There are number of pediatric mental and physical problems. Down ‘s Syndrome (DS) is which is also called as Trisomy 21 is a condition in which child’s development is greatly halted due to genetic problems. The children with Down’s syndrome face both mental and physical development problems. It is estimated that about 1 in 800 babies are born with Down’s syndrome.
There is no prevention for this problem and symptoms of Down’s syndrome are quite variable from one child to other. Some children are so badly affected that they need continuous medical attention while some may be able to have good healthy life. The children with Down’s syndrome have many physical impairments like low muscle tone, problems in sitting or walking, poor growth rate with age, delayed speech and lack of self care. Also children with Down’s syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual problems, limited communication, problems with social interactions, and low working skills. However, children with Down’s syndrome can learn and can develop skills if properly taken care of and provided with opportunities.
The good news is that these special kids with Down’s syndrome can improve in every aspect if we can provide them all the opportunities to grow. Children with Down’s syndrome love to play with toys. Their choices may be different but in fact they like to have toys and interaction is obvious. Due to their special physical and sensory needs, proper selection of toys is utmost important. Wooden toys are the best of best we can offer to these children. Wooden toys are non-toxic, natural, and above all fun to play with. These toys do not make these children surprised and confused by changing light colors, noises and movements as done by battery operated toys. Wooden toys can harmonize with child’s sensory capabilities and can be life long asset to these children. When we think of wooden toys these are not only blocks but all sort of advanced well crafted toys that will enhance child’s learning capabilities over time. Children with Down’s syndrome should be provided with all sort of wooden toys available from early developmental toys, learning toys, educational toys, and therapeutic toys.
Basic Developmental toys can be replaced with advanced one as the child’s mental capabilities are improved over time. Learning toys are good tools to give child with Down’s syndrome an opportunity to interact with these toys and learn things naturally. Some educational toys are specially crafted for such children keeping in mind the special requirements of these children. You can look into various options and should select the one that fits with the mental growth of your child. Last but not the least the Montessori toys which are specially crafted and designed keeping the needs of these special children. Montessori toys can be of great help in early learning of children with Down’s syndrome.
Tags: Down's Syndrome, Montessori Toys
Maria Montessori started testing her theories with mentally disabled children. It’s amazing how many ways the Montessori Method can be applied.