We want what’s best for our children no matter how they grow up to be. We may be faced with hardships and challenges with our children, and we as parents should know what to do to support our children for them thrive.
Autism is one of the developmental disorders in children where they can have difficulties with social interaction and communication. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can also be observed doing rigid or repetitive behaviors. Parents usually notice this in the first three years of their child and with the help of professionals, can be managed to help the children thrive
Importance of play
Play is important for a child’s development, especially for kids with a developmental disorder. It can be a tool for early intervention through skills-training and behavior modification. It can also be a form of therapy for children with ASD. Some children have sensory integration dysfunction disorder, which makes it difficult for them to organize and make sense of the stimuli that affect their senses.
Sensory exploration is a child’s way of discovering, examining, categorizing, and making sense of the world, which they can experience through sensory play. Sensory toys for kids with autism are good tools for them to exercise and experience sensory play.
Benefits of sensory play
Promotes a sense of touch
Sensory toys that are squishy or toys with different textures can allow a kid to grasp the concept of the sense of touch.
Promotes focus
Toys use for sensory play can promote focus for children with special needs. It helps them develop concentration skills towards something that they are interested in, which can, in turn, help them in engaging more on the things and people around them.
Reduces anxiety
Sensory toys help reduce anxious habits of a child. Toys help them shift their focus and let them become more concentrated on it rather than becoming anxious about their surroundings or state.
Fine motor skills
The toys allow children to experience play while strengthening and developing their motor skills. Sensory play involves using and building fine motor skills like exploring things and their surroundings using pinching, pouring, and lacing movements.
Calming
Sensory play becomes an output by focusing on a child’s energy through play. It regulates their internal discomfort like when they are feeling bored, restless, or if they are feeling agitated.
Encourages language skills
Playing with sensory toys provides a child with special needs with a new experience, and when they experience new things, they may communicate how they feel to other people. Through this, it encourages the child to express themselves with language skills. When they cope with their ability for language then it helps them move past their developmental delays.
Social interaction
Playing promotes social interaction with their surroundings and other people. Sensory play encourages kids and their peers to come close and investigate. Getting the children in close proximity with one another is one of the first steps to interaction.
Conclusion
Providing children with special needs of the right setting and tools can help them develop and improve their innate skills. Stimulating their senses through play and knowing what your child needs from their parents will help them with their growth holistically.