As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you may be shopping and wondering or confused about choosing the best toys that meet your child's needs in promoting their learning and development. According to a publication by the Autism Research Institute, choosing an appropriate toy depends largely on a number of factors, including; respect for the child's special interest and play skills regardless of age, and asking and allowing the child to make their choices. This publication reveals many interesting methods of choosing appropriate toys for children with autism as directly quoted in subsequent pages of this article..
According to the Autism Research Institute, "If you find yourself shopping for a child with autism spectrum disorder, you might wonder about if there are certain toys and gifts are better than others. When choosing a gift for any child, start by considering their preferences. For more specific guidance, we spoke to Lindsey Biel, NYC-based occupational therapist and co-author of Raising a Sensory Smart Child. Biel is a certified mental health integrative medicine provider whose clients include children diagnosed with autism'.
“Always consider and respect the individual’s special interests regardless of the person’s age, and remember there are many ways to respect those enthusiasms,” Biel said. She gives the example of a teenager who adores Sesame Street.
“Never buy a toy that requires adult assistance unless you are ready to assist or you have asked the parents,” Biel says.
Science kits like crystal growing kits, electronic snap circuit kits, multi-step craft projects, and some board games are great fun for many kids, but they can require more of a time commitment from parents.
“The way to really boost the beauty of that gift would be for you to make a date with the child to do it together if you know the parents are already overloaded,” Biel said. They might enjoy a plush toy, a coloring book, or a book on drawing their favorite characters. For children interested in a video game-like Minecraft, you can choose from the wide range of Minecraft branded products that include everything from Lego sets to novels. “Also, there’s nothing wrong with asking the child or the family for suggestions!” Biel adds. Talking to the parent or asking the child for a holiday wish list can ensure that your gift is one the child will enjoy.
Plus, speaking to parents or caregivers will help you avoid potential health and safety issues. For example, does the child mouth toys? If so, be sure to avoid any toy with small parts that can break off and pose a choking hazard.
Remember that choosing the right holiday gift for a child with autism depends on the child’s needs and interests. Asking the parents is always a good first step. Biel herself chooses toys for her clients based on their therapeutic goals and interests.
Biel cautions against buying a toy just because it’s popular among kids of that age group. Remember that all children develop at different rates and have different interests. It’s far better to ask for a parent’s guidance than to assume that a child will like the toy based entirely on their age or gender. As children develop more abstract skills, you can consider visual perceptual challenges, board games, and make-it kits. “Art supplies are always good if you make sure they are non-toxic and won’t make a mess,” Biel says. “Run them by the parents first.
In general, it’s important to make sure that any toy you purchase meets health and safety guidelines for the U.S. Ordering inexpensive toys online can pose a safety risk if the toys have not been inspected for quality and safety
Choosing appropriate toys for children with autism is important but can pose a very big challenge. Therefore, it is worth doing some research to ensure that the right toys are purchased to meet the child's developmental needs and health and safety guidelines in your specific country. At Kiddie Best, we have lots of great toys that may be suitable to children with Autism. We have listed a few of our recommended toys for children with autism based on customer preferences and previous purchases. You may find other interesting autism-related toys by browsing through our website, www.kiddiebest.com.
To read more about choosing toys for a child with autism, visit the original source at: https://www.autism.org/choosing-toys-for-a-child-with-autism/
Article Source: Autism Research Institute.