Gift Giving Guide for Kids with Special Needs
By Glenda Hampton Anderson, Education/Assistive Technology Consultant.
As stated by Cari Jean, “It’s no secret that kids love toys. They see a new one on a television advertisement and tell their parents, “I want that!” If kids had their way, they would have every toy imaginable. Toys can be a great way for kids to use motor skills, to learn to play by themselves and to learn to share with others. But what happens when children do not have the required skills to play with their toys? Kids with special needs may not be able to play with many of the mainstream toys available. That’s why there is a market for adaptive toys for special needs children.”
The National Institute of Play states that “We all know that play is fun, even joyful. It refreshes and energizes us. Play is a central element of life, throughout life, not only for children, but for working and retired adults. In play our burdens feel lighter and we are opened to new possibilities. But play goes even deeper – it shapes our brains to make us smarter and more able to adapt to situations.”
Holiday time and birthdays are an exciting for all children, and children with disabilities are no different. There are nearly 6 million children with disabilities (including 12.7% of school children) who will receive holiday gifts this season. Yet because gift givers are afraid of selecting the “wrong” toy, many children with disabilities find pajamas and socks wrapped up in those brightly-colored boxes. Not the toy of their dreams.
The National Lekotek Center recommends the following-
Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities:
Multisensory appeal: Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?
Method of activation: Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required activating?
Where toy will be used: Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on wheelchair tray? Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home?
Opportunities for success: Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child’s individual style, ability and pace?
Current popularity: Is it a toy most any child would like? Does it tie-in with other activities like T.V., movies, books, clothing, etc?
Self-expression: Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and choice-making? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?
Adjustability: Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, level of difficulty?
Child’s individual characteristics: Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child’s interests and age?
Safety and durability: Consider the child’s size and strength in relation to the toy’s durability. Is the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Does the toy have moisture resistance? Can it be washed and cleaned?
1Potential for interaction: Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?
Toy Safety
Find information about toys, safety, recalls, and play on this toy safety site. Contents include data about toy industry testing as well as suggestions for toy use and exploration. A handout for using toys with children who have special needs may be helpful for families and friends who want to include a child, but are unsure of how to start. “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” – Kay Redfield Jamison, Professor of Psychiatry.
Toy Ideas
Switch toys are great for children who are challenged with motor control and are unable to play with many toys right off the shelf. You may make your own switch toys (much cheaper) or buy toys already designed to use with switches. (If you are interested in making your own, see the directions at the end of this posting.) Another great company for purchasing switch toys is Enabling Devices. You can also contact them and ask for a catalog at: 1(800)832-8697
Abilitations is a great catalog with a focus on children’s rehabilitation and therapy. Products are available for sensory integration, movement, positioning, exercise and play. Every product sold is guaranteed for up to one year. For a catalog call 800-850-8602 or shop from their digital catalogs.
Ability Station provides special toys for many different special needs and skillsets. All toys are therapist approved for a child’s growth, development and fun.
Bikes, Trikes and Tandems: A bike- what kid doesn’t like a bike? Consider a bike that fits their needs. (Check out AmTryke! They have all kinds of adaptions and will put it all together for you. Tell Grandma.)
Different Roads to Learning carries products carefully selected to support the Autism Community. You’ll find everything from basic flashcards, books and timers to advanced social skills tools to support you at every step.
eSpecial Needs offers a variety of appealing active play toys for children with special needs. A must explore place to shop!
Fat Brain Toys has toys and resources for children with special needs. Just choose your area of interests and they will provide you with the resources. It’s a process but one worth exploring.
Fun and Function designs sensory toys and therapy equipment for individuals with special needs to help children learn adaptive responses for what they may lack or crave. Fun and Function has some great gift recommendations.
Giant Leaps provides their special gift shop, providing gifts in the areas of Active Fun, Adapted Fun, Bikes and Ride-Ons, Games and Puzzles, Just like Me Dolls, and Relaxation. A perfect place to shop.
Kado Kid offers amazing education products that offer functions and fun while helping kids develop. All of their items are from Weplay, a leading designer in early childhood products.
Anything LeapFrog. “Created with the guidance of top educational experts and content specialists, LeapFrog products span a wide range of subjects to complement a child’s school curriculum. Our products also enable children to receive immediate and positive corrective feedback while working at their own pace. Most importantly, LeapFrog learning products are designed to build self-confidence by providing age-appropriate activities that challenge and motivate children.” LeapFrog is divided into Infant/Toddler, Preschool/Kindergarten, Grade School and Middle/High School. LeapFrog is a new company that has just gone crazy in the electronic educational toy department. Wonderful stuff! Walmart and Toys R Us carry their products.
Melissa and Doug offers toys such as play food, wooden toys, pretend play and educational toys for toddlers and preschoolers. Featuring Melissa and Doug and other award winning toys. You can find a gift for your special child with their incredible Toy Gift Wizard. Check out their Special Needs section.
Playability Toys designs and develops toys for children with special needs, called “Playability Toys – Special Toys for Special Kids”. Toys are geared towards children on the Autism Spectrum, individuals who are visually impaired, cognitive challenges, hearing impaired, physical challenges, have speech delays and more.
Sew Able Dolls are play therapy for children through dolls. “The dolls are very specialized and best handled by a child who knows about prostheses or wants to learn about them. We suggest these play therapy dolls and accessories for children 8 years and older, or those who have the ability to learn and understand the techniques to attach the legs.”
Special Needs Toys is an on-line catalog or you can request a catalog by calling 800-467-6222. “We present our range of Special Needs Toys, from mobile Multi-Sensory, to Swings, Trampolines and other Sensory Integration kits, Switches, Rewards and small Sensory toys.”
The Ultimate Gift Guide for People with Autism is designed for kids and teens with autism from an 18 year old’s point of view from her experiences.
Ashlyn’s gift lists for kids and teens with autism and her reasons why they are great picks. – See more at: http://fourplusanangel.com/2013/12/ashlyns-gift-guide/#sthash.U5u0XwXr.dpuf
Ashlyn’s gift lists for kids and teens with autism and her reasons why they are great picks. – See more at: http://fourplusanangel.com/2013/12/ashlyns-gift-guide/#sthash.U5u0XwXr.dpuf
10 Toys Great for Kids with Special Needs: Fun stuff that will help kids with Down syndrome, autism, juvenile arthritis, cerebral palsy, and sensory integration impairment.
17 “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs, ” I look for two key things when buying gifts for my son who has Cerebral Palsy. My main focus is finding something that he will successfully be able to use. The secondary focus is to choose a game or activity that promotes inclusion and social interaction with his sister and his peers.”
25 Great Toys For Kids Who Don’t Play With Toys, “Here’s a list of what’s been most successful with my son and his buddies over the years.”
Teen Gift Ideas (and some younger children too)
Think about gifts for older children and teens that may have therapeutic value that is well-disguised in age appropriate items. Here are a few other thoughts:
Any type of an audio book subscription would be worth exploring. There are several out there now such as Simply Audio Books and Audible.com. Provide them with an MP3 player or CD player and a subscription and you now have a reader on your hands. (Read this article on the Kindle.)
Calendars come in all kinds of themes to please different interests. It is a great way of introducing a calendar and the idea of counting down to special events.
Twin zip Converse might allow those difficult feet to get into that shoe in style!
An eReader. There are several different ones out there. You might call the local library to see which one they support then you can check out books instead of needing to buy them all the time. For specifics on how each one is different, check out this eReader Guide. Note that the iPad has an eReader (text-to-speech) built in, so this can be an option.
An experience- design a special gift voucher and provide them with a wild ride such as kayaking, zip lining, a Dune Buggy ride… maybe something more subdued? Think about bowling, miniature golf, star gazing…
Gift Certificates for days together are always worth giving. A day at the local nature center, a walk in the park, a movie… what kid doesn’t like the gift of special times together? Then, spread them out throughout the year. A bound to be unbroken!
Graphic T-Shirt, I mean really, who doesn’t like a great themed t-shirt! Mayb they have a favorite team or a regular show that they just can’t miss or an activity that they love. Find that perfect shirt, hoodie or even beenie that let’s them shine their stuff.
A nice gift for a High School or college student might be a Livescribe smartpen to use for taking class notes, personal notetaking, 1-on-1 tutoring support, and brainstorming, etc. There are different pens so be sure you look for the one that will provide your loved one with the right tool. The main differentiators are how they sync and what they sync to: Livescribe 3 syncs via Bluetooth to iOS devices (synching with Mac, Windows, and Android will come in 2014); also, no internal microphone or speaker (relies on the iOSs device’s mic and speaker for recording and playback), Sky syncs via WiFi with Evernote and the Echo syncs via USB cable with Mac and Windows computers. Check this handy comparison chart to learn more.
iPodTouch or iPad (and the mini!) allows all of those wonderful apps to be used without the phone charges. The iDevice world has gone crazy so if you haven’t jumped in, it might be time! Many families are having everyone contribute to a pot in order to buy one. Worth exploring. It is endless the types of apps that may apply to a disabled child. (See iPodTouch/iPad multiple postings.) Also, if a family member has up-dated their phone, use the old phone as an iTouch, no cost!
iTunes Gift Cards– There are so many apps appropriate for our kids that this makes a perfect present!! Not only are there apps but music and audio books can be downloaded. This is a great stocking stuffer or stand alone gift for any kid with an iPod or any of the other i products. You can find these at almost any store that carries gift cards or purchase on-line.
The Wii can be used by most with disabilities and can make almost anyone feel like an athlete.(Great article on Nintendo Wii Therapy Rehab.)
Pimp my Wheelchair is an awesome site for goodies to help personalize the chair. For great bags for the wheelchair, check out Wheelchair Gear. For the real classy dude, check out Mogo wheelchairs and especially their cool wheels!
Electronic Photo Frames allow pictures to be placed of all those special events, as it flips through adding enjoyment from past and present experiences. (Nice nightlight too.)
Wireless headphones – Sometimes when someone has a hearing impairment it can be challenging listening to things at the volume they like, or require. These headphones keep the whole family happy and no leads are necessary.
You might be asking yourself, is an iPad a good idea? The gift at the top of everyone’s Christmas list this year, disability or not, is the iPad (consider a mini!). The sleek and exceptionally user-friendly design of Apple’s newest technological breakthrough make it highly accessible to anyone, including those with limited mobility in their hands. Surf the web, watch movies and videos, read books or listen to music with just the touch of a hand. I have to say, there are few kids where I would say maybe not. Kids like them! They are exciting. There is so much that they can be used for but before you go that direction, you may want to ask yourself a couple of guiding questions:
What will it be used for?
How will it be monitored?
What type of case do I need to get for it to protect it?
Are there other accessories that we need?
A mount should be considered if holding it is difficult.
Does my child need data access (most I would say no.)
Would an iPodTouch be better? (They have come a really long way. Think of it as being just like the iPhone without the phone and an iPad but smaller. Then there is the iPad Mini…
Are you considering a Windows or Android option instead? Go to the bottom of this posting to read iPad vs. Android Tablets to give you some food for thought.
You may want to spend some time on the other blog postings to help you decide what you need.
Other Resource Guides
Ultimate Gift Guide 2014 is a massive guide for gift ideas where over 75 moms have teamed up to bring you these parent-approved gifts for kids. Although this guide is not specific for special needs, they do state, ” These toys have educational value and will spark your child’s creativity.”
Friendship Circle provides ideas for providing for financial needs now and in the future.
Melissa and Doug Special Needs Toy Guide was designed as a Resource for Families and Therapists. This is a 60-page guide that is just beautifully presented. Please explore this book before moving on to any other!
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has put out a Gift Guide for Individuals living with Paralysis. This is worth sharing with those you know who are dealing with paralysis in their family, even if it is a 2014 guide.
Toy Guide for Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired, includes guidelines for selecting (or developing) toys for children with visual disabilities.
You might have noticed when you went to Enabling Devices that they have a Holiday Buying Guide that you can download.
Toys R Us put out a guide that has helped millions of people choose just the right toy for the children in their lives with disabilities. Each plaything is accompanied by one or more symbols to help you match them to your child’s abilities and needs: auditory, language, visual, tactile, gross motor, fine motor, social skills, self esteem, creativity, and thinking. From the interactive online version, you can page through the catalog, click on things that interest you for a closer look, and then click on the stock number to go right to that item on the Toys R Us site and buy it.
For those of you in need, check out this listing of Asthma and Allergy Friendly Toys
AblePlay provides independent reviews of toys for special needs students. They provide toy descriptions and ratings by evaluators certified by the National Lekotek Center. A searchable database provides factors such as disability category, type of play and age range and includes information about play strategies and adaptation ideas.
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio reviews children’s toys and media. Although this is not a site geared specifically for disabled children, it is a great resource for quality toys and media. “Educator, parent& kid testing goes into each product considered for an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award.”
Lekotek, the country’s central source on toys and play for children with special needs is a wonderful source.
If your child has some specific allergies you may want to look at the Guide to Toxic Chemicals in toys to make sure you are purchasing toys that are safe.
18 Places to Look for Sensory Friendly Clothing – Needing a company offering stylish fun kids’ clothes with super soft fabric, no labels and special tailoring – things like seamless underwear, pull-on pants that look (at bit!) like chinos, and party dresses. For a great listing of numerous companies that provide resources, check Adapted Clothing List and Special Needs Clothes, Shoes and Accessories.
Special Needs Gifts.com offers hand-picked, reasonably-priced gifts that help kids with Down syndrome, Autism, ADD, SPD, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Impairment, developmental delays and other special needs.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids with Special Needs by Brain Balance provides “Shopping for a Child with Special Needs or a Neuro-behavioral Disorder like ADHD, Dyslexia or Sensory Processing Disorder? Take a Look at these Great Gift Ideas!”
And of course, no one could ever have enough books. Books on tape or CD are wonderful for the car. If you have a child that uses a switch, adapt the player so that the child can operate it by hitting the switch. And every switch user should have a wireless switch and a PowerLink 4 from AbleNet, in the home!! Great personal control! Do you have a wanderer? Keep them safe with a “If I need help” tag. Best of all, a nice big hug can do wonders.
Glenda Hampton Andersons blog is full of great information and loads of resources. Check it out at Glenda’s Assistive Technology Information
