Play-based therapy used for children with disabilities
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Every year the National Lekotek Center teams up with Toys "R" Us to compile of a guide of toys recommended for children who are differently-abled. You'll find toys on the list that can help with a range of special needs, from physical development to self-esteem.
Two-year-old Sebastion struggles with some motor skills due to cerebral palsy. He gets help here at the National Lekotek Center in Lincoln Park. The non-profit offers play-based therapy sessions for disabled children that include the whole family.
"If it's a child who has Down syndrome, they might have some cognitive therapeutic goals that they're working on. We can do that. We can work on physical goals," said Jean Bailey, National Lekotek Center. "A child has cerebral palsy, we may use toys to have them reach and grasp and move."
The toys are carefully chosen to help the child's development, like an "o-ball" that Sebastion can put his whole hand through since he has trouble grasping. His twin brother, Carmilo, can have just as much fun tossing it using his whole hand.
"The therapy helps him, especially when it comes to the toys," said Victor Reyes, a family friend. "He has a little problem with his right side and the toys that they send him help him develop."
These are just a few of about 100 toys that Lekotek has tested and recommends this year.
Each toy is chosen for a different set of skills they help to build. But what's most important is appealing to the child's personality.
"Hot toys for us are really things that kids enjoy and that they can access easily and independently, so it's really subjective to the child," said Ahren Hoffman, National Lekotek Center.
If you'd like to browse through the complete toy guide, you can pick up a hard copy at any Toys "R" Us store. For more information, visit:
