Play Time: Five Steps to Engaging with a Special Needs Child

All children have the ability play, in one form or another, but adapting to a child with special needs can seem more like work for caregivers. The word disability carries a heavy connotation and there is a lot of work involved – but they’re still kids, so don’t ignore play!

 

Play is so important that, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as the right of every child. Play contributes to nearly all aspects of a child’s well-being, and also offers their parents and caregivers opportunities for engagement. Play makes all of us healthier and live longer – it does great things for our psyches regardless of age or ability!

CC: SteveEF

 

While websites like Beyond Play and Ability Path are both excellent resources for tailoring playtime to your child’s abilities and disabilities, here are five things it is important to keep in mind when playing with any child:

 

1. A special need is a variable in play, not necessarily a hindrance. Keep the child’s abilities, as well as disabilities, in mind when designing the activities and environment they will have available to them. Be sure to factor in physical, intellectual, emotional, and mental issues that could arise. This is especially important when dealing with children on the autism spectrum. Unsure of where to start? The Child Mind Institute has a wide variety of facts (and even debunks some myths) about common special needs and mental illnesses.
2. Try to make toys as multisensory as possible. This just means that the toy would use two or more senses. Toys that light up, make noise, or have a variety of textures, are all good examples. Play sets that involve lots of pieces, such as one that can be used to build a specific setting, may do well. When engaging in imaginary play, good old-fashioned Legos might just be your best bet. For a more complete list, go to the delightfully titled Fat Brain Toys.
3. Let the child lead. While it is always good to be a role model for a child, allowing them to initiate playtime is a great step towards them being able to play with others. All kids want to feel in charge and they want to get their parents’ encouragement – so engage them in things that interest them but let them lead, don’t over-structure the activity.
4. Be energetic. If you’re having fun they will want to play more too!
5. Ask questions. Verbal and nonverbal children can keep growing their brains through puzzling out questions. Even if you already know the answer, asking questions can help the child’s interactive and verbal skills; it also positively reinforces them when they’re right and helps them make a positive connection with you.