Toys play an important role in every special needs child’s life. They are irreplaceable companions for babies. They help to explore the world around them, give impetus to the development of creativity and new skills. Toys should please, give pleasure, delight, and cheer up. You should buy necessary, high-quality, and safe toys at Special Needs Resources.
Watching the game, people can learn a lot about the inner world of the child, determine his/her character and temperament. All children are different; each has its interests and preferences.
Features of the play activity of a child with autism spectrum disorders
The gameplay should be formed based on individual characteristics, types of perception
Usually, a toy is used not for its functional purpose; the child does not care about the social role of the object. It relies more on sensory sensations that he/she receives in the process of manipulating a toy. Often the child prefers non-play items. It can be kitchen utensils, items of clothing, shoes, and the like. This is not a completely negative side. Since it is important that the child likes it, he feels comfortable, and precisely because of the actions that are pleasant to him, people will be able to attract him to other games. And thus, to achieve success in training and development.
What parents should pay attention to when choosing toys
- Simple, clear, and accessible
- Should not cause irritation and stress, but rather soothe.
- Should help express emotions.
- Engage different sensations – hearing, sight, touch, and others.
- Individually selected. If necessary, consult with specialists who work with the child (pediatrician, physiotherapist, sensory therapist, speech therapist).
Toys can be divided into several groups as they affect the development of the child.
For role-playing games
Usually, the child plays by himself, it is difficult for him/her to find contact with other children or adults. It is very difficult to show your emotions, as well as to distinguish between the emotions of others. Using the Sets of Cards and Posters introduces a system of alternative communication, which will serve as a link between non-verbal and verbal communication. The child will be able to express his opinion, and parents and teachers will understand how it feels.
Puppets Glove Puppets encourages play and dialogue helps to establish contact
Such toys are recommended to be used for carrying out correctional and developmental classes with a psychologist, defectologist, speech therapist. They can also be used at home, on a walk, on trips.
For stereotyped games
Assembling parts in one row, repetitive actions with objects, sorting by color, size – are the favorite activities of autistic children. This is where constructors and bricks come in handy. Don’t overload the child with a lot of details. Let there be several of them, but of high quality, environmentally friendly and safe, pleasant to the touch, and not too bright in color.
Stereotypical games help to overcome stress, irritability, and calm and relax
Antistress toys take on the same function. It can be a variety of balls, cubes, rings, bracelets, chewing pendants or pencil tips, etc. They will help you concentrate and focus on your studies.
Conclusion
In the Special Needs Resources, there is a large selection of quality toys that will help your child learn and develop comprehensively. After all, playing, the baby learns to live.