BIG ELF TOYS MAKE PLAYTIME EASIER FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

International Autism Day Saturday 2nd April

www.bigelftoys.ie

Children with Autism have difficulty with communication, social integration, imaginative play, sensory processing and integration and coordination skills, to name a few. Therefore when choosing a toy for a child with Autism it is important to consider how the condition impacts on their play skills.

Sara Moore, Director of Big Elf Toy’s said “At Big Elf Toy’s we have an Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Amy the Elf, who has rigorously researched, reviewed and recommended toys which stimulate the full range of skill sets and senses developed by children throughout the various formative stages. The toys are suited to children of all abilities and ages up to eight years, and the range tends to test multiple rather than single attributes. We also have a dedicated blog which Amy the Elf who can offer further first-hand advice, assistance and information on all aspects of the toys to parents”.

Detailed specifications which accompany the gaming, puzzle, soft and wooden toys allows parents to identify specific activities for their child to focus on, for example: balance; motor co-ordination, social and sensory skills, problem solving, and colour, shape and letter recognition.

Autism affects so many children and their families in Ireland each year and parents of children living with Autism will tell you that they will do anything they can to make their child’s life easier.

Sara Moore, Director of Big Elf Toys, started the company in November 2010 and currently employs three individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome – a form of Autism. This entrepreneurial Irish-owned company is committed to opening up opportunities for people with learning and social difficulties to work in a dynamic corporate setting; future growth in the business will translate directly into more supported jobs.

Some of the toys available from www.bigelftoys.ie include:

Teachable touchable textured squares - €19.99 These different textured beanbags are a great way to encourage tactile exploration. To develop tactile processing skills a child must explore a variety of textures. These bean bags can be a graded approach to touch experience without going down the messy play route.

Jingle Stick - €4.99  A child with autism often needs to be encouraged to engage in eye contact and shared enjoyment of activities. These little bells are a great "high interest" toy which can be used to encourage these skills.

Five buses puzzle - €11.99  This is a great puzzle to develop the concept of big and small. It develops visual skills and sequencing skills. It is a more complex puzzle than standard form board puzzles.

Tangle Jnr - €14.99 This is great fidget toy to improve concentration and can be helpful for children who are anxious. A tangle toy allows for repetitive manipulation which can be soothing and organising for a child.

30 piece construction set - €29.99  This allows opportunity to develop hand eye coordination skills, bilateral integration skills and your child can create a toy to be used in imaginary play like a car/truck.

Bathing Ducks - €10.99  A great way to introduce water play. These ducks can be a great way of introducing the bath to children who find bathtime distressing. Playing with the ducks in a basin of water is a good introduction or playing with the ducks in an empty bath.

Conversation cubes: - €12.99 These are great for group work especially for working on social and communication skills of the older child. Take turns in rolling the cube and learn how to create appropriate conversation skills.