The American Speech-Hearing Association’s blog published an interesting piece last month on toys for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), following a visit to the 2012 New York International Toy Fair. You can read Sherry Artemenko’s piece here:
http://playonwords.com/blog/2012/02/24/is-the-toy-industry-listening-to-kids-with-special-needs/
The use of objects and toys is an integral part of speech and language therapy for children. Many adults who had speech and/or language therapy as young children often do not recall doing any ‘work’ in sessions (despite having done plenty), but do remember playing with lots of toys – and having loads of fun in the process! A skilful speech and language therapist will design therapy using toys, puzzles and games to ensure that the child remains motivated, looks forward to their sessions, and of course develops their communication skills in the process.
Learning through play is therefore an extremely effective method of delivering therapy, particular for children with SEN, who may have difficulty understanding or expressing themselves for a number of reasons. Artemenko notes that, “this is a population that wants, needs and deserves to be taught with the best, most innovative and most importantly, FUN toys to advance their development. Parents of children with special needs want their kids to enjoy the same play experience as their peers and siblings. Their child’s days are often filled with hours of specialized therapy that can and should be augmented with great play using mainstream toys”.
Artemenko discusses a few organisations that are currently most responsive to developing toys for kids with SEN (please note that these may not all be currently available in the UK, but still provide great ideas for adapting):
ThinkFun – http://www.thinkfun.com/rollandplay
Gamewright – http://www.gamewright.com/gamewright/index.php?section=games&page=game&show=247
Blue Orange Games – http://www.blueorangegames.com/games_chest.php
Hape Toys – http://www.hapetoys.com/p/hape-toys/early-explorer/eggspressions
The Wonder Forge – http://wonderforge.com/products/richard-scarrys-busytown/eye-found-it-game/
Bananagrams –http://bananagrams.com/Our_Games/
If you think that your child may benefit from support with their communication skills, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here:
https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, March 2012
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
