Homemade Therapy Toys for Special Needs Children

Toys are colorful, interesting, and fun and every child loves to have their own little stash of them. Big, small, simple or fancy, all toys serve two purposes; to entertain and teach. But if you are the parent of a special needs child, you’re more than likely aware of the challenge in finding quality toys your child can use and enjoy. Not only can they be difficult to find, but they’re often so high priced the average parent struggles to afford them.

Thankfully, we found some low cost ways to help your child learn and grow while having a fun time at play. Simple toys are often the best and promote lots of active play. You can make a variety of playthings with objects easily found around your home.

To build up the muscles in your child’s mouth, therefore increasing speech production and decrease drooling, you can try some around-the-house items for oral-motor therapy. Toys that give the mouth a significant sensory jolt can improve sensory integration making her less likely to suck on pacifiers or thumbs.

Blowing Bubbles - You can purchase a bottle of “bubbles” at your local mart for a mere dollar. Blowing bubbles gives your child’s mouth a good work out.

Whistle - Anything that enables your child to create a musical tone such as a cheap whistle, a kazoo, or a comb covered with wax paper is a good way to stimulate muscle development.

Cotton Balls- See who can blow their ball across the table the fastest using first just their mouth, then a straw.

Tactile experience is necessary for sensory therapy and you probably have a multitude of items on your shelves to use.

Shaving Cream - Spray some on the table or in the shower and let your child fingerpaint.

Sand - Build a sandbox in your basement or backyard and let your child enjoy the full body feeling of sand against skin.

Rice or Dried Beans - Pour these into a large bowl or container and let your child dig with hands or small cups. Bury some surprises in there for extra fun.

Bubbles - You blow the bubbles and have your child try to catch and pop them.