If your toddler is exhibiting symptoms of mild autism, it is important to learn how to go about the process of choosing educational toys for preschoolers that have special needs. Autism is a type of developmental disorder that most commonly makes itself known by the time that a child is three years old. It has a direct impact on the child’s ability to develop age appropriate social and communication skills. The condition is considered to be part of a wide range of relatively complex neurodevelopmental type disorders known as “Autism Spectrum Disorders”. Out of all of the conditions that are part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, Autism is considered to be the most severe form. Children often experience complications learning basic skills needed for academic success. As a result of this fact, it is especially important to learn how to choose educational toys for preschoolers exhibiting symptoms of mild autism.
Social Impairment
One of the most challenging symptoms of mild autism is social impairment. Many toddlers will display unresponsiveness towards other people. In most instances, the child will place more of an emphasis on objects than they do people. Many autistic children will not respond appropriately to their names and will avoid connecting with others through the eyes. They often experience complications interpreting what other individuals are saying, thinking and feeling because of the fact that they are unable to properly understand social cues. In addition to this, they lack empathy towards others. The best educational toys for preschoolers exhibiting social impairment symptoms of mild autism are those that encourage the child to be socially active with other children or adults. Furthermore, toys that display social interaction, such as educational videos, may also prove to be highly beneficial.
Communication Skills
Children that exhibit mild symptoms of autism may suffer from complications involving communication skills. If you are in the process of shopping for educational toys for preschoolers, it is essential that you consider those that will enhance your child’s ability to communicate effectively. The most effective products for language development are those that your child is able to see or hear. Therefore, educational music CDs and educational videos are top choices among parents that are raising children showing symptoms of mild autism. However, it is important to consider other types of products as well. Reading to a child with autism may prove to be highly beneficial in optimizing a child’s understanding of the English language. If you purchase books as educational toys for preschoolers exhibiting signs of mild autism, it is important to choose those that have bright, colorful and vibrant pictures that they may focus on. Furthermore, toys that display letters and words such as classroom manipulatives, blocks, and flash cards may prove to be highly effective.
Conclusion
There are several different types of educational toys for preschoolers exhibiting symptoms of mild autism. If you are interested in buying toys that will help your child develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, basic skills, social skills and communication skills, it is important to first research autism and develop an in-depth understanding of the disorder. You will then need to determine which signs of autism that your child is experiencing. From there, you will be able to best determine what types of toys will assist your child in their developmental weaknesses. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will discover a multitude of toys that will provide your autistic child with the developmental edge that they need.