Welcome to ASTRA’s 2011 Marketplace &

Academy

Toys for Children with Special Needs

Diane Cullinane, M.D.Developmental Pediatrician

Pasadena Child Development Associateswww.pasadenachilddevelopment.org

Developmental Milestones*

I. Shared attention

II. Social engagement

III. Two-way interaction

IV. Shared problem solving

V. Creative thinking

VI. Logical thinking

*DIR/Floortime www.icdl.com

I. Shared Attention Physical proximity • Anything which draws people together, or

creates a physical boundary– Pop up bus or tent– Floor covering– Large toy object: ball, castle, garage– 2- person swing or ride on toy– Wagon

I. Shared Attention Sensory experience

• Each child is unique and may be attracted to or avoidant of certain sensations– Use natural sights, sounds, colors– May need pure simple colors without detail,

smooth surface– Simple rocking motion which can be

controlled– May enjoy strong jumping and crashing

I. Shared Attention Sensory experience• Getting inside a tent made from a sheet, and

playing with flashlights on the wall• Splashing bubbles together, finger painting

together on a big piece of paper, or sand play • Drawing together on a big chalk board• Body painting• A tub where a child is inside and mother rocks,

or two children get in together and move around

I. Shared attention: Sensory Exploration• Buckets and shovels

• Sand toys, clay

• Water toys

• Climbing, slides

• Musical instruments

• Opening and closing

II. Social Engagement

• Exciting dynamic shared experience– Dance and singing to follow along– Nursery rhymes– Surprise in books, pop up boxes– Playhouses; windows that open and close– Big tunnel– Bubbles, balloons

III. Two-way Interaction

• Reciprocity and Initiative– Rolling a ball, catch – Simple train or car, through a tunnel, or down

a ramp– Basketball hoop– Cause-effect toys with separate parts

IV. Shared Problem Solving

• Builds longer periods of shared attention and interaction

• More complex emotional exchanges around surprise, frustration, joy, sadness, disappointment, success and pride

• Seeking and receiving help, working together

IV. Shared Problem Solving

• Construction Games

• Cardboard blocks, chutes and marbles

• Tools and repair kits

• Models, train sets

• Art kits

• Puzzles

• Simple board games

V. Creative Thinking

• Using imagination and ‘symbolic thinking’

• A safe and powerful way for children to explore and master a wide range of emotional ideas

V. Creative Thinking

• Imaginary play develops from more realistic imitation– Baby dolls, carriages, bath tubs, kitchens– Cars and trucks, garages, steering wheels– Airplanes, boats– Food and kitchens– Stuffed animals- dogs and cats

V. Creative Thinking

• Gradually less “real” play

Range of themes– Nurturance– Bad guys and good guys– Danger, bravery and heroes– Competition and jealousy

V. Creative Thinking Nurturance

• Puppets

• Families and houses

• Farms

• Food

• Doctor kits

• Tools and repair kits

V. Creative thinkingBad guys and good guys

• Magic

• Pirates, swords, soldiers

• Kings and queens

• Castles

• Villains

V. Creative thinkingDanger, Bravery and heroes

• Aliens

• Dinosaurs

• Sharks, alligators, lions

• Super-heroes

V. Creative ThinkingCompetition and jealousy

• Dress up dolls, jewelry etc.

• Armies

• Teams of pirates, gold and treasure

V. Creative Thinking

• Open-ended toys– Play dough, clay– Craft materials– Construction materials

VI. Logical Thinking

• Connecting ideas in a logical way

• Making a story

VI. Logical Thinking

• Houses, forts, castles, and figures- smaller, more detail

• Board games with more complex logic

• Science kits

Special considerations: Individual differences

• Visual detail

• Sounds

• Fine motor dexterity required

• Visual-spatial skills

• Gross motor play

• Uneven skills

Solitary Play

• Ideally, would still involve problem solving and creativity

• Risk of discouraging social interaction

The play space

• Use of mats, borders

• Offer options of play materials

• Use toys in non-traditional ways

• Safety features

• Individualize for child and play partner