What to Look For

Playing and engaging in activities is essential for the all-round development of all children. Similarly, it is important that children with cerebral palsy engage in activities and use toys, so that their physical, intellectual, social, and perceptual development is aided. However, when it comes to choosing toys for children with cerebral palsy, there are certain factors that have to be kept in mind--children who have severe cerebral palsy cannot use the same toys that other children their age use. They are not capable of producing the same range of motion, muscle coordination, and dexterity that playing with these toys requires. So what might seem like a 'normal', 'simple enough' toy for normal children, might pose a lot of limitations for a child with this condition. In fact, it can have an even greater impact--the inability to play with the provided toy can lead to frustration in the child. It may also lead to a lack of motivation, and a general feeling of passivity. There are two ways in which toys can be chosen for these children. One, the toys have to be such that they are geared to suit the abilities that the child currently has, or, two, they are such that they will move the child towards developing the abilities that he/she is working towards. Many toy companies have started manufacturing specialized toys for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy after recognizing this special need. So when you visit a store to purchase toys for your child, make sure that you inquire about this with the store manager.

Different Types of Toys

There are several other toys as well that can be looked into. Toys that can be joined and pieced together, like puzzles, or toys that have magnets in them-again, to fulfill the same purpose, are always a great way to help the child develop coordination. Multi-colored bells with easy-to-grip handles are also a great choice for children with cerebral palsy. The music is soothing and their visual and aural abilities are duly heightened.

Adaptations in Toys

There are high chances that the toys that have been purchased might be a little tough for your child to handle. In such a scenario, the toys can be adapted such that they lend the maximum utility, and the child can continue to use them well enough. Here are a few things that can be done in order to enhance the utility of the toys and suit the needs of a child with cerebral palsy. ☛ Make sure that the toy moves out of the child's reach as little as possible. The toy can be stabilized by using varied methods like masking tape, Velcro, dual-sided tape, or non-skid adhesive strips on the underside. This will limit the movement of the toy and allow the child to use the toy better. ☛ Children with cerebral palsy are quite likely to have their hands in a fist--so they require help in opening the hand and grasping things. In that direction, using a hand splint is seen to help. A splint will allow them to grip onto varied toys, and play for long periods-something that might not have been possible without a splint. ☛ Inflatable toys, like a plastic ball, for example, may have a lot of bounce in them, and could easily travel a great distance away from the child. In order to arrest this, pierce the ball and let some air out before masking it close with a tape. This will make the ball less bouncy, and it will not move away from the child as much, thus allowing him to play for a longer period with it. ☛ Sometimes, a child's range of motion is so limited that he can only use toys that are operated by a switch. In order to facilitate the action of using the switch, or in case the surface area of the switch is quite less, then stick something atop the switch to increase the surface area, and allow easy handling.

Taking Professional Help

Toys for children with cerebral palsy are conceptualized and built in such a way that they not only make playing with toys an enjoyable activity, but also enhance the child's motor skills. However, it is essential to understand that every child affected by cerebral palsy suffers from a different kind of disability, and severity level. The toy should be chosen only after considering these factors, because what might be an effective toy for one child, might become a cause of frustration for another. Visit an occupational therapist who is proficient in dealing with children with special needs. He will conduct sessions with you to discuss the child's interests, capabilities and shortcomings, and understand the child's preferences and needs. This evaluation will help the therapist determine the kind of toys that are most beneficial for the all-round development of the child.