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Gift for 2 year old with SN - help and advice please

9 replies

cupcakesinthesnow · 20/10/2009 22:03

My friends ds suffered a fit resulting in brain injury when he was just 6 months old. He has Cerebral Palsy and is classed as a brain injured child although he has fought like trooper and come such a long way from the initial diagnosis he is severely mentally disabled and due to the brain injury and CP is also physically disabled ie cannot walk, fine motor skills etc.

My friend lives in Australia (I am backin the UK) I have never met her gorgeous ds but have up until now sent gifts like cuddly toys, CD's with childrens songs, stories and music and clothes. I would like to send something a bit more 'useful' or 'helpful' to him for chistmas but am aware the usual toys for a 2 year old are probably not suitable.

Are there any companies that sell toys for children with severe special needs such as his. If so, what sort of toys would a child of his age and needs benefit from and get enjoyment from? Are there any toys aimed at non special needs children that I could get that would be suitable?

Please forgive me if my questions show terrible ignorance but I am out of my depth and would really appreciate any advice

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2shoescreepingthroughblood · 20/10/2009 22:18

never give cudly toys
this website might help
I always liked it when dd was given toys that were similar to nt toys bit with the sn twist iynwim.
probally something tactile would be good.

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feelingbetter · 20/10/2009 22:23

My DS has just had a rather large order placed, from Santa of course, with Novelty warehouse - lots of really nice (cheap) sensory stuff. he has fallen in love with the squooshy ball they have on the main page - his portage worker brings one for him to touch during sessions, so Santa is sending him his own.

Also sense toys and learningspace very good.

My DS also LOVES the silver foil blankets that runners etc. use (called space blankets at Novelty Warehouse). So cheap, make a lovely noise to stimulate him, reflect light and not much in the way of motor skills required to get a lot out of it.

For my DS (who is a bit younger, but quite similar - also visually impaired) ANYTHING that makes a noise is a winner!

HTH x

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feelingbetter · 20/10/2009 22:30

FWIW, we are working on 'switch' toys at the moment, trying to teach him cause and effect. He has a touch toy fan on loan - basically he gives a box a smack and the fan switches on which he loves.

Just quickly googled and found this which is the general idea . No fiddly buttons, just a wild bash in the right direction required!

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cupcakesinthesnow · 20/10/2009 22:34

Oh, thank you so much for those suggestions and the websites. My friend's ds is alo blind in one eye and has limited sight in the other. I will have a good look at all info given here.

Feel really bad about sending cuddly toys now although friend always phoned with sincere thanks but now I know better

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