Children With Special Needs – Activities For Helping Your Special Needs Child

Make sure your child is secure in whatever position she is using for play (laying, sitting, standing). When a child is well supported and comfortable, she is able to focus more on playing. (Consult with your child’s therapist about using pillows, wedges and other equipment for positioning support.)
Warm up your child’s body for large motor movements before play—try gently moving his arms and legs through a full range of motion while singing him a song.
It may help your child learn how a toy can be used if you demonstrate or model the play first.
You may need to begin by taking your child’s body through the motions of interacting with the toy.
Present toys to your child while she’s in a variety of positions (e.g., sitting, laying, kneeling). Observe her favorite position, where she comfortably interacts.

Toys that require full body or large motor movement such as kicking, rolling, crawling or batting
Toys that respond to your child’s movements with interesting visual and/or sound feedback
Toys that respond to almost any movement (e.g., batting, swiping, pressing) or that require a light pressure
Toys with features that initially provide full support, and then allow you to reduce that support as your child grows
When looking for ride-on toys, make sure the seat provides enough support and that your child’s legs are at an appropriate height to reach the ground, pedals, or other controls