Volume 1
Skill Building Toy Guide For Children with Special Needs
Great Articles Inside:
Purposeful Play
The Power Of Routine
Where FUN Meets Function Outwit & Overcome
Learning, LEGO速, and Life as Usual Zach Senter, a teen with autism, gives insight into his daily life
Toys chosen by experts to help build the following Skills:
Fine Motor Social Skills & Self Esteem Oral Motor Language & Speech Gross Motor Cognitive Sensory Processing Visual & Spatial Perception
Contributors Full bios can be found on Pages 36-37
Claire Groll Mom, M.Ed (Master of Education, Special Education), OTR/L (Occupational Therapist), and Certified Sensory Integration (SIPT)
Michele Valente Mom, Developmental Therapist/Vision (DTV), Early Intervention Specialist, and M.Ed (Master of Education, Special Education)
KiKi Hendon Student, Daughter, and Active Teen
Look for these symbols in the catalog:
Insights from Zach!
Colleen Hendon Mom and Manager of Learning Express Toys, CA
Deedra Senter Mom and Co-Owner of Learning Express Toys, SC
KiKi
‘s
The Toys that Kiki Loves the Most!
Zach Senter Student, Son, and Toy Advisor at Learning Express Toys, SC
Julianne Jones OTR/L (Occupational Therapist) and Certified Sensory Integration (SIPT)
Table of Contents Welcome Letter Learning Express founder and CEO Sharon DiMinico introduces readers to the inaugural Skill Building Toy Guide for Children with Special Needs .................................................................................
Purposeful Play: Choosing a Skill Building Toy Helpful tips for choosing a toy for a child with special needs..........
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2 3
The Power of Routine Consistency is key for many kids with special needs. Discover helpful organizational pointers that will benefit the whole family..............................................................................................
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Where Fun Meets Function: Playroom and Beyond Transform your children’s playroom into a cheerful sanctuary where they can thrive.....................................................................
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Outwit and Overcome: A Reflection on Adaptive Play Colleen Hendon, Learning Express Toys manager and mother of a child with autism, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of teaching her daughter how to learn and play.................................
18
Celebrate Siblings........................................................................
25
Learning, LEGO, and Life as Usual Zach Senter, a teen with autism, gives insight into his daily life.....
26
Mom Michele Valente: What’s in her Shopping Bag? Michele Valente, Developmental Therapist and mom of four children with special needs, shares some of her favorite Learning Express Toys product picks................................................
32
Products by Category Category Definitions............................................... Page 4,5 Fine Motor................................................................... Page 6,7,8,9 Social Skills & Self Esteem.................................... Page 10,12,13 Oral Motor................................................................... Page 16,17 Language & Speech................................................. Page 20,21 Gross Motor................................................................. Page 22,23,24 Cognitive...................................................................... Page 27,28,29 Sensory Processing.................................................. Page 30,31 Visual & Spatial Perception.................................. Page 34,35
learningexpress.com
Dear Readers, Welcome to the first issue of the Learning Express Toys Skill Building Toy Guide for Children with Special Needs. We are delighted to present this “magalog” (magazine/catalog hybrid) as a resource for those devoted to helping children with special needs learn, grow, and thrive. For years, our storeowners have shared stories about therapists shopping for their young patients at Learning Express Toys. Many of our storeowners have established a loyal following of parents who visit our stores with the sole purpose of shopping for kids with Autism, ADHD, and other disabilities. Customers value the in-store experience, where they can touch and feel the products, as opposed to flipping through a play therapy catalog. As we came to understand our customers’ desire for skill building toy suggestions, we realized that creating an informative resource was a necessity. Though parents felt comfortable walking into a Learning Express toy store and picking out toys for most of their family, they were in need of additional resources when it came to choosing toys for their children with special needs. So, here we are. In this guide, you’ll find eight skill building categories of product selected by child therapists, as well as articles from members of the Learning Express Toys community who have first-hand experience raising children with special needs. Many listed products help teach a variety of skills, so we encourage you to adapt the products to your child’s unique set of skills and interests. We think these products are terrific and hope that you and your children will love them too. Thanks for reading,
o Sharon DiMinic
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Purposeful Play: Cho osi ng a Ski ll Bui ldin g Toy It can be overwhelming to choose a toy for a child with special needs. If you’re a parent working with a new diagnosis, or a family friend or relative, you may be navigating through unfamiliar territory. Even if you’re a seasoned veteran when it comes to choosing skill building toys, you may be seeking fresh ideas as your child improves certain skills or outgrows certain toys. Keep a child’s interests in mind when you go shopping. Most importantly, the toy should be fun and capture a child’s attention. Of course, the toy should help a child develop and grow, but children need to play with the toy repeatedly for them to experience its benefits. In order to give your children the best chance for success, look for a toy that:
Aligns with Their Interests If you know that a child has an affinity for dinosaurs, outer space, or dolls, for example, choose toys with similar themes. A fun and exciting toy will give your child the best chance for repeated play and success.
Matches Their Developmental Age Developmental age is determined by the child’s degree of social, mental, and physiological maturation and is different than chronological age. It is important to choose toys based on your child’s skill level, rather than his or her age. For example, an eight-year-old working on his or her fine motor skills may be successful with a lacing toy originally designed for preschool-aged children.
Has Sensory Appeal Toys with multisensory components can help children to better process, interpret, and regulate sensory information, ( e.g. visual, auditory, tactile). Choose toys with lights, buzzers, music, scents, and various textures to aid in sensory processing. Keep in mind that every child is unique, so a toy that is not stimulating enough for one child may be over-stimulating for another.
Provides a Challenge While still offering opportunities for success, toys should also provide a challenge. Be sure to choose toys, games or workbooks with several skill levels or multiple ways to play so your child can “graduate” to something more challenging as he or she improves.
Encourages Inclusive Play All of the toys in this guide are “inclusive,” meaning they are the same toys that your child’s friends and siblings would play with, but some toys in the guide are more likely to foster group play and social interaction. For example, games encourage cooperative play, and scooters and ride-on cars make it fun for kids with special needs to play outside with their friends.
Is Open-Ended and Adaptable Both open-ended and adaptable toys offer opportunities for success. Open-ended toys encourage creativity and self-expression, and adaptable toys inspire repeated play sessions. Consider adapting a craft kit by using the contents for a matching or counting game, or adapting Playfoam by using it to practice forming the letters of the alphabet. Give your child several opportunities to fall in love with a new toy. If he or she isn’t interested during the first play session, try introducing the toy in a different room of the house or at a different time of day. Above all, toys should be fun, so focus on what your child can do, and celebrate each milestone, big or small!
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Skill Builder Categories Defined: Fine Motor Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the body (fingers, hands, and arms) that promote such functions as writing and drawing, cutting, gripping a pencil and other small objects, fastening clothing, and building with blocks. Fine motor skills encompass dexterity and strength. There are several types of toys and activities that can help either strengthen the small muscles or improve the dexterity and coordination of the muscles. Beading sets, mazes, crafts, dress-up dolls, lacing activities, dough or modeling clay, magic scratch boards, wind-up toys, and peg puzzles all help improve fine motor skills.
Gross Motor Gross motor skills are the abilities required in order to control the large muscles of the body, including the arms, legs, and torso (trunk). These skills are needed to maintain balance and coordination, and make activities such as sitting, crawling, and walking possible. Children who lack gross motor skills may sometimes have low muscle tone. Repeated exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve fitness can help children with gross motor movements, such as running, skipping, and jumping. Balance boards, ride-on toys, push toys and walkers, pull toys, many outdoor toys, exercise trampolines, stomp rockets, pogo sticks, and classic toys like jump ropes and hula hoops can all help improve gross motor skills.
Language & Speech Language is made up of socially shared rules that include what words mean, how to make new words, how to put words together, and what word combinations are best in what situations. Speech is the verbal means of communicating, which involves articulation, voice, and fluency. A language disorder is a difficulty understanding others or putting words together to communicate ideas, whereas a speech disorder is the inability to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently (a problem with the actual production of sounds). Children may experience a language challenge, a speech challenge, or both. Language and vocabulary workbooks, activity boards, wooden or magnetic alphabet toys, fill-in-the-blanks, phonics activities, vocabulary-building games, and some card games may all help to improve language and speech skills.
Social Skills & Self-Esteem Social skills are needed to communicate, persuade, and interact with others. Social skills allow children to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, understand and express their own feelings, and interpret others’ feelings. Self-esteem is the way individuals think and feel about themselves, and their perception of how well they do things that are important to them. Strong self-esteem helps children handle conflict, resist negative pressure, and make friends. When social skills are absent, children cannot fully engage in learning experiences, give or receive feedback, listen, or determine appropriate self-disclosure. When children have low self-esteem, they may have trouble relating to others, expressing their creativity, or succeeding with academics. There are many types of toys that can help improve social skills and self-esteem such as roleplay toys, group card games, group board games, conversation starter games, personalized activity kits, scrapbooks, reward charts, and craft kits.
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Visual & Spatial Perception Visual and spatial perception is the ability to make sense of what is seen. The visual and spatial relationship is the relationship between the position of two or more objects in relation to each other, and in relation to one’s self. The ability to successfully perceive how one object relates to another object is a critical skill in reading, math, and handwriting. Children who have impaired visual and spatial perception skills may have trouble distinguishing symbols and shapes and the direction those objects are facing. They may also have trouble judging heights and distances, so they may seem clumsy. Shape puzzles, matching activities, activities that allow kids to see a design and reproduce it with beads or blocks, stacking and nesting toys, hidden picture books, mazes, and dot-to-dots help improve several components of visual and spatial perception.
Cognitive Cognitive skills are the mental capabilities one needs to successfully learn. Underlying cognitive skills must exist in order to think, prioritize, understand, plan, remember, and solve problems. Children who are struggling with their cognitive abilities may have trouble academically. Promoting creativity, mathematics, memory, and reading will strengthen cognitive skills. Puzzles and sorting games are activities that help to improve memory and concentration. Number games, counting activities, and math workbooks help develop math skills. The use of musical toys, instruments, and rhyming activities help improve memory and reading skills. Word problems and science kits can also be beneficial in improving cognitive skills.
Sensory Processing Sensory processing is the method children use to absorb information and interpret it based on their senses (touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight). This may include how children perceive their bodies or the world around them, and how they adapt themselves to their world. When kids experience difficulties in sensory processing, symptoms can include overreaction or lack of response to touch, sound, sight, and movement (kids will either avoid or seek these types of sensory information). Kids with sensory processing troubles may also experience poor body awareness and motor planning challenges. These symptoms may cause children to have difficulties with learning, development, and behavior. Toys that help children better understand sensory information are toys with textured surfaces, modeling putties, flashing light toys, musical toys, and vibrating toys.
Oral Motor Oral motor skills are needed to coordinate the muscles and movement of the mouth. These skills allow children to successfully suck, swallow, eat, and speak. Children who experience challenges with their oral motor skills will often have trouble coordinating the oral muscles when sucking, swallowing, and eating. In addition, these movements are all necessary when attempting to produce words. Children with weak oral motor skills may demonstrate excessive drooling or speech delays because they have trouble using and coordinating the movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw to produce speech sounds. Toys that encourage oral sensory awareness and encourage chewing, biting, and teething can improve oral motor skills. To encourage forming an O shape with the mouth, kids can suck on a straw, blow a whistle, drink from a water bottle, or blow bubbles with a bubble wand. Children can also improve oral sensory awareness, mouth muscle coordination, movement, and strength by using teething or chewing toys.
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Fine Motor
Suggested toys for skill building: Beading sets, mazes, crafts, dress-up dolls, lacing activities, modeling dough or clay, magic scratch boards, wind-up toys, and peg puzzles
Doinkit Darts Doinkit Darts is a child-safe dart set that’s fun for the whole family! Tough magnets ensure that the darts stick to the dart board, and the entire set is designed with a strong focus on child safety. Kids will work to improve their hand-eye coordination as they focus on the bulls eye, aim the dart and shoot it. Repeatedly gripping the Doinkit Darts will also help kids improve their fine motor skills by practicing finger manipulation and pinch-and-grip techniques. Ages 6+ CCH90008
$29.99
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Do-A-Dot Markers Set Do-A-Dot and Do-A-Lot! Children will create their own pointillism-inspired works of art with this washable, no-spill paint dispenser set. Unlike traditional paints, easy-grip Do-A-Dot markers require no set up or clean up. Kids will practice fine motor skills as they grip the markers. As kids experiment with creating and layering different shapes with the six colors, they’ll improve their visual and spatial perception skills by gaining a better understanding of how shapes relate to each other and to the page. Non-toxic. Ages 3+ DY101
Set of six primary colored markers $14.99
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Snap Circuits Jr. 100 Experiments Kit Learning and fun in one? It's a snap! Snap Circuits is a circuit board that replicates one-hundred electronic experiments. Kids will improve their cognitive skills by using logic and problem solving to assemble working electronics such as a doorbell and a radio. Children will strengthen their fingers and improve their pinching and gripping skills as they snap the named and color-coded pieces onto the Snap Circuits base. Through multiple play sessions, kids will improve their fine motor skills. Requires two AA batteries, not included. Ages 8+ ERSC100 $29.99
Doorbell House with Locks Unlock the doors to development with the brass keys! This unique dollhouse has four locking doors. Little ones love trying all the keys while practicing their fine motor skills. Kids will grip the keys with their index finger and thumb, and maneuver the keys into the locks to open the doors. As kids practice learning which key goes with which lock, they will develop their visual and spatial perception skills. Four adorable Dutch dolls complete this set. Measures 9 x 7 x 7 inches. Ages 3+ LJ2505
$29.99
Sticky Mosaics Jewelry Box Kit My, my, my, what a fancy design! Children stick over a thousand foam and foil pieces on the jewelry box using a stick-by-numbers template. The jewelry box features two storage levels and a pink flower pattern inside. This kit helps children improve their fine motor skills as they grasp the small sticky foam and foil pieces and place them in the appropriate numbered spaces on the jewelry box. The repetition of this activity helps to reinforce important gripping skills, as well as accuracy when placing the pieces. Kids will also strengthen their visual and spatial perception skills as they see the completed mosaic patterns develop. Ages 5+ TOF62194
$14.99
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Fine Motor
Suggested toys for skill building: Beading sets, mazes, crafts, dress-up dolls, lacing activities, modeling dough or clay, magic scratch boards, wind-up toys, and peg puzzles
Shrinky Dinks Jewelry Kit Rinky Dink? No. Mesmerizing? Yes. Kids will love coloring in the preprinted Shrinky Dinks pieces and then watching them magically shrink in the oven. Children will fine-tune their fine motor skills as they grip the colored pencils and color in the detailed shapes on the precut jewelry pieces. The kit helps improve pencil grip and coloring in between the lines; there is no tracing or cutting required. Ages 5+ AF397J
$8.99
"Shrinky Dinks make it easy to color in the lines."
- Zach
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Cap it Off Jewelry Kit Don’t bottle up your little style-maven! Let her express her inner trendsetter with the Cap it Off Jewelry Kit. This stylish set has 15 bottle caps with pre-punched holes to make posh earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Kids will practice pinching their fingers together and maneuvering them in small movements to string the bottle caps on necklaces and bracelets, and to thread the caps onto the included jump rings. Kids will also practice their fine motor skills and express their creativity as they decorate the bottle caps. Ages 7+ AF757W
$16.99
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Sort & Snap Color Match They’ll learn and laugh as they sort and snap! This wooden activity board features ten double-sided picture cards and plenty of colored snap caps. Kids place likecolored snap caps into the holes to match the colored cards. Reverse the card and little ones can create their own color combos on the black and white pictures! Children will improve their visual and spatial perception skills by noticing how the pieces relate to the whole image. Kids will also strengthen their fine motor skills as they grip the pieces and snap them onto the base. Includes ten reversible picture cards, wooden play board, 64 colored snap caps. Ages 2+ LJ4313
$19.99
Hot Dots Jr. Ace the Dog Teaching Pen Hot Dog! How’d you learn all that? The easy-grip Ace pen glows, laughs, and buzzes with excitement when kids push the pen down on the teaching cards and correctly answer curriculumbased questions (sold separately). If kids guess incorrectly, Ace will gently redirect them. Children work to improve fine motor skills as they grip the pen and guide it on the activity cards. Ace also helps kids practice cognitive skills as they answer challenging questions. Feedback for incorrect answers motivates children to continue trying. Requires two AAA batteries, not included. Teaching cards sold separately. Ages 4+ EB2350
Hot Dots Jr. Teaching Pen $12.99 Hot Dots Jr. Activity Card Sets $14.99 Selection may vary by store.
"This made it easier to study by myself."
- Zach
Doodle-Track Car Doodle and drive! As children draw straight or curvy lines, the Doodle-Track Car magically follows. Kids will improve their fine motor skills as they grip their writing utensil and draw to guide the car, practicing different types of lines and configurations along the way. Stick-on decals are included so kids can customize their car. As kids observe cause-and-effect and express their creativity, they will also boost their self-confidence. Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included. Ages 4+ DDT256
$17.99 learningexpress.com
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Social Skills and Self Esteem
Suggested toys for skill building: Roleplay toys, group card games, group board games, conversation starter games, scrapbooks, reward charts, and craft kits
I Can Do It Reward Chart Kids and parents work together to create a rewarding chart of responsibilities! The chart uses simple words and bright pictures to help kids track their chores, behavior and other important social skills, and uses positive reinforcement to reward accomplished goals. As families track kids’ behavior and reward when applicable, kids will gain a sense of pride and improve their self-esteem. The chart also helps kids establish and maintain their routines. Additionally, as kids read and interpret the items on the chart, they’ll practice their language skills. Ages 3+ KPSRE102
$19.99
KiKi
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SOCIAL Skills Broom & Dust Pan Set Sweep up those pesky dust bunnies, and build social skills at the same time! This adorable kid-sized set features a broom, dust pan, and brush. The set encourages healthy interaction in several ways. Kids will use role-play to express their ideas, learn cause-and-effect relationships, and boost their self-esteem and pride with a job well done. Kids will work on articulation and language skills as they express their pretend-play ideas, and will work on social skills as they interact with peers or family. Ages 3+ SEBROOM
$9.99
PJ Parties Truth or Dare Book
Would you like another spot of tea? Plenty of pretend-play will ensue as kids use their imaginations to host a lovely afternoon tea party. Kids will articulate their ideas and work on their social skills and language as they offer friends and family (or teddy bears and dolls) a refreshment. The wind-up musical tea pot also provides crucial sensory input that can encourage self-awareness and provide a motivating setting for interaction. Includes 15 pieces with settings for four people. Ages 3+ SEMTTS
The PJ Parties Truth or Dare Book is a staple for your sleepover celebration! This cleverly written book fosters inclusive play and team work as kids collaborate to complete fun, ageappropriate truth or dare suggestions. As children interpret and complete the activities, they’ll practice their reading and articulation skills. This engaging group-play book helps improve social skills, self-esteem, and language, and encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones. A special section describes how to organize the best pajama parties ever! Hardcover, 16 pages. Ages 8+ WH0761123881
$24.99
$8.95
Musical Tin Tea Set
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The Power of Routine There can be many positive benefits to establishing a routine with your child with special needs. Learning Express manager Colleen Hendon is the mother of Kiki, a child with autism. Colleen explains how sticking with a routine has helped Kiki become an independent young woman. “When my daughter was young, the most challenging activity was bedtime. My husband and I eventually learned that following a scheduled bedroom routine was the only way to get Kiki to sleep through the night. By setting up bath time, bounce time on a trampoline, and floor play time with Kiki before bed, we regulated her sleeping pattern and helped her feel successful and independent. My wonderful daughter is now 17 years old, and still follows her bedtime routine. With the help of these routines and a great support system, we’ve come a long, long way.”
Here are some tips for incorporating a routine into your daily life: • Write down your routine based on what you already do, and then tweak it as needed. For example, start with: wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, and continue from there. • Follow a consistent bedtime schedule. • Incorporate therapy activities at transitional points of the day, e.g., getting dressed for school, after school, at dinner, after dinner, and before bed. • Set an agenda for chores that your child can take part in, and track it on a chart. • Discuss schedule changes with your child as soon as you can, in a step-by-step manner. If you are going away on a family vacation, for example, show your child pictures of where the family will be staying to help him or her visually and mentally prepare. • Parents: Try keeping a paper family calendar in the house and another on your phone or computer to track therapy sessions, doctor’s appointments, and family activities. Keeping these calendars synced will help you maintain your established routine. Sticking with a routine is essential for many children with special needs. It gives them a sense of stability, helps them establish self-confidence, and allows them to better manage their time and behavior.
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Social Skills and Self Esteem
Suggested toys for skill building: Roleplay toys, group card games, group board games, conversation starter games, scrapbooks, reward charts, and craft kits
Deluxe Wooden Floor Easel Go ahead, express yourself! This high-quality easel encourages creativity and features chalk and paper surfaces. Partaking in creative expression encourages self-confidence and may help kids express themselves socially as well. As kids draw and paint on the easel, they will practice important fine motor skills such as gripping and finger control. Convenient art supply trays on either side hold paints and other materials. Paper roll and art supplies not included. Measures 47” x 27” x 26”. Ages 3+ LJ1282
$79.99
Only One You Book Swimming with great advice about how to navigate your way through the ocean of life, this beautifully-illustrated book tells the story of Adri the fish who learns an important life lesson: fearlessly be yourself! Only One You features clever and comforting language that inspires and empowers kids (and adults) of all ages to be proud of who they are and to use their skills to make the world a better place. Hardcover, 32 pages. Ages 4+ NBN0873589017
$12.95 “This book helps me remember how the world works and that I have a place in it.”- Zach
Halli Galli Game Lemons, bananas, strawberries, and plums and the fun has just begun! This fast-paced game requires players to change the mixture of the salad by drawing fruit cards from the deck. Any time five of the same fruit pieces are in the salad, players race to ring the bell. Kids will work to improve their cognitive skills as they count, and sort by shape and color, and follow directions. As kids work to understand the visual differences between fruits, they’ll be practicing their visual and spatial perception skills. Children will also work on their social skills and self-esteem as they interact with other players, ring the bell, and claim their cards. For 2-6 players. Includes 56 cards and bell. Ages 8 + PYE33100
$19.99
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Dodge Tag Set Dodge Tag, you’re it! This unique dodge ball game features two air mesh vests and six soft Velcro® balls that stick to the vests. Players get points for each ball that sticks to their opponent’s vest. This lighthearted game encourages kids to engage with their siblings or peers in a low-pressure environment, helping them to develop social skills and self-esteem. As kids throw the balls and dodge from their opponent, they are improving their agility and gross motor skills. For 2 players. Ages 5+ DGN00160
$19.99
Magnetic Responsibility Chart
Improve their
SELF
Take pride in every accomplishment! The Magnetic Responsibility Chart helps kids track chores, responsibilities, behavior, and other important social tasks. As kids complete tasks on their responsibility chart, they’ll receive positive reinforcement that will help improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. As kids read and interpret the items on the chart, they’ll practice their language skills. Cute, clear illustrations keep kids engaged. Measures 25 x 16 x 1.25 inches when open. Ages 3+ LJ3789
$19.99
KiKi
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ESTEEM Butterfly Garden Kit Watch caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies with the Butterfly Garden Kit! Release the butterflies outdoors during the warmer months, or keep them in the included indoor habitat. Whether kids care for the butterflies individually or in a group, they’ll become more confident in their abilities, and work on improving their social skills and self-esteem. Kids will use their language skills to follow the directions, and will work through each step of metamorphosis. When the project is completed, children will likely feel a sense of pride and accomplishment at the end result. Includes certificate to send away for larvae. Ages 4+ IL1010 $19.99
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Where Fun Meets Function: Playroom and Beyond Play doesn’t need to be limited to the recreation room. You can initiate play in unexpected places around the house to keep things fun and interesting, but the playroom should serve as your home base—a rainy day escape, customized classroom, and serene sanctuary! Peruse the playroom and beyond themes below for inspiration:
Playroom Calm and Collected: Choose a storage system that works for you and your child. Keeping the majority of toys in bins will help your child focus in an uncluttered space and will make cleanup a breeze.
In Action: • Consider organizing the storage bins by skill-building categories. Then, label each bin with a photo of what’s inside and create duplicate photos that your child can choose from when he or she wants to play. This technique encourages non-verbal children to express themselves.
Combine and Conquer: While it’s important to keep your child’s playroom organized, sometimes combining toys from different skill-building categories in the same area of the playroom can develop multiple skills simultaneously.
In Action: • Place a Rody Horse in the arts and crafts or game section of the playroom. Bouncing while completing a craft or playing a game helps with focus and attention and also helps children improve their balance and strengthen their core.
In Action: • Place a reward chart in your child’s reading area. Children will work to improve their language skills when they are encouraged to read, and they will improve their self-esteem as they track their progress on the chart.
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Sensory Station: Many children with special needs have sensory processing challenges. Design your playroom with both stimulating and relaxing sensory elements to accommodate times of under-stimulation and over-stimulation. Certain sensory elements such as bright colors or noisy toys may be offensive to your child, so tailor your playroom’s sensory components to your child’s preferences.
Where Fun Meets Function: Playroom and Beyond (continu ed)
In Action: • For sensory stimulation, you can add bright wall colors in certain sections, bumpy floor mats, rice or water tables, a swing, flashing lights, or music toys. • Create a place of relaxation and solitude in the playroom for when your child needs a quiet, non-stimulating place. Start with calming wall colors and then add comfortable, soft furniture such as a beanbag chair or a mesh tent with pillows inside. You can also add soothing lava lamps, stress balls, or hand putties. • A pillow pit is great for both stimulation and relaxation. Start with a children’s blowup pool and fill it with pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. A child can jump into the pit and play for sensory input, or lounge under the weighted materials to relax.
For lava lamp use, parental supervision is required.
Safe Site: It’s important to periodically inspect a child’s playroom for potential safety hazards. Aside from ensuring that the toys you put in the playroom are appropriate for your child’s developmental age, you should check all parts of the room for safety, and purchase inexpensive safety materials when needed.
In Action: • Prevent injuries from electricity by blocking outlets with plastic outlet covers. • If there are cabinets that contain cleaning materials, make sure they are locked or latched. • Roll up and tape down long, dangling electrical cords. • Check the room for small toy parts that pose choking hazards. Be sure to check on the floor as well as under and behind furniture. • Safely secure dangling cords from window treatments. • Use children’s furniture when you can. If the room contains heavier furniture, consider bolting it to the wall. • Place rubber covers on sharp corners. • Use overhead lighting when possible. Floor and table lamps can easily tip over.
Beyond Wide Open Spaces: Alternate time in the playroom with play sessions throughout the house. Introducing various areas for play encourages exploration, keeps children engaged, and may help them make developmental connections. Plus, introducing elements of fun at bath time and mealtimes, for example, helps make those daily tasks more manageable.
In Action: • Create a child-safe cabinet containing soft plastic Tupperware® for your child to play with while you cook dinner. You can supervise your child and keep him or her occupied simultaneously. • Make “tub time” a fun event by incorporating tub crayons, floating play mats, or sensory-stimulating bath fountains. • For some children, completing activities at a desk may not keep their attention. Instead, transform a sliding glass door into a canvas by using window markers or window clings, and create simple matching or letter games to keep kids busy.
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Oral Motor
Suggested toys for skill building: Straws, water bottles, bubbles, teething and chewing toys, harmonicas and whistles
Bubble Bucket with Solution Match their bubbly personalities by blowing some breathtaking bubbles! The Bubble Bucket set is specially-designed so kids can play without spilling their bubble liquid. The wide base increases stability and the closed-top-design means no spills! The bucket features a convenient carry handle. This fun outdoor set helps kids build their oral motor skills. When they hold the wand and blow bubbles with their mouths, they are practicing rounding and closing their lips, and coordinating and strengthening their facial muscles. The closed Bubble Bucket also prevents spills and allows kids to focus solely on blowing bubbles. Includes Bubble Bucket, three wands, and one eight-ounce bottle of bubbles. Ages 3+ LO168 $9.99 each
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Mist ‘N Sip Bottles Kids will flip for the Mist ‘N Sip! With drinking and misting capabilities, this is the perfect bottle to bring with you on a hot day! Fill the bottle with water and ice for a refreshing drink and chilling mist. As kids drink through the Mist ‘N Sip Bottle, they will work to improve their oral motor skills. As kids place their lips over the bottle, they will work on rounding and closing their mouths. Kids will practice the precise mouth movements that will improve the coordination and strength in their lips and jaw. Colors may vary by store. Ages 3+ OCL4133
$12.99 each
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Sophie the Giraffe Teether
Magic Flavored Milk Straws
Meet Sophie—fall in love! Sophie the Giraffe Teether is made from natural rubber and food-grade paint so it’s completely safe for babies and young children to chew! Sophie’s long legs, horns, and neck are easy teething spots. She even squeaks! Sophie the Giraffe helps strengthen oral motor skills. As children chew and explore this teether, they will work on strengthening their facial muscle tone, including their lips and jaw. Teething with Sophie the Giraffe will also help with facial and oral coordination. Ages birth+ CNL616324
Kids will go MOO for Magic Flavored Milk Straws! These straws are a fun, mess-free way to enjoy a cold glass of milk. The rich, all-natural flavored milk straws magically transform dairy, soy, or lactose-free milk into a delicious treat. Just sip through the straw! These straws can help improve oral motor skills and correct oral motor difficulties. Kids will work on their oral and facial coordination as they practice rounding and closing their lips around the straw, and exercising their oral motor strength as they suck and pull liquid through the straw. Flavors may vary by store. Six straws to a pack. Ages 3+ FMKMILK
$22.99
$2.99
Drinking Straws Construction Set Reinvent dinnertime laws with Fun Straws! This drinking straw maze construction kit features over a hundred colorful straws and connectors for hours of creative fun. Assemble a one-of-a-kind maze and then sip. Fun Straws can help improve oral motor skills and correct oral motor difficulties. Kids will work on their oral and facial coordination as they practice rounding and closing their lips around the straw, and exercise their oral motor strength as they suck and pull liquid through the straw. This set can also help children improve their fine motor skills as they grip the straws and connectors and use their finger control to put them together. Includes 104 pieces (92 straws and 12 connectors). Ages 8 + PS200
$6.99 learningexpress.com
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Outwit and Overcome: A Reflection on Adaptive Play I learned early on that my daughter was different. She was not like her brother, one year her senior. She had low muscle tone, low energy, low focus, and was non-verbal. Kiki was diagnosed with autism when she was 20 months old. Getting the diagnosis was just the first part of the journey. The next challenging step was understanding what it would take to teach Kiki how to play. Faced with a new toy, my daughter would ritualistically stand the pieces up on the floor, observe them from every angle, and then touch them or knock them over. There was no play involved.
Colleen Hendon Mom and Manager of Learning Express Toys, California
One of my in-home trainers shared an invaluable piece of advice with me when she said, “Get on the floor with her, Colleen, get down to her level and break into that bubble, that invisible force field that we call autism.” The trainer had just introduced me to Floortime, “a comprehensive approach that focuses on parents and other individuals spending meaningful interaction time with a child to enhance the child’s emotional and social development.” Over time, I discovered other successful playtime strategies with Kiki. One of the first steps was learning to choose toys that she would eventually embrace. Through trial and error, I learned that I couldn’t buy toys based on the manufacturer’s or suggested age. When buying a toy for a child with special needs, one must look past the packaging and instead consider the goals and needs of the child one is buying for. In Kiki’s case, she needed support with social skills and communication, so I tailored my search accordingly. Once I adapted Kiki’s toys in ways that engaged her, she began to thrive. I chose toys that I thought would appeal to Kiki’s interests and target her need for language learning, then I got down to the business of observing her repetitive behaviors and practicing play techniques that would appeal to her. During this time, I considered myself Kiki’s “play therapist.” This was a job that I took very seriously. I would lie down on the carpet facing her and line up my own set of toys parallel to hers. I would say the names or colors of the toys we were playing with. At first, she continued to ignore me, and sometimes she would even push me away or pick up her toys and relocate them across the room. It took time and perseverance. Eventually I managed to slyly snatch one of her toys and swap it with one of mine. Thus began the game of give and take, and we built from there.
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Outwit and Overcome: The more I explored playtime with Kiki, the more I learned that she needed a rich sensory diet. If an activity involved sensory A Reflection on Adaptive Play stimulation, Kiki would be more attentive while playing and (continued) would be more likely to stick with the activity. Once I gained a deeper understanding of Kiki’s preferences, I adapted learning toys with homemade sensory components. For instance, I created a rice table and hid the pieces of Kiki’s ABC wood puzzle inside. She would play with the rice and let it fall through her fingers. At first, she didn’t pay attention to the letters, so I retrieved them and placed them in the correct spots on the puzzle board. Eventually, Kiki caught on and picked up and placed the letters by herself. I would even hide her dollhouse pieces in the rice and ask her important “wh” questions while she was searching for them such as, “Where’s the chair, where’s the bed?” Kiki’s progress was slow and not always steady. While I may have chosen toys that would help Kiki improve her language, those toys were useless until I adapted them in creative ways. Somewhere in this process I learned to change my perspective. Today, instead of waiting to celebrate big milestones, we celebrate each and every success no matter how seemingly small. There is no formula for adaptive play. This unique approach to learning involves observation, creativity, perseverance, and even more perseverance. Throughout our journey, I often lost sight of the bigger picture. The results were not immediate; in fact, Kiki did not develop language skills for many years, even after her rice table play time. However she did eventually develop language skills. She slowly started imitating my tones. It was in these moments that I was able to fully understand the value of play. As Kiki became more interested in socializing with the family, I knew our hard work had paid off.
“Get on the floor with her, Colleen, get down to her level and break into that bubble, that invisible force field that we call autism.” learningexpress.com
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Language and Speech
Suggested toys for skill building: Language and vocabulary workbooks, wooden or alphabet toys, fill-in-the-blanks, phonics activities, vocabulary-building games
A to Z Magnatab Now I know my ABCs! The A to Z Magnatab is a super-efficient and fun alphabet writing and teaching tool. Children will work to improve their fine motor skills as they pinch and grip the magnetic stylus and use fine motor control and finger strength to trace solid lines over the letters on this durable plastic board. Instructional arrows guide the way. Kids will work on their visual perception skills as they learn how letters are formed on the board, including how much space each letter needs. Language skills are improved as children begin to memorize the letters of the alphabet. The simple, streamlined red and white design makes this an easy-focus toy. Erase work with the touch of a fingertip! Ages 3+ KDO10342
$29.99
Hot Dots Jr. Alphabet Teaching Card Set Play with a purpose! This fun teaching card set made for use with the Hot Dots Jr. Ace the Dog Teaching Pen (sold separately) encourages language learning through various activities. As kids touch their pen to the cards, they get helpful feedback and positive reinforcement that will encourage their independent reading skills. Kids will work with letters, and will also work on their cognitive skills as they study numbers and simple math problems. Lastly, as kids aim to touch the tip of the pen to the answer dots, they will be focusing on improving their fine motor skills. Includes 50 teaching cards in a sturdy container. Other styles available, selection may vary by store. Ages 3+ EB2351
Hot Dots Jr. Activity Card Sets $14.99 Hot Dots Jr. Teaching Pen $12.99
Improve their
Rory's Story Cubes Games
Language & Speech
Build your imagination, story by story! These creative cubes feature pictures on each side. Kids simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark their imaginations. This open-ended game encourages language and speech skills as kids practice articulating and expressing their ideas. Kids will sharpen their cognitive skills as they practice sequencing by creating a beginning, middle, and end of their story. Kids will also improve their social skills and selfesteem as they share their stories with peers or parents, and engage in conversation. Includes 9 story cubes and instructions. Ages 8 + GAM318
Rory's Story Cubes Actions GAM319 $7.99 Rory's Story Cubes GAM318 $7.99
Preschool Skills Home Workbook So much learning and so much fun! This workbook, written by teachers, contains games, puzzles, and activities that incorporate early learning skills such as counting, number recognition, and letter recognition. Kids who are working to strengthen their speech skills, as well as children who are practicing their letters and early words will benefit from the reinforcing activities in this workbook. The included incentive chart with 140 star stickers helps develop responsibility and routine. Paperback, 64 pages. Many other workbooks available. Selection may vary by store. Ages 5+ CD104325
$4.49 each
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Bananagrams Word Game
Magnetic Wooden Alphabet Set
You can’t slice it over your cereal, feed it to a monkey, or throw its peel out for someone to slip on, but this banana and its letter tiles will provide hours of learning fun! This exciting travel word game helps children develop their language and cognitive skills. As kids place letter tiles to form words, they are utilizing problem-solving skills which will help them strengthen their cognitive abilities. Repeated play sessions also help to expand kids’ vocabulary and their ability to use language more effectively. For 2 to 8 players. Includes 144 letter tiles, banana zipper pouch, and instructions. Ages 7+ BNG001
Magnetic, multiuse, and magical! The Magnetic Wooden Alphabet is a 52 piece open-ended magnetic alphabet that features upper and lowercase letters in a sturdy wooden box. Kids can practice letter identification and spelling as they use the magnetic letters to form words. While thinking critically and challenging their cognitive skills, children will be using their fine motor skills as they grip the letters and place them on various surfaces. Ages 3+ LJ448
$14.99
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KiKi
$11.99
Zingo! Game Keep every moment full of zing with Zingo! Zingo! is a bingo-like game made for kids to play together. Match exciting picture tiles to Zingo! cards and get three in a row to make Zingo! The Zingo! Master dispenses tiles in a fun and engaging way. As kids work cooperatively by taking turns as they play, they will improve their social skills and develop higher self-esteem. As kids identify the words on the game tiles repeatedly, they will strengthen their language skills. Children will also work on their cognitive skills since the game challenges short-term memory. Features variations for competitive or cooperative play. Ages 4+ BV7700
$19.99 See and Spell See, spell, and celebrate! With the See and Spell, kids will fit the wooden letter tiles into the double-sided cutout boards. Each board features a depiction of the spelled word. This set provides hands-on language learning. Kids will develop their fine motor skills, word identification, and spelling skills as they match the correct letters with the objects. Children will think critically and work on improving their cognitive skills as they complete the words. And as kids grasp the chunky letters and line them up so that they fit in the wooden spaces, they will be strengthening their fine motor skills. Ages 4+ LJ2940
$19.99
KiKi
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What’s Gnu? Game What’s Gnu? Learning and fun, that’s what! What’s Gnu? is a word game that is perfect for new readers. Children will work on improving their language and cognitive skills as they build their own three letter words with word-starting cards and letter tiles. Short, three-letter words help boost spelling skills and assist kids with language improvement. Ages 5+ BV7760 $19.99
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Gross Motor
Suggested toys for skill building: Balance boards, ride-on toys, push toys and walkers, pull toys, many outdoor toys, exercise trampolines, stomp rockets, pogo sticks, classic toys, jump ropes, and hula hoops
Stomp Rocket Junior Stomp and watch it soar! This unique glowing Stomp Rocket comes with four glow-in-the-dark rockets that shoot up to one-hundred feet when kids jump on the launch pad! The rocket is easy for kids with low muscle tone to use. As kids jump on the launch pad repeatedly, they will improve their gross motor skills with better balance and coordination. The Stomp Rocket is also good for children who need to build their self-esteem and social skills. Kids will be proud to show off how high they can send the rocket flying, and they will feel more confident interacting with their peers as they take turns shooting the rockets. Ages 3+ DF20005
$16.99
Glider Scooter Make your own scoot route with the Glider Scooter! This three-wheeled scooter has a base wide enough for both feet. This lightweight scooter provides an alternative scooter design for children who are working to develop and improve their gross motor skills. Two wheels in front provide superior stability and make it easier for children to maneuver and balance on the scooter with comfort. As kids become more agile and develop better coordination, they will be able to join their peers on the playground. Group play will encourage social skills and boost self-esteem. Step on the back wheel cover to brake. Holds up to 88 pounds. Color selection may vary by store. Ages 3+ NSDYGL3
$79.99
Flying Turtle Scooter Win the race with the Flying Turtle Scooter! This kid-powered ride-on propels kids forward as they simply swing the handlebars back and forth. An easy, fun ride, the Flying Turtle Scooter helps encourage important gross motor skills, and provides an alternative mobility option for children who need to work on their muscle strength and coordination. Kids will feel secure on the low-to-the-ground scooter, and can ride along with their peers (which is good for social skills and self-esteem), even if they are not yet ready to ride a bike. The Flying Turtle Scooter can be used indoors or outdoors on hard surfaces. Supports up to 150 pounds. Color selection may vary by store. Ages 3+ MASFT
$99.99
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Spooner Freestyle Board Replicate all your favorite board sports, in any location, and on any surface—safely! The Spooner Freestyle Board simulates snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing safely and on nearly every surface. Children who are working to improve their balance and coordination can improve these gross motor skills with the Freestyle Spooner Board. As kids simulate board sports tricks, they will strengthen their legs and use that strength to manipulate the board in the ways they want. Kids may also strengthen their social skills and self-esteem since kids of most skill levels can partake in this fun activity together. Color selection may vary by store. Made in U.S.A. Measures 24 inches. Ages 4+ SBRFREESTYLE
$39.99 each
Improve their
GROSS
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MOTOR Skills
PlasmaCar Switch out batteries, gears, and pedals for inertia, centrifugal force, and kid power and you’ve got yourself an expertly designed ride-on car that holds up to 220 pounds! The PlasmaCar is operated by a simple back-and-forth motion of the steering wheel. As kids maneuver the PlasmaCar, they are working to improve their gross motor skills by strengthening their coordination. The PlasmaCar can also have a positive benefit on kids’ social skills and self-esteem because children who have not mastered the balance it takes to ride a bike can still play outside with their friends on this easy-to-operate ride-on. Supports up to 220 pounds. Color selection may vary by store. Ages 3+ PLM
$69.99 "My parents would set up obstacle courses and my brother and I would navigate through them."
- Zach Rody Horse
KiKi
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Ready? Rody! This soft and durable ride-on toy helps little ones improve several important skills. The Rody Horse helps stimulate vital gross motor skills such as core strength, balance, and coordination. Kids will begin to feel higher self-esteem as they feel more physically secure both on and off the Rody. Rody even helps some children with their focus and attention as they bounce on the Rody while simultaneously working on cognitive tasks such as puzzling or coloring. Just add more air as your child grows, and Rody will stay around for years! Color selection may vary by store. Ages 24 months+ TF8002R
$49.99 learningexpress.com
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Gross Motor
Suggested toys for skill building: Balance boards, ride-on toys, push toys and walkers, pull toys, many outdoor toys, exercise trampolines, stomp rockets, pogo sticks, classic toys, jump ropes and hula hoops
"It helped me practice my balance and my patience."
- Zach
Wobble Deck Extreme Engage in thinking and active play–all day! The Wobble Deck Extreme is a balance board with four fun balance games: Memory Match, Musical Statues, Music Making, and Free Wobble. The base also detaches to become a portable handheld game. As kids step on the Wobble Deck Extreme, it will rock back and forth. As children go through the game variations, they will strengthen their muscle tone and gross motor skills while stimulating their cognitive skills as they answer questions. Children will work to improve their balance and coordination skills, and once play time is over, they will feel more stable on their own two feet, which will help to improve their self-confidence and social skills. Two volume settings. Requires three AA batteries, not included. Ages 3+ DGN00136 $39.99
Ready, Set, Stilts Ready, Set, Slits will elevate your child to new developmental heights—literally! These stilts are fully-adjustable and feature training feet and soft-grip handles. The big foot training bases provide a more stable foundation for the stilts, and children will practice their balance, improve their coordination, and strengthen their muscle tone as they stand on the stilts and maneuver them. As kids begin to balance on the stilts, they are likely to experience a boost in their self-esteem. Holds up to 110 pounds. Ages 5 + AF771W
$35.99
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Ezy Roller Slither and ride on the Ezy Roller! This ride-on car is so easy to use, just push feet left and right on the foot bar to propel the groove cruiser forward. There are no chains or pedals, engines or batteries—just fun! Kids will build their gross motor skill capabilities as they use easy left-right leg movements to maneuver the Ezy Roller. Children of all skill levels will feel empowered as they use their own bodies to propel the Ezy Roller. As their coordination improves, kids will move faster on the Ezy Roller and their self-esteem is likely to improve. To build social skills with the Ezy Roller, set up a course and invite your child and his or her friends to test it out together. Kids of all skill levels will be able to play together with the Ezy Roller. Color selection may vary by store. Ages 5+ EZYEZR2
$119.99
Celebrate Siblings! It may be difficult to give “typically developing” siblings as much attention as siblings who need extra physical, mental, or emotional support. Here are some ways to make siblings of children with special needs feel included, to encourage them to express themselves, and to celebrate their uniqueness! • Schedule specific “alone time” with each sibling whether it is a book before bed, a trip to get an ice cream cone, or another activity that gives the two of you quality time together. Try to keep this scheduled time consistent. • Choose inclusive play toys (toys that kids with special needs and typically developing kids can play with together) which will help establish bonds between siblings and make everyone feel included. • Encourage siblings to express their emotions and ask questions. Siblings of kids with special needs may be confused about their brother’s or sister’s disability, or may feel fearful or angry. Open, honest communication helps resolve negative emotions.
Fold & Go Trampoline This trampoline totally takes off! The Fold & Go Trampoline is a compact, durable, and portable trampoline that’s designed with safety in mind. It features a handlebar, requires little assembly, and folds up easily for storage. The Fold & Go Trampoline helps children develop lower body gross motor strength and coordination. Kids simply grasp the handlebar with their hands and use their legs and feet to bounce. The trampoline provides much needed sensory stimulation for kids who crave it, and physical play for children who may not be able to engage in other forms of exercise. Little ones are likely to experience a sense of excitement and a boost in self-confidence as they improve their balance and improve their gross motor skills on the trampoline. Supports up to 150 pounds. Ages 3+ TYG59609
$99.99
KiKi
Despite the challenges that siblings of kids with special needs may experience, they often reach a higher level of maturity than their peers, learn to accept diversity, and feel proud of their brother or sister.
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Zachary Senter: Learning, LEGO, and Life as Usual Thirteen-year-old Zach was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old. Since then, Zach has worked hard to practice those skills that don’t come easily to him. Zach attributes his improvement in social and speech skills to hard work and lots of support from this family. Recently, we sat down with Zach to discuss his experience as a teen living with autism. We learned that, like most kids his age, Zach’s daily life includes balancing school, work, and fun. Q. What is your favorite toy? Z. I really like LEGO®. LEGO® always let me use my imagination whether I follow the instructions or not. I have a LEGO® Mindstorm set that I got recently and I’ve been trying out many different ways of putting it together.
Zach Senter Student, Son, and Toy Advisor at Learning Express Toys
Q. What helps you to learn? Z. If I’m actually enjoying the toy, that’s a key factor. The more you enjoy playing with a toy, the more you remember what you learn. Q. Zach, you have a younger brother, Josh. What do you and Josh like to do when you hang out? Z. We do a lot of different things. We play a lot of video games together and also other games like the Angry Birds Game, Beat the Parents, and LEGO® Harry Potter. When we’re outside, we play basketball and Cyberfire football, and we ride our Rockboard scooters. Q. How was the transition from elementary school to middle school? What helped you with the transition? Z. Honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. I saw a lot of familiar faces. People were very friendly and that helped me with the transition. It’s cool to meet new people, and I’ve made some new friends in middle school. Q. What toys do you play with every day? Z. Lately, I like to carry around the Whatz It as a fidget toy. [Fidget toys are usually held and manipulated with the hands, and are used to calm the body and mind. Fidget toys provide the tactile stimulation that many children crave, and help many children stay on task.] There are a lot of different things you can do with it. At first, I thought there was only one way to play with it, but I keep discovering new ways to play every time I pick it up. Q. Your mom owns two Learning Express stores and you work at those stores. Can you tell me a little bit about your job at the stores? Z. I do LEGO® Management. I really enjoy it. I’d say it’s more personal enjoyment than it is work. I’ll show people around the whole store sometimes, but mostly, I’ll stay in the LEGO® section. Sometimes, I’ll work with the boxes, and other times, I’ll count money at the register. Q. If you need help with school work, who do you go to? Z. I’ll ask my parents or my teachers for help if I need it. Q. Have you kept any toys from when you were younger? Z. I still have my owl clock that helped me tell time when I was younger. I keep it for the sentimental value. I also still have my ZOOBS. They were a lot of fun because I can move the pieces around in the sockets after I build something. Q. Do you have a routine that you like to follow? Z. I try to go with the flow throughout the day.
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Cognitive
Suggested toys for skill building: Puzzles and sorting games for memory and concentration. Number games, counting activities, and math workbooks for math skills. Musical toys, instruments, and rhyming activities for memory and reading skills
Math Slam
Teaching Cash Register I’m working on my 1,2,3s; may I help you ring up those groceries, please? This interactive talking register features four levels of play with increasing levels of difficulty. Kids will learn coin identification, addition and subtraction, all while having a blast playing store! The register helps children use and strengthen their cognitive skills as they identify coins, count change, and complete simple addition and subtraction problems using a real-world example of a grocery store cash register. Kids can also engage in role-play, alone, or with other peers, which will encourage social skills and self-esteem. Children will also improve their fine motor skills as they repeatedly punch the keys of the register. Requires three C batteries, not included. Ages 3+ LT2690
Smile while learning math? OK, what’s the catch? Math Slam is an exciting, electronic math teaching tool that features three levels, rewarding flashing lights, and fun sound effects. Youngsters will read the curriculum-based questions and then slam the correct answer. This problem-solving game requires children to think quickly in order to solve curriculum-based math problems. Kids will work on their cognitive skills through problem solving, focusing, and making quick decisions. Incorrect answers are recycled for later, and since this game has a strong visual component, kids will strengthen their visual perception skills as they use their hand-eye coordination. In addition, holding Math Slam and manipulating fingers to “slam” the correct answer hones fine motor skills. Requires three C batteries, not included. Ages 6+ EB8476
$49.99
$39.99
Qwirkle Game Add a little quirky to play time with Qwirkle! In this strategy game, players earn points by building rows and columns with matching colors or shapes. Children must plan ahead in this game to be successful! Qwirkle works to improve children’s cognitive skills. As kids try to match the colors and shapes, they are maintaining their focus, and using various strategy and problem-solving techniques. Kids will become more confident with making decisions and aligning the shapes and colors as they continue to play. For 2 to 4 players. Ages 6+ MIND32016W
Tenzi When kids shake the dice in their hands and roll them, they are working on the manipulation component of their fine motor skills. Kids will also practice their cognitive skills as they count the dots on the dice and match dice of the same number. This fast-paced game is an ice-breaking activity that will help children interact with their peers and potentially improve their social skills. Ages 6+ CGA002TSK
$14.99 each
$24.99
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Cognitive
Suggested toys for skill building: Puzzles and sorting games for memory and concentration. Number games, counting activities,and math workbooks for math skills. Musical toys, instruments, and rhyming activities for memory and reading skills
Big Bag of Science Kit Science scholars—listen up! The Big Bag of Science helps kids learn about chemistry, physics, biology, and more through safe, fun, and sometimes messy science experiments. With parental support, kids can shoot a thirty-foot soda geyser or create some Insta-Snow! As kids follow the directions and learn about chemistry, physics, and biology, they are strengthening their cognitive skills. Kids are thinking critically as they set up experiments, and learn the causes and effects of combining various substances. Children will practice remembering various components of the experiments, and practice solving problems as they arise. The hands-on, messy science approach will keep kids engaged and stimulated. Ages 8+ BEAM4120
$39.99
Gobblet Gobblers Game Have a hankering for learning? Sample Gobblet Gobblers! This quick-thinking game offers a modern twist on tic-tac-toe. Line up three of your gobblers to win, but be careful they don’t get gobbled up! Gobblet Gobblers requires children to use strategy, memory, and problem-solving skills to line up the Gobbler pieces in a row. As kids analyze their moves, they are strengthening their cognitive skills. This group game also encourages social skills and self-esteem as kids interact with their peers. Also, as kids grip the pieces and slip them over existing pieces, they will be strengthening their fine motor skills. Ages 5+ BOG00103
$19.99
Improve their
COGNITIVE Skills I Spy Mystery Grab Game Reach into the hat, and grab some fun! Choose a card with an object on it and then try to find the matching object in the mystery hat…just by feel! This group game encourages interaction with peers which benefits children’s social skills and self-esteem. The game also provides tactile sensory input which helps kids improve their sensory processing skills. Visual and spatial perception skills will also be improved as kids practice image visualization. Includes blank cards to personalize the game with your own objects. No reading required. For 1 to 4 players. Ages 6 + BR06154
$24.99
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Perplexus Game Portable pinball? Roll, twist, and drop the marble through the battery-free 3D maze in Perplexus. Kids will spend hours engaged as they guide the marble through the twists and turns of the transparent orb. Youngsters will develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity while listening to the marble flip and spin through the course. With repeated play sessions, children may be able to improve their cognitive abilities in several ways. They will work the ball through the chutes and notches, and improve their problem-solving, decision-making, and cause-andeffect skills. Perplexus also assists with sensory processing because it provides simultaneous tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation. With repetitive play, kids may be able to better organize the sensory information around them. Players can even race each other or the clock to encourage social interaction. There are one hundred challenging barriers in Perplexus. Ages 6+ PLMBL100
$24.99
"This toy helps me focus. I use it when I need a break from doing schoolwork."- Zach
Rush Hour Jr. Game Toot toot, beep beep, Rush Hour Jr. can’t be beat! This junior version of the beloved Rush Hour puzzle game features forty challenge cards. Children arrange the “traffic” in different ways to get the ice cream truck successfully through rush hour. Rush Hour Jr. helps sharpen children’s cognitive skills in multiple ways. As kids try to solve these puzzles, they will work on focusing their attention on the task at hand and making decisions about where to move the pieces. Kids will also practice problem solving as they determine the quickest way to solve the challenges. In addition to strengthening their cognitive skills, kids will brush up on their fine motor skills as they manipulate the small car pieces around the puzzle board. Ages 6+ BV5040
$19.99
"My teacher used to keep track of my times and see how much I would improve each week."- Zach
Roll & Play Roll, play, and shout hooray! Tots roll the soft, plush cube and identify which color lands facing up. Then, kids choose the matching color card and perform the activity shown. Kids will improve their cognitive skills as they practice matching and following directions. As kids talk with fellow players and complete activities that prompt speech and speech sounds they’ll improve their language and speech skills. And as kids practice taking turns, and complete activities such as, “make a happy face” they’ll improve their social skills and self-esteem. Roll & Play is a great foundation for a lifetime of game play. Includes 1 plush cube, 48 cards (8 in each category), storage pocket for cards, and parent's guide. Ages 18 months + BV1800
$19.99 Pentago Game Gather around the board from noon til’ night! Pentago is a logic and problem-solving game that is easy-to-learn but challenging-to-master. The object? Create a row of five marbles. The twist? Rotate a board block on each turn for constantly changing game play. This strategy game is very easy to learn, but takes some time to master. Children will work on their problem-solving and decisionmaking skills as they try to make five in a row of the same color. Kids will interact with their peers while playing Pentago, which encourages improved social skills and self-esteem. For two players. Ages 8+ MTWPCE
$19.99 learningexpress.com
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Suggested toys for skill building: Toys with textured surfaces, modeling putties, flashing light toys, musical toys, and vibrating toys
Sensory Processing Band-In-A-Box Set
Future band leaders—listen up! This ten-piece set of durable instruments helps your little ones get interested in music early. The Band-In-A-Box Set assists children in sharpening their auditory and visual sensory processing skills. It is best to strengthen these two senses simultaneously, and as youngsters observe how each instrument produces different sounds, they are better able to make connections and process the stimuli. The several instruments in the set also encourage group play. As kids play in groups with their peers, they will feel more confident in their social-skills. This durable set includes ten pieces: tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks, and a triangle. Ages 3+ LJ488
KiKi
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$24.99
NEW! 4 in 1 Drum Set
Flash Flyer A show in the dark! This flexible round disc is capable of flying forty feet and then returning to its starting spot. This modern day boomerang features an LED flashing light that turns on as the flyer is launched, creating an enchanting light show. The Flash Flyer features a strong visual component which helps children build their sensory processing skills as they observe how the Flash Flyer moves through space. This visual stimulation is what some children need to help them focus on the playful task at hand. Colors may vary by store. Ages 7+. DDT212
$19.99
Look and listen with the 4 in 1 Drum! This unique drum features four fun ways to play. Kids can clack, rattle, shake a tambourine, or beat the drum with the stick. The pieces of the drum attach to the base for easy storage or portability. The combination of bright colors and several different sounds helps children improve their audiovisual sensory processing skills. These senses are strengthened most successfully when improved together. As kids process the sounds and colors, they may also improve their focus and concentration. Ages 2+ ICG02405 $14.99
Improve their
Sensory Processing Mini Spectra Light Globe
Skills
Spectators prepare for a spectacular show! The Mini Spectra Light Globe is a four-inch handheld spinning light globe that reveals beautiful colors during the day or night. Kids can take this toy on-the-go with the attached necklace cord. The globe uses colorful, stimulating light to aid children who need help processing visual cues. The spinning light provides kids with a focal point and helps them to better interpret their visual surroundings. The light-up globe can also help kids with their focus and concentration. Requires three button cell batteries, included. Colors may vary by store. Ages 5 + TE793910
$3.99
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Playfoam Classic Four-Pack Build, shape, squish, and squeeze Playfoam! This play substance never dries out and doesn't stick to surfaces. With the classic four-pack you can mix colors or use them individually. Playfoam provides kids with a strong tactile experience. The pliable foam encourages sensory processing skills because as kids mold and squish the Playfoam in their hands, they are experiencing various sensations that help them gain a better understanding of their body in relationship to space. This tactile experience can enhance focus, and the bright colors encourage visual discernment. As kids build and mold with Playfoam, they increase finger strength and manipulation and improve their fine motor skills. Ages 3+ EB1900
$4.99 Huggy the Puppy Comforting canine! Huggy the Puppy is a fully microwavable plush toy that releases a calming lavender scent when heated and stays warm for hours. You can even chill Huggy in the freezer and use him as an icepack! When kids hold the heated Huggy the Puppy, they will strengthen their sensory processing skills. Kids will combine their sense of smell (to understand the lavender scent) with their sense of touch (to feel the warmth and soft, plush texture). Using multiple sensory sources can help balance sensory under or overstimulation. Ages 3+ PIYCPPUP01
$24.99
Busy Bee Baby Buzz'r A Busy Bee for busy babies! This teether is the perfect sensory treat for teething babies and toddlers, and can both excite and soothe little ones. The Busy Bee Baby Buzz’r helps children improve their sensory processing skills by combining blinking lights, sounds, and soft vibration to stimulate the visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Children are better able to understand this sensory information when it is presented to them at the same time. Kids will work to balance their sensory input and manage sensations with less frustration. The Busy Bee also helps improve oral motor skills such as mouth and jaw control. Features twelve lullabies. Requires two AAA batteries, not included. Ages 3 months+ SG5222009
$18.99 Tickle Monster Laughter Kit Tickle til’ you chuckle! The Tickle Monster Laughter Kit comes with the beloved children’s book, blue tickle mitts, and a carry box. The reader puts on the mitts and turns into the kind-hearted tickle monster. Kids will love reading time with this interactive story! As kids listen to or read the story, they will work on their language skills including reading and communicating about the story. This interactive set also encourages play and laughter in groups which can benefit social skills. Laughter in particular will help relax kids and make them calmer in social situations. The Tickle Monster gloves add a tactile, sensory component to the set which helps kids interpret and understand the story in a concrete way. Ages 12 months + COD1932319835 $34.95 learningexpress.com
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What’s in your Learning Express Toys Shopping Bag? Michele Valente is one amazing mom. In between caring for her four children with special needs and working as a Developmental Therapist for Vision, she loves shopping at Learning Express for skill building toys. Learn a little bit more about Michele and then take a peek into her Learning Express Toys shopping bag!
Michele Valente Mom, Developmental Therapist for Vision (DTV), Early Intervention Specialist, and M.Ed (Master of Education, Special Education)
Tell us about your four children Hayden is an amazing artist. He’s nine years old and has ADHD. Dylan is our little comedian. He is seven years old and has autism and blindness. Mackenzie is our little girl with an amazing imagination. She’s five years old and has a speech delay (but she’s getting better). Our little miracle “baby” Ryan is four years old and has low vision. He has the same genetic disease as his brother, Dylan, but since he was treated immediately after birth with surgery, he can see! He is in medical journals for being the first documented case of Norrie’s Disease with vision.
Tell us about being a Developmental Therapist, and about your area of expertise I am a Developmental Therapist for Vision (DTV). A DTV is a therapist who works in the Early Intervention system with children who are visually impaired. I assist children ages birth through three. I look at the children’s skill levels and work to move them forward in all areas of development. The goal is not to improve their vision, but rather to help their families find ways to effectively teach them about their world despite their visual loss. I spend time helping families understand their child’s visual diagnosis and prognosis, and also help the family find resources related to their child’s visual condition.
Why shop at Learning Express Toys for skill building prodcuts? I enjoy shopping at Learning Express Toys because of the wonderful selection of developmental toys. I appreciate that few require batteries and that the toys are well made. Many of the toys are made of real wood and recycled materials. Learning Express Toys stands behind the products they sell and will work with the customer to get a replacement toy if needed.
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What’s in your Learning Express Toys shopping bag?
Playfoam This is an effective way for kids to explore textures which aids in sensory development.
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Band in a Box I love for kids to explore music and engage in pretend play. Some children with sensory disorders can be upset by another person making noise and may find some toys to be too loud. With this instrument set the child can make his or her own noise and decide how soft or loud he or she wants to play.
(Page 30) Do-A-Dot Primary 6 Pack Markers These markers introduce the concepts of handwriting, drawing, and color identification.
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Rody Horse Magna Tiles These are great to use with a light box for a visually impaired baby. This technique allows them to recognize shapes and colors.
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(Page 23) Fold & Go Trampoline
See and Spell
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Visual & Spatial Perception
Suggested toys for skill building: Shape puzzles, matching activ beads or blocks, stacking and nesting toys, hidden picture book
Find It Games Flip, twist, and shake‌you won’t want a break! The object is to find each item hidden inside the game tube. As kids search through the game tube for various shapes, they are working to improve their visual and spatial perception skills. They are improving shape identification and visually learning about how the different shapes occupy different amounts of space within the tube of colored pellets. As kids twist, rotate, and manipulate the tube to search for items, they are also working on their fine motor skills. Styles may vary by store. Ages 5+ FIG1
$19.99 each
Kanoodle Game Kids can do it with Kanoodle! Kanoodle is a colorful solitaire puzzle with several levels of difficulty. Players can solve 2D or 3D puzzles. Children will tone their visual, spatial, and logic skills as they practice assembling the suggested 2D and 3D puzzles. As they complete the puzzles, children will identify various shapes and configurations. This solitaire game fosters independent play which in turn helps build focus and concentration skills. The small puzzle pieces encourage fine motor skills as kids grip and manipulate them to set up the challenges. Includes a forty-eight page puzzle book. Ages 7+ EB2978
$12.99 each
Improve their
Visual & Spatial
Perception
U.S.A. Map Floor Puzzle The U.S.A. Map Puzzle meets at the intersection of entertainment and education! This fifty-one piece, thick cardboard floor puzzle measures an impressive two by three feet when assembled. This detailed puzzle offers several learning opportunities. Youngsters will achieve a better understanding of spatial relationships as they fit the puzzle pieces together. Kids will learn how the pieces relate to the whole, and will also strengthen their fine motor skills as they grip and manipulate the puzzle pieces. Cognitive skills will also improve as kids think critically, make decisions about where to place the pieces, and practice retaining information about the fifty states. Ages 6+ LJ440
$12.99
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vities, activities that allow kids to see a design and reproduce it with ks, mazes, and dot-to-dots
Magna Tiles 32- Piece Building Set Imagine more! This magnetic building set features triangle and square pieces. Pieces attract on every side for unlimited design possibilities. Beautiful translucent pieces make this open-ended play set irresistible. The set helps children improve their visual and spatial perception skills by giving them a firsthand understanding of geometric shapes as well as two and three dimensional objects. Kids will gain a better understanding of spatial relationships, and also use their hand-eye coordination skills to work on the Magna Tiles. This set will also help strengthen fine motor skills as children grip and manipulate the pieces of this imagination-building toy. Ages 3+ VAL02132
$49.99 Design & Drill Center Design & Drill instills thrills! With this fun set, kids drill the bright, multicolored bolts into the activity board. If they need a little inspiration, they can reference the 20 activity cards to make anything from fish to flowers. As kids build shapes and patterns, they will sharpen their visual perception skills by learning how parts fit together to create a finished design. Kids will also sharpen their fine motor skills as they grip and maneuver the tools. If they want to try a new tool, they can pick up the screwdriver, three drill bits, or wrench. Requires three AA batteries, not included. Ages 3 + EB4112 $39.99
Solar System Floor Puzzle Spot It! Game Four ways to play…oy vey! This fast-paced, portable game keeps kids engaged for hours as they improve their reflexes as well as visual and spatial skills. The object of the game is to be the first to find the matching symbol between any two cards. Playing Spot It! helps encourage visual/spatial skills as kids compare the visual images and note visual similarities and differences on two cards while looking for a match. With practice, kids will sharpen their perception skills and find matches more quickly. The game is easy to learn and encourages peer group play which is known to have a positive effect on social skills and self-esteem. Spot It! can also benefit cognitive skills as kids make quick decisions, as well as fine motor skills as kids manipulate their hands to quickly flip and place the Spot It! cards. Four different ways to play ensures fresh and varied play sessions. Includes fifty-five cards and storage tin. Ages 6+ BOG00411
Keep the cosmos close with the Solar System Floor Puzzle! This forty-eight piece floor puzzle features a detailed depiction of the solar system. The planets are labeled for additional learning opportunities, and the finished puzzle measures an impressive two by three feet. As kids put the puzzle together they will work on improving their visual and spatial perception as well as cognitive skills. During play, kids will think critically and make decisions. Kids will assemble the various shapes of the puzzle and observe how they piece together to create the finished image. Handling the puzzle pieces and linking them together will also help kids develop their fine motor skills. Ages 3+ LJ413
$12.99
$12.99
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Contributor Bios Claire Connor Groll is an occupational therapist (OT) and a proud mother of three grown children. Her experience as an OT focused initially on those with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. After having a family of her own, she decided to pursue her interest in pediatrics and began working with infants in early intervention, then with a large school district including students from preschool to post graduate students. She has since practiced OT within the schools for over 15 years, further specializing in sensory processing by achieving her certification in sensory integration testing (SIPT certified). Claire has also received her graduate degree in education with an emphasis in special education of moderate special needs. She is passionate about working with children with special needs and makes every attempt to help facilitate independence into their daily lives.
Colleen Hendon is the manager of two Learning Express Toy Stores in California. In addition to her daily store responsibilities, Colleen specializes in buying and marketing for the stores. Colleen is also the dedicated mother of two children, Cory and Kiki. After Kiki was diagnosed with autism at 20 months old, Colleen made it her priority to receive special education training with a focus on early intervention, autism, visual communication, and sensory integration. When she is not recommending skill building products to customers at Learning Express Toys, Colleen continues to work with 17-year-old Kiki daily to help her develop new skills.
Kiki Hendon is currently a junior in high school and recently celebrated her 17th birthday. Kiki was diagnosed with autism when she was 20 months old. Kiki began early intervention and attended a special education preschool when she was three years old, and was mainstreamed into regular education (with support) in first grade. Today, Kiki is an active member of her high school class, participating in the Show Choir and Leadership Class (where she educates students about autism). Kiki cheerleads on The Pride of Power Special Needs Cheer Team, and she’s also active in the Special Olympics. She continues to thrive and develop new skills everyday.
Julianne P. Jones is an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics. She has over 17 years of experience working with children with special needs. Julianne has specialized training for treatment of sensory processing issues and sensory integration testing (SIPT certified). She is also a certified, authorized provider for The Listening Program. Julianne is the proud owner of Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy, Inc., an outpatient clinic specializing in helping children with special needs reach their full potential.
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Deedra Senter is the co-owner of two Learning Express stores in South Carolina, with business partner, Paige Watson. She is also the proud mother of two boys, Zach and Josh. When Zach was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Deedra and her husband, Stuart, tried to explain to Zach what was happening. Neither of them will forget Zach’s response, “That is a good thing, right?” At that moment, Deedra and Stuart decided to make autism a good thing. Opening a Learning Express Toy store has given Deedra the unique opportunity to share her knowledge of their family’s long journey with autism, and to help others who may be beginning their own journeys.
Zach Senter is a seventh grader and recently celebrated his 13th birthday. Zach was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. Zach has received seven years of occupational therapy and four years of speech therapy, trying additional forms of therapy along the way. Today, he spends 80% of his school day in a typical classroom environment, and receives supplemental help with his writing. When Zach and his brother Josh aren’t playing basketball, riding their Rockboard scooters, or trying a sport such as golf or soccer, Zach loves playing Wii games and watching Annoying Orange videos with his friends. Daily life can be challenging for Zach, but he faces every new obstacle with a smile.
Michele Valente is the dedicated mom of four amazing children, Hayden, Dylan, Mackenzie, and Ryan. Because each of Michele’s children has special needs including ADHD and visual impairment, she works with each of them to promote their development. Michele is also a Developmental Therapist who specializes in visual impairment education in the Early Intervention system. Michelle’s goals with families of children with visual impairment include helping the family understand their child’s diagnosis and prognosis, and finding ways for children to thrive despite their visual loss.
Thank you for reading! To learn more, visit a local participating Learning Express Toys.
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