Today we have the privilege to participate in a twitter discussion called The Coffee Klatch. The Coffee Klatch is a daily discussion that takes place on Twitter from 9a-11a every weekday for parents of children with special needs.
Today’s discussion with moderator, Tammy of QuirkyMomster is about toy suggestions for children on the spectrum. Since there are no toys that are specifically made for children with special needs, it can sometimes be challenging identifying which toys are best suited for them. I thought it might be helpful to list some of the suggestions we here at The Big Toy Book came up with.
To help younger children work on their social skills:
Building Blocks such as Mega Bloks & Lego
- MegaBloks Play & Go Table
Tents & tunnels
Pacific Playtents
Toys for Auditory and Cognitive Developement
When working on auditory and cognitive development, the key is to find a game that is a learning too that doesn’t make the child feel like they’re being given a task. Here are some games we discussed on The Coffee Klatch for this:
1-2-3 Stomp by Wildbrain ****(Stop by QuirkyMomster for a giveaway!)***
1-2-3 Stomp by Wild Planet
I Spy Eagle Eye Game
Zingo
Toys that encourage imagination
Cars, Trucks, Action Figures and Dolls are all great for imagination. As well as play sets, costumes and anything that allows a child to create his/her own world.
Dress Up Trunks
Melissa and Doug put out some great imaginative career dress up sets like this one
Melissa & Doug have gret dress up sets!
Dress up Trunks are great also!
Dress Up Trunk by Cutie Boutique
Melissa and Doug Play sets
Melissa and Doug Playsets
Velcro Kids are great imaginative playsets!
Teen and Tween toys to work on social skills
Buddy Talk Cards
Buddy Talk Cards get kids talking!
Screen Life’s “Scene It” games
Scene It Games
Here are links to 2 great toys for autisim articles we spoke about:
- (source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Lego-and-Autism–Educational-Toys-for-those-on-the-Autistic-Spectrum)
- (http://www.autismepicenter.com/autism-toys.html)
We are planning on doing another Autism chat in April for Autism Awareness. Become our fan on Facebook to stay in the loop! 
I’ve noticed your website a while ago, just recently did i start noticing it more and more. Very useful information, thank you and keep it coming.
Thank you!
If you ever have a toy/play topic you’d like to see discussed- do not hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear it!
Many people assume autism is a disease. Is being left handed a disease? How about being good at math but bad at spelling. Autism is a spectrum. People on the left hand side of it function in most ways far above average. Those on the right, not so much.
My own son is actually crazy regarding lego and also star wars lego – thanks for the info!