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The Best Toys for Kids With Developmental Delays

Toys play an important role in early childhood development, for kids with or without developmental delays. They vary in purpose from those that increase physical coordination, motor and mental skills to those that encourage social skills, creativity and self-esteem. While the best toy to suit your loved one will vary depending on his age, The National Lekotek center, an organization and authority on toys and special needs children, advocates that the best toys provide some challenge, are safe and durable, physically accessible for the child and relate to that child's own interests and creativity.

Toys for Physical Development and Motor Skills
- Motor and physical skills can be learned from a very early age. Crib gyms and teething toys allow babies to use their hands and move objects around. Blocks and balls aid with motor development in children up to two years, and older children may enjoy puzzles, flashlights, bubbles, swings, teeter-totters and writing and art tools. You may need to supervise special needs children using scissors or other sharp art supplies.
Intellectual Development
- For intellectual development, children of many ages can play board games, cards and sorting games, in addition to enjoying audio activities and books. Family support specialist Jean Robinson at Texas School for the Impaired recommends children play "noisy boardgames" for intellectual and social development. Games like Hungry Hippos and Bed Bugs can be enjoyable and educational for special needs children, even when they do not adhere strictly to the rules.
Toys for Creative and Dramatic Play
- Art supplies, dress-up clothes, play dishes, dolls, puppets, cars and trucks are all examples of toys that encourage creative or dramatic play. Some of these toys encourage skill development in other areas---for example, putting on and taking off costumes requires physical coordination, and holding a paintbrush or finger painting increases fine motor skills. Dolls, puppets, and play dishes can be used with multiple children, enhancing communication and cooperation skills.
Inexpensive Twists on Popular Toys
- Instead of having your child use water with water toys, try raw rice, macaroni, or beans. Robinson states that this kind of variety is both easier to clean up and provides a variety of textures. Children especially enjoy playing with kitchen funnels, muffin tins and foil pie pans. Ribbons, clothespins, balloons and differently textured paper encourage creativity and can also provide enjoyment for toddlers and older children.

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