Best Toys for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy face a lot of physical challenges, however, this must not stop them from enjoying their childhood and living life to the fullest.
Nowadays, inclusive products that cater to the needs of those who are physically challenged are already widely available. Among these are toys that are specialized to promote the development of children with cerebral palsy. Besides being helpful to the child's motor skills and mental growth, these toys are absolutely enjoyable as well!
Before Purchasing a Toy
Keep in mind that cerebral palsy is different for every single child affected. This means that there are different developmental and treatment needs for each one.
This goes the same with toys wherein there are some specialized depending on the case of cerebral palsy a child has.
Make sure to pick the one that fits them best.
Here are some to choose from:
Games with Large Pieces
Assembling puzzles and games are great in building the upper body strength and coordination skills of children. However, it is common for those with cerebral palsy to encounter sudden involuntary actions that make it hard to play with little game pieces. This is why it’s better to purchase games with large and easy-to-handle pieces in order to avoid stressing out the child.
Building Blocks
The right building blocks for your child can impart important lessons regarding size, shape, balance, color, texture, and many more. Besides supporting children’s intellectual growth, it also benefits their physical health as it improves motor and coordination skills.
Musical Toys and Instruments
Music can help children express their emotions, engage with the world, and relieve stress. This is why toys that connect them to music can be enjoyable for them to play with. However, make sure to get one that is specialized for children with special needs because those that make loud noises might stress them out.
Multifunctional Balls
When playing with small balls, children with cerebral palsy are able to exercise and improve their hand-eye coordination through throwing and catching them. Just make sure to purchase one with a rigged texture and colorful appearance in order to make it easier to catch and hold. On the other hand, large balls which are big enough to sit on can provide tremendous physical benefits for children with cerebral palsy as it improves their balance and core muscles.
Food and Kitchen Playsets
These are toys that teach them about real-life tasks such as cooking food and are also very effective in stimulating their imagination. This “make-believe'' game is proven to help children with cerebral palsy build their confidence and motor skills.
Digital Applications for Children with Cerebral Palsy
With the rise of technology, there are now applications created specifically for children with special needs. These are designed to be enjoyable despite their physical limitations while also helping them gain life lessons, creativity, and intellectual growth. As they can be conveniently accessed through cellular phones, you can use them anywhere and anytime your child wishes to play.
References:
https://www.integrityinc.org/choosing-toys-child-cerebral-palsy/
