Toys for children with disabilities: how to choose what fits
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The right toys for a child with a disability build on what your child can do, and make it easier to join in. Pay attention to grip, weight, the senses and difficulty level, and choose toys your child can operate independently. Every disability and every child is different, so if in doubt, seek advice from an occupational therapist or paediatric physiotherapist.
Why is play so important for children with disabilities?
Play is how children explore the world and grow. It isn’t just fun, it also plays a big part in their development: moving, feeling, thinking, talking and playing together all come together in play.
For children with disabilities, play is often a challenge. Ordinary toys are sometimes too small, too heavy, too fast or too complicated. Adapted or well-chosen toys can then make a big difference. They help a child have fun, and can also help them practise skills in different areas.
What types of disability are there, and what does that mean for toys?
Children with disabilities face different challenges, from physical to cognitive or sensory impairments. Each disability has its own influence on play and on which toys suit best. Many children also have a combination of challenges.
Motor or physical disability
For children who find it hard to grasp, hold or move, toys with large, easy-to-grip parts are handy. Think of chunky blocks, puzzles with knobs, lightweight materials and toys that stay firmly in place. Toys that fit on a tabletop or wheelchair tray make independent play easier.
Visual impairment
Choose toys with clear contrasts, different textures and sound that your child sets off themselves. Touch becomes more important when seeing is harder, so toys made from different materials (wood, fabric, silicone) offer plenty to discover.
Hearing impairment
Children who are hard of hearing get a lot out of visual and tactile toys: building materials, puzzles, role play and toys where they can see cause and effect. Playing together with gestures and facial expressions makes play richer.
Learning disability
Toys that match the developmental age work better than toys that suit the calendar age. Simple cause-and-effect toys, puzzles with few pieces and repeatable play give experiences of success. Build up the difficulty slowly.
Autism
For autistic children, it’s important to have toys that respect their sensory needs and spark their imagination. Calm colours, different textures and toys that encourage structured play can provide a play experience that stimulates and yet calms. You’ll find more tips in toys for autism.
ADHD
For children with ADHD, toys that respect their need for movement and sensory input are important. Toys that encourage movement, give tactile feedback and help to hold attention can be valuable. Read more in ADHD toys.
What should you look for when choosing toys?
| Question | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Can my child operate it independently? | Large parts, little strength needed, no small buttons |
| Does it suit their developmental age? | Not too difficult (frustration), not too easy (boredom) |
| Which senses does it engage? | Touch, sight, hearing; avoid too much at once |
| Is it safe? | CE mark, EN 71, no small parts if your child still puts things in their mouth |
| Can it grow with my child? | Open-ended toys that can be used in several ways |
| Can it be played with together? | Toys that invite play with brothers, sisters or friends |
Open-ended toys, such as blocks, play silks and role-play sets, are often a good choice. There is no right or wrong, and your child decides how to play. Read more in everything you need to know about open-ended toys.
Many children with disabilities are also more sensitive to stimuli. Toys with lots of lights and sounds can then quickly become too much. Read about this in can toys overstimulate a child?.
Tips to make play more accessible
- Adapt the play area: a non-slip mat, a sturdy tabletop or a cushion for support makes a big difference.
- Make toys bigger or grippier: a bit of non-slip material or a thicker handle helps with grasping.
- Offer only a few things at once: two or three toys provide overview and more focus.
- Follow your child’s pace: give them time to explore and only help when your child asks or gets stuck.
- Celebrate small steps: a block that stays on top of another is a success.
- Play together: joining in gives a sense of security and shows everything that’s possible with a toy.
- Consult therapists: an occupational therapist, paediatric physiotherapist or speech and language therapist can recommend toys that match the goals your child is working on.
Toys from this article
- Shape puzzle with 9 pieces: a simple shape puzzle to get started.
- Toy car set of 2: for simple driving and pretend play.
- Wooden or silicone blocks: open-ended toys for stacking and feeling.
This article provides information and suggestions about toys for children with disabilities. We are not doctors, psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Every situation is unique. For personal advice, it’s best to turn to your GP, an occupational therapist, paediatric physiotherapist or another specialist who knows your child.
Frequently asked questions
What are adapted toys?
Adapted toys are toys that take into account the abilities of a child with a disability, for example with larger parts, a better grip or clear contrasts. Often, ordinary simple toys with small adjustments are already very usable.
How do I choose toys if my child is behind in their development?
Look at what your child can do now and what the next small step is, not at the age on the box. Toys that offer just a little challenge give experiences of success. An occupational therapist can help you work out that step.
Are toys with sound and light suitable for children with disabilities?
For some children, for example those with a visual impairment, sound can actually help. For children who easily become overstimulated it is often too much. Choose toys where your child sets off the sound themselves and not everything happens at once.
Where can I find professional advice about toys?
Discuss your questions with your GP, health visitor or your child’s therapists, such as an occupational therapist or paediatric physiotherapist. They know your child and can give targeted advice.