| One of the more common problems with mainstream | | | | A tip to avoid sand box mess: put the sandbox on |
| toys is that they are meant to be used with two | | | | cement blocks- will be at waist level and kids won't get |
| hands- often times children with cerebral palsy will | | | | sand in all their clothes. |
| have limited use of one side of the body or the use of | | | | Toys that help with coordination and controlled |
| only one hand. | | | | movement are also a good choice. |
| Toys should be fun and children should have a feeling | | | | Bowls filled with beads, beans or jelly beans are good |
| of accomplishment or success when playing- not | | | | for sorting, counting and grouping. Excellent for |
| frustrated or reminded of what they cannot do. | | | | controlled movement. |
| Many of the commercial toys on the market can be | | | | Building blocks- simple wooden blocks, large dominoes |
| adapted or used by children with cerebral palsy. | | | | for stacking also help with controlled movement. Also |
| There are many toys that you can buy at any toy | | | | try empty milk cartons for stacking. |
| store or department store that are affordable and fun | | | | Play-doh is always a favorite- make your own |
| to use. Look for toys that can be used with one hand. | | | | play-doh and use Kool-Aid to not only color it but give it |
| Musical instruments are great for this- a trumpet, | | | | a fruity scent. Your child will be developing sensory |
| harmonica, xylophone or maracas. These also develop | | | | awareness and visual motor integration skills as he |
| a sense of cause and effect with young children and | | | | plays. |
| help controlled movement with older children. | | | | Keep a box around filled with wheeled toys. Toy |
| Magnetic type toys are all the rage and a big hit with | | | | trucks and cars of all sizes. These deal with non-verbal |
| kids of all ages- there are tons of magnetic toys | | | | expression, problem solving and self-control. |
| available in many forms- magnetic jig saw puzzles, | | | | Keep toys in site so your child can see what available- |
| magnetic construction toys and magnetic marbles. | | | | avoid opaque containers and lids. Baskets are great |
| A simple ball is a lot of fun and great for developing | | | | for this. |
| coordination- get a neat ball that glows in the dark, | | | | You can find many toys in local stores and make your |
| flashes lights or play music when you roll it. | | | | own from even around your house without having to |
| Toys or play that involve the senses will help with | | | | spend a lot of money on adaptive or special needs |
| sensory integration development. | | | | toys. Mainstream toys help with developmental skills |
| Sand and water are great for this. You can also fill a | | | | such as cognitive awareness, controlled movement |
| empty dish pan with uncooked rice- a great makeshift | | | | and coordination- and don't forget they are fun! |
| sand box for a rainy day. | | | | |