Playtime and toys play a vital role in the growth and development of a child. Hence, using toys that will help develop cognitive, motor, and social skills of the child in a fun and engaging way becomes all the more necessary. Today, there are a huge variety of special needs toys available in the market with most online retailers having a special section devoted to such toys. These sections are organized in such a way that caregivers or parents of children with special needs can easily find information about toys that are engaging, therapeutic, and stimulating. Every child is unique, and it is important to find a toy that would help boost developmental skills in the child, irrespective of his/her abilities. In this Buzzle article, we provide a comprehensive guide on the things you need to keep in mind while buying toys for children with special needs. ★ Ease of Use Is the toy easy to use, or does it frustrate the child due to its complexity? Although the toy should be challenging for the child, the challenge should be beneficial rather than frustrating for him/her. Check the complexity levels for activation and use of the toy. ★ Difficulty Level Does the toy have a difficulty level that can be increased or decreased? Toys that allow you to change the volume, speed, height, and level of difficulty are preferable. Open-ended toys, such as blocks, are excellent as they can be optimized to match a kid's individual style, ability, and pace. ★ Safety and Durability Is it safe and durable? Choose toys that are safe and durable enough for everyday use. Toddlers throw their toys around quite a bit, so avoid cheap plastic toys that break easily. Look for toys that can be washed and cleaned easily. ★ Interaction with Others How much interaction does the toy provide? A toy that allows active participation and encourages social engagement with others is preferable as it would allow for family interaction, and enable children to spend more time with siblings and playmates. ★ Individual Ability Is the toy made for a child's individual ability? Look for special toys which address a kid's special needs and allow the progression of a child's specific developmental goals. It should provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages of the child. ★ Multiple Ways to Play Will it provide a number of ways to play? Toys that provide unique ways to play are interesting for the child, and this keeps him/her engaged for a long time. ★ Motivate and Stimulate In what ways does the toy stimulate the child's senses? Choose toys that provide auditory, tactile, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation. Before buying, it is best to assess the child's interests and skill level. Special needs is an umbrella term used to define a huge range of developmental and physical disabilities. The level can vary from one child to another. It also encompasses a broad spectrum of functionality―from mild disability to severe impairment. Whether you buy the toy online or at your nearest toy store, choose one that encourages creativity and uniqueness while providing activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages of the child.