1. Welcome to ASTRA’s 2011 Marketplace & Academy

2. Toys for Children with Special Needs Diane Cullinane, M.D. Developmental Pediatrician Pasadena Child Development Associates www.pasadenachilddevelopment.org

3. Developmental Milestones* I.Shared attention II.Social engagement III.Two-way interaction IV.Shared problem solving V.Creative thinking VI.Logical thinking *DIR/Floortime www.icdl.com

4. I. Shared Attention Physical proximity Anything which draws people together, or creates a physical boundary –Pop up bus or tent –Floor covering –Large toy object: ball, castle, garage –2- person swing or ride on toy –Wagon

5. I. Shared Attention Sensory experience Each child is unique and may be attracted to or avoidant of certain sensations –Use natural sights, sounds, colors –May need pure simple colors without detail, smooth surface –Simple rocking motion which can be controlled –May enjoy strong jumping and crashing

6. I. Shared Attention Sensory experience Getting inside a tent made from a sheet, and playing with flashlights on the wall Splashing bubbles together, finger painting together on a big piece of paper, or sand play Drawing together on a big chalk board Body painting A tub where a child is inside and mother rocks, or two children get in together and move around

7. I. Shared attention: Sensory Exploration Buckets and shovels Sand toys, clay Water toys Climbing, slides Musical instruments Opening and closing

8. II. Social Engagement Exciting dynamic shared experience –Dance and singing to follow along –Nursery rhymes –Surprise in books, pop up boxes –Playhouses; windows that open and close –Big tunnel –Bubbles, balloons

9. III. Two-way Interaction Reciprocity and Initiative –Rolling a ball, catch –Simple train or car, through a tunnel, or down a ramp –Basketball hoop –Cause-effect toys with separate parts

10. IV. Shared Problem Solving Builds longer periods of shared attention and interaction More complex emotional exchanges around surprise, frustration, joy, sadness, disappointment, success and pride Seeking and receiving help, working together

11. IV. Shared Problem Solving Construction Games Cardboard blocks, chutes and marbles Tools and repair kits Models, train sets Art kits Puzzles Simple board games

12. V. Creative Thinking Using imagination and ‘symbolic thinking’ A safe and powerful way for children to explore and master a wide range of emotional ideas

13. V. Creative Thinking Imaginary play develops from more realistic imitation –Baby dolls, carriages, bath tubs, kitchens –Cars and trucks, garages, steering wheels –Airplanes, boats –Food and kitchens –Stuffed animals- dogs and cats

14. V. Creative Thinking Gradually less “real” play Range of themes –Nurturance –Bad guys and good guys –Danger, bravery and heroes –Competition and jealousy

15. V. Creative Thinking Nurturance Puppets Families and houses Farms Food Doctor kits Tools and repair kits

16. V. Creative thinking Bad guys and good guys Magic Pirates, swords, soldiers Kings and queens Castles Villains

17. V. Creative thinking Danger, Bravery and heroes Aliens Dinosaurs Sharks, alligators, lions Super-heroes

18. V. Creative Thinking Competition and jealousy Dress up dolls, jewelry etc. Armies Teams of pirates, gold and treasure

19. V. Creative Thinking Open-ended toys –Play dough, clay –Craft materials –Construction materials

20. VI. Logical Thinking Connecting ideas in a logical way Making a story

21. VI. Logical Thinking Houses, forts, castles, and figures- smaller, more detail Board games with more complex logic Science kits

22. Special considerations: Individual differences Visual detail Sounds Fine motor dexterity required Visual-spatial skills Gross motor play Uneven skills

23. Solitary Play Ideally, would still involve problem solving and creativity Risk of discouraging social interaction

24. The play space Use of mats, borders Offer options of play materials Use toys in non-traditional ways Safety features Individualize for child and play partner