Parents of children with cerebral palsy need to be
encouraged to play with their children.
In fact, children who do
not have access to the play experience can be negatively impacted in their
development, overall health and both their physical and mental well-being. The same is true for children with
spina bifida and muscular dystrophy
and those who experience a whole host of muscular and skeletal
challenges.
The good news is that there are current toys out there that
can fit the bill or that might just need a little modification to make them
appropriate. Finding these play
products gives parents the ability to delight and inspire a child with cerebral
palsy and encourage a connection to play.
So what should parents, family or caregivers look for
when they are shopping for the kid in their life with some special needs? Ellen Metrick, Chief Toy Evaluator of
AblePlay, a website devoted to connecting children with cerebral palsy and
other disabilities to appropriate toys, offers some advice. “There are really two perspectives
parents can take when shopping for the child in their life with special needs.
First, they can look for toys that are geared to the abilities he or she
currently has, or secondly, they can look for toys that will move the child
towards the abilities she or he is working towards. Both are valid ways to begin the search for play
products.”
What might be some elements within those categories that
a parent might also want to look for?
Toys that provide stability for the child. Children with cerebral palsy might have
limited mobility and body control and need toys that are solid and stable. Fortunately, there are swings and
ride-ons in the marketplace that can provide core support to a child. These products let kids enjoy the
incredible freedom of both swinging through the air and riding into the wind
(either self-propelled or
pushed). Metrick encourages
these play products by reminding parents, “Sometimes it is the best therapy to
get a kid outside and doing an activity other kids enjoy. Swings and bikes are among my absolute
favorites for just that reason. “
Outside play sets are another great option. Parents
should make sure they purchase one that is built well and provides stability
for the child. If the child is in
a wheelchair, make sure the play set openings are wide enough to accommodate a
child, has activities that can be reached, and includes any support they may
need.
Toys that are stable themselves. Look for toys that can fit securely on
a wheelchair top or that have suction cups, rubber or Velcro on them to
increase stability. Metrick also
advises, “Adding non-skid adhesive strips to the bottom of a toy is a quick,
easy way to make it stable and allow a child to easily manipulate it.” Toys that are inflatable and can have
some air taken out can increase a child’s ability to grasp it. Drawing materials and crayons now come
in ball and triangle shapes that make it easier for a child to use and
enjoy. Metrick advises parents to
take the time to search a little, since there are lots of great options out
there for kids of all abilities.
For ideas on specific toys, and plays products
categorized by disabilities go to www.ableplay.org. AblePlay is a website that researches, rates and
reviews current toys for children with special needs. AblePlay is part of
the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, the leading authority on play for
children with disabilities www.lekotek.org.
