Local Store Develops Toys For Children With Autism
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- New numbers showing how autism affects families in the United States indicated the prevalence of autism has risen to 1 in every 68 births in the country.
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and with so many children now impacted by the disorder, toy companies have taken notice. A local store has partnered with St. David's Center to develop Autism-specific toys.
Creative Kidstuff is not only about fun, but learning. St. David's Center is a child and family development center. Its partnership with the toy store helps them research and select toys that benefit children on the autism spectrum.
Among the toys they have explored are Thinking Putty, which helps with Sensory Motor Development. To help with emotional development and social engagement, there's the Plan My Mood Memo, which is like an emotions matching game.
For cognitive skills and problem solving, they have the Creative Peg Wooden Puzzle. To help build kids' communication skills, the Melissa and Doug Water Wow Splash Cards help connect letters to objects.
Prices on these toys and games range from $3 to $27.
None of the toys are labeled in any way and most are fun for all kids. Not only important to learning, but in relationships as kids grow.