Developmentally Appropriate Books Encourage Reading
Most kids love books. Before discounting that idea, parents and caregivers should consider the kind of books that are appropriate for the child. Is the book on the child’s reading level? Is the book on a topic that interests the child? For beginning readers, are there enough pictures to support the text? More information on books for special occasions read the Special Needs Parenting blog.
DVDs Offer More than Relaxation for the Child with a Disability
Gifts do not have to teach per se. DVDs might just be entertaining. Most DVDs also have hidden learning value. A child who can retell the events of a movie, for example, is practicing sequencing.
CDs Are Fun and Educational
Many children learn math facts and other educational rules through songs and rhymes. Again, sequencing is learned by the child who can sing along with the music.
Drawing Materials and Modeling Clay Build Fine Motor Skills
For many children with special needs, writing is very difficult. Perhaps they have trouble with hand strength or maybe it is an eye-hand coordination issue. In these instances, parents may wish to choose gifts to develop skills for handwriting. Modeling clay builds up the many muscles that are needed to hold a pencil and write. Drawing and coloring are also important precursors to writing.
Play Equipment Offers Large Muscle Fun
Spring is just around the corner. Swing sets, trampolines, bikes, and swimming pools are fun. They also offer the kind of exercise needed to build muscles for walking, running, and jumping. These kinds of gifts should be considered carefully before purchase. Parents and other gift-givers should consider the developmental needs of the child and check with professionals who know the child if they are not sure.
Special Outings Build Socialization Skills
Special times call for special outings. The outing can be as simple as a trip for ice cream or time at the park. It can be as elaborate as a trip to a Disney World. The important thing to remember is the appropriateness for the child. This does not mean that others at the destination must be comfortable (such as other tourists). It does mean that there should be level of enjoyment for the child.
Edible Treats Are Fun for Most Kids Who Are Disabled
Most people love to eat. This is also true for most children who have a disability. In some instances, though, as with a child on the Autism Spectrum, food may not be fun. Consider the child; consider the gift. . . Isn’t that the rule of all gift giving anyway?
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