Musical Toys and Special Needs Children
Music is undoubtedly a powerful medium for emotional and cognitive development. Children, including those with special needs, can benefit immensely from playing with musical toys. Musical toys help to improve sensory awareness, memory, communication, and motor skills. However, with so many musical toys on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one that meets a special needs child’s unique requirements. In this article, we explore the top musical toys recommended for children with special needs.
Drum Sets
Drum sets are a great choice for children with special needs because they offer tactile stimulation, visual feedback, and auditory input. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), playing the drums can help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor coordination. When looking for a drum set, consider ones with adjustable volume, different sound effects, and sturdy construction.
Musical Instruments with Lights and Vibrations
Musical toys that produce lights and vibrations alongside sound can provide a multi-sensory experience for children with special needs. Toys like the SensoryMoon 5.9″ Inch Plasma Ball Lamp or the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker can promote interaction and exploration. These toys can also foster cause-and-effect understanding and support sensory processing difficulties.
Keyboards and Piano Mats
Playing a Keyboard or Piano Mat improves a child’s cognitive, auditory, and social skills. Keyboards can help with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and finger strength. Piano mats can promote spatial awareness, motor planning, and music appreciation. Options for fully-featured pianos can be quite expensive, but mats like the MukikiM Rock and Roll It – Flexible Piano can offer a more affordable, portable, and durable alternative that special needs kids can enjoy.
Recordable Music Players
Recordable music players allow children to create and play their sounds, songs, messages, and stories. They support creativity, self-expression, and communication skills for children with speech and language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or cognitive impairments. Some good examples of recordable music players are the VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix and the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Recorder.
Percussion Instruments like Maracas and Tambourines
Percussion instruments like maracas and tambourines can provide rhythmic feedback and auditory input to children with special needs. They can result in improved gross motor coordination, sensory processing, and emotional expression. Children with physical disabilities can play percussion instruments with adapted handle grips and mallets. A couple of good examples are the Rock Band Tambourine and the INNOCHEER Toddler Musical Instruments.
Overall, it is essential to consider the unique needs of children with special needs when choosing musical toys for them. The above-listed toys can provide sensory stimulation, improve motor and communication skills, and promote creativity and self-expression. Parents, caregivers, and educators should consult with an occupational or music therapist to find the optimal musical toy to support the child’s development and enjoyment.
