Choosing the best toys for children with ASD or ID
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Miriam - Blog
Choosing the best toys for children with ASD or ID this holiday season
How to choose the best toys for your child?
The holiday season is here, and for many children, that means a magical time filled with gifts and joy. As a parent, especially if your child lives with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID), choosing the perfect toy can seem like a daunting task. This article is here to help guide you in selecting toys that are suitable, educational and safe, and will allow you to connect this holiday season.
The importance of play in the development of children with ASD and ID
Play plays a crucial role in your child's development. It encourages communication, creative thinking and imagination. It's important to select toys that allow your child to practice sharing, problem-solving, and developing specific skills, while being captivating and engaging.
Choosing simple toys to stimulate children's creativity
An important concept to keep in mind is that the simplicity of a toy is often the key to unlocking a child’s creativity and stimulate learning. Choose toys that encourage your child to take an active role in their play, thus fostering active development.
Safety and adaptation of toys for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Safety first: watch out for toys that present choking hazards and avoid those that can break, especially if your child has a tendency to throw tantrums. What's more, choose toys that are adapted to your child's developmental age, not just the chronological age.
Benefits of traditional books and toys for parent-child communication
Research suggests that books and traditional toys such as blocks, puzzles and role-playing games are more conducive to positive interaction and communication between child and parent than electronic toys. These interactions are essential for your child's linguistic and social development.
How to play with a child with autism or an intellectual disability
If your child seems reluctant to share their toys, don't lose heart. Follow his or her lead and focus on shared enjoyment rather than the educational aspect. This will strengthen your bond and encourage new forms of shared play.
In conclusion
Selecting the right toy for a child with ASD or ID goes beyond simple entertainment. It's a chance to enrich their learning and development. By following these tips, you'll be offering your child not only hours of enjoyable play, but also invaluable tools for personal development. The most important thing is to share moments of joy together!