Unique Content Article: How Occupational Therapy And Specialized Toys Can Work Together

How Occupational Therapy And Specialized Toys Can Work Together


by Frank Richardson


Play is essential for child development. A toy is a tangible way for babies to learn about shapes, textures, colors, and structures. A toy can be therapeutic, contribute to brain development, and be fun all at the same time. There are a number of ways for occupational therapy and specialized toys to work in tandem to help improve the life of a special needs kid.

A cause and effect toy is one way to engage an autistic child. These sorts of playthings are good because they allow kids to explore different senses. They help develop eye hand coordination. With a toy like this an autistic child can explore how something he does causes a reaction. Pushing a button to make lights flash or make a bell ring are a couple of examples. Children with autism gravitate to playthings like water squirters, shape sorters, and light up or pop up toys.

Puzzles are great for kids who are slow to develop motor skills. They are required to pick up small pieces, grab knobs, pinch, and then place pieces in a particular pattern to make them fit together. Kids have to choose which pieces are most likely to fit and how the pieces work together to make a whole. There is a clear goal that kids can understand and appreciate. There are non-connecting puzzles, interlocking and sliding puzzles to choose from.

There are children who have oral motor and chewing issues. Oral stimulators work well for these kids. Things like chewable jewelry and chewy tubes give kids the opportunity to chew and bite. Blowing bubbles is a way to improve breathing control and teach a child how to purse his lips. Slides and bird whistles are good toys for developing oral control and strength.

Children who don't respond normally to sensation can use sensory toys to help them combat their issues. Textured objects appeal to their sense of touch. They get visual stimulation from objects that light up.

Playthings that snap, burst, pop, and explode can ignite a child's sense of hearing and vision. It's important to understand which sensory response the child is lacking. A child may respond inappropriately to the wrong toy and hurt himself in an effort to create the sensation he is seeking.

Fidgets can be wonderful playthings for a child with an attention deficit disorder. They will keep his fingers busy while his mind is processing the activity. Fidgets help the child concentrate and stay focused. They reduce stress and provide the kind of tactile response these kids crave. Inflatable cushions are also a good toy for kids with ADHD. Their attention is diverted while they're trying to balance on them.

Play dough was a great invention. It fascinates children, no matter whether they suffer from autism, attention disorders, or are completely normal. Today's play dough comes in all kinds of forms. It can be slimy, foamy, or slippery. All kids love its tactile nature and the easy way they can turn it into any type of shape, character, or structure. Parents love it because it's affordable and readily available.




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