Toys for Special Needs Children 

Special needs children face various challenges associated with their development. These include sensory, cognitive, emotional or physical problems. Toys for special needs children are built to meet their unique preferences and needs. They improve their creativity, skills, senses and overall health. Make sure you choose special needs toys that are appropriate according to the developmental stage and age of your kid. Before making a buying decision, it’s worth reading toy descriptions and reviews online.

Examples of Toys for Special Needs Children 

Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are fun and relaxation toys designed to stimulate one of the five senses. They are ideal for kids with:

• ADHD
• Sensory processing disorders
• Anxiety disorders

Examples include:

• Slime
• Musical instruments
• Fidget spinners, etc.

Educational Toys

Educational toys are special toys that stimulate the cognitive development and learning of special needs kids. They are ideal for those with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.

Examples include:

• Flashcards
• Puzzles
• STEM kits, etc.

Adaptive Toys

Adaptive toys are toys that are easy to tailor or change as per the potential and limitations of kids with physical disabilities. They are ideal for kids with poor fine motor skills, mobility or coordination problems.

Examples include:

• Magnetic building blocks
• Voice-based toys
• Switch-operated toys

What Are Some Popular Toys for Special Needs Children?

Here are some popular toys for special needs children:

Storio 3 Slide Projector Flashlight Torch with 24 Patterns

This educational toy is a perfect night light gift for 7-year-old boys and girls. It enhances learning and play.

Graphene Rainbow Spring Fun Activity Stress Relief Toy

This stress-buster toy offers an incredible tactile experience. It is perfect for kids and adults of all age groups. Since it is compact and portable, this makes it an ideal on-the-go toy.

Ratna’s Hula Hoop Ring Slim for Kids

This slim hula hoop ring is simple to use, comes in attractive colours and is great for physical activity. It enhances hand-eye coordination as well as cognitive and thinking skills.

Clapstore Busy Board V1.5 with LED Light 

This Montessori sensory toy for toddlers promotes educational activities. It comes with power switches that bring diverse difficulties. It improves sensory learning, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination, and prepares the child for preschool learning.

Organix Pop it Toy

This pop-it fidget toy set is a stress relief game for adults and kids. It restores mood and offers sensory interaction. The soft material makes it easy to clean and use. 

Kidology Elephant Pull String Activity Toy

This Montessori toy is made from food-grade silicone and is suitable for babies 6-12 months old. It helps improve hand-eye coordination and develop fine motor skills.

Chic Buddy Infinity Cube Fidget Toy 

This stress-relieving fidgeting game is suitable for kids, teens and adults. since the toy is light in weight and small, you can carry it anywhere you go.

FAQ’s

What toys are good for a child with special needs?

The best toys for special needs children are books, puzzles, balls, and building blocks. You will only need to help your kid in playing them.

Do special needs toys have a switch?

Yes. Numerous special toys contain a switch. A kid needs to press a button to activate the toy. But for others, the user needs to connect to a special switch.

What are some examples of sensory toys?

Sensory toys are designed to revive the senses of a child. They are ideal for kids with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders. A few examples of sensory toys include:

1. Squishy Balls: They are simple to squeeze and manipulate. These toys offer tactile stimulation.

2. Kinetic Sand: This sand is easy to mould and sticks together to offer a unique tactile experience to the user.

3. Weighted Blankets: These toys offer deep pressure stimulation by releasing serotonin hormone. They help your kid sleep deeper and fall asleep quickly.

4. Stepping Stones: These toys are easy to deflate and inflate to alter the surface reaction when stepped on. As kid navigates the textured stones and follows designated paths, they improve their key motor skills and help in sensory regulation.

Where can I buy them?

There are many online stores where you can purchase toys for special needs children. A few of them are:

1. Amazon: They provide a wide variety of special needs developmental toys. You can also check their bestsellers.

2. Fat Brain Toys: They offer a comprehensive collection of educational toys and games suitable for a particular disability.

3. Kado Kid: This online store specializes in toys for children for different special needs.

4. eSpecial Needs: It offers attractive active play toys for special needs children, including Autism toys.

How can I make my own adaptive toy?

Making adaptive toys on your own for your kids can be fun. Below are a few ideas: 

1. Weighted Items 

Weighted Stuffed Animal

Simply, take an old stuffed animal toy. Now, add nuts, bolts and other heavy things by cutting tummy and paws.

Weighted Blanket

Grab a weighted afghan and fold it into quarters. 

Weighted Vest

Grab an old shirt or vest. Now, fill the hems and pockets with curtains.

2. Fidget Toys

Things you will need:

• A seashell (palm-size)
• A smooth stone
• A combination lock
• Old key set
• A knotted balloon (filled with sand)