With the holidays approaching, I know the dread of many siblings of adults with special needs: what am I going to get my brother?! For parents of children with special needs that question can be even more daunting because their children's development may be advanced in one area and delayed in a another which makes finding a toy that's both challenging enough to be engaging and easy enough to be enjoyed is tough.
Toys R Us is now distributing a guide developed specifically to address choosing the right toys for kids with special needs . 600,000 of the "Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids" will be printed and available at Toys R Us. Of the 85 toys listed inside, 79 can be obtained at stores other than Toys R Us. The guide indicates for each toy, which developmental area it can stimulate.
You can even look at it online right now!
Great blog! We also have just posted our Best Toys for Kids with ADHD as well as our Special Needs Adaptable Products (SNAP) Awards. Since 1989 we have giving awards to products that can be easily used or adapted for kids with special needs. We were so shocked to discover that toys marketed to special needs kids were double or triple the price--for the same toy!
Posted by: Stephanie Oppenheim | October 22, 2009 at 04:35 PM
I have sold new and used toys to special needs children for over 20 years and I have found that many of the traditional toys from the 80's and 90's are the best for this market. Traditional toys such as balls, puzzles, tea sets, and dress up toys can be toys that facilitate interaction between two people, thus building social skills. Sensory toys are also in high demand by therapists and educators who work with special needs kids. www.therapeutictoys.com
Posted by: A Barr | January 17, 2010 at 07:58 PM
So its supposed to be...over the top? I know I am only a guide and he will grow into his own person... my responsibility to try my best to teach him what is...
Posted by: Sherman Unkefer | January 12, 2011 at 01:52 AM
I'm glad they are deciding to do this for special needs children! Thanks for posting about this.
Posted by: educational toys for kids | December 29, 2011 at 08:52 AM