Special Needs Toys

Early childhood intervention (ECI) is essential in maximizing the progress of children born with special challenges. Kids' toys can be useful tools in strengthening hand motor skills, and developing speech and hearing. Since the technology of electronic toys has become so advanced and inexpensive, it seems that it is almost impossible to find the good "old fashioned," classic toys that require greater use of the hands, body and voice.  Anna's Toy Depot online catalog offers many of the traditional developmental toys that help to strengthen the hands and build coordination. Some of the learning toys offered encourage children to use their mouths and voices. Light up toys and vibrating toys are also a favorite when searching for toys for autism or to use as diagnostic tools. I have exhibited annually at the Texas Autism conference and the Texas Speech and Hearing Association (TSHA) conference, and I have been a vendor at the Texas Occupational Therapy conference and the Learning Disabilities Association of Texas (LDAT).