or movements are more likely to engage a child.

• Weight the complexity of toys.  They should provide a challenge, not frustration. For example, a child with weak muscles may not be able to operate a toy requiring physical strength.

• Be sure the toys can be used in different positions. A child who uses a wheelchair needs toys that fit on a wheelchair tray; one who can't sit up needs toys that can be used lying down.

• Look for versatile toys. Items that can be played with in more than one way let the child adapt them to individual styles and abilities.

• Buy popular toys. A child with toys like his or her friends' feels more like "any other kid."

• Pick toys that encourage self-expression and imagination. Toys should allow a child to be creative in his or her own unique way. Provide tools for reading, drawing, or manipulating blocks.

• Be sure toys can be adjusted, whether by height, sound volume, speed, or level of difficulty.

• Look for toys appropriate for the child's developmental and chronological ages. Check to see if the toys are study and can be used safely. There should be no loose parts that could be swallowed.

• The best toys require that a child be an active participant. But because social interaction is important, especially for children with disabilities, make sure the toy encourages play with others.

Help in Choosing a Gift

National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization, sponsors a help line on how to choose toys for children with disabilities. 1-800-366-PLAY, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids," developed by the National Lekotek Center and Toys R Us, is free at Toys R Us stores or by calling the National Lekotek Center. 1-800-366-PLAY, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Guide to Toys for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired," a catalog created by the American Foundation for the Blind and the American Toy Institute, Features toys and games for children of all ages. 1-800-232-5463 or www.toy-tia.org. 

"Toys for Special Children" makes toys, robots, trains and scooters activated by touch, sips or puffs of air.  1-800-832-8697.

From "Special Toys for Special Kids" by Linda Marsa, Los Angeles Times
Printed 12/17/01 in The Idaho Statesman