Child psychiatrists and psychologists have long used play as a therapeutic tool for children with problems such as ADHD, clinical depression, and anxiety disorders. Many children can express themselves through play when meaningful discourse is not possible. Conversely, play is an indirect way for therapists to recast children's perceptions, cognitions and behaviors. As Carol Brady, Ph.D., a Houston child psychologist, puts it: "Children communicate metaphorically through play. As a therapeutic tool, it's like giving a sugary pill instead of a bitter pill."
In a home setting, Brady believes, parents also can use play to help their children achieve impressive gains in attentional and social skills. And while the market abounds with expensive and therapeutic "toys and games specially designed to help children with ADHD," Brady says many conventional, inexpensive toys such as Go Fishing, Clue and Chinese Checkers can be just as beneficial. "It's not so much the game as how you play it," Brady says.
Article source: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/567.html
Toys for Preschoolers with ADHD
Edushape 4" See-Me Sensory Balls Translucent 4 Pack
At this time, they are not utilized in any type of organized manner. The balls have been thoroughly enjoyed as free play items.
They have been used to play monkey in the middle, rolled back and forth to one another, juggled, and just sitting with them - enjoying the feel of the ball!
Hairy Tangle Junior
Twist it, turn it, and Tangle it; the Hairy Tangle Jr. plays like a regular Tangle, but has a unique "hairy" style that is additively fun to play with and manipulate.
One of customers said: "My daughter uses the toy as a special aid to help in studying and homework. It helps calm her ADD mind and she finds it very useful. "
Popular Playthings Monkey Math
This unique, educational game includes a monkey scale, fifteen banana number tokens and a detailed instruction booklet showing how to make learning simple addition a whole banana bunch of fun!
One of parent feedback: "Have to use this by SHOWING her and leading by example and walking her through it verbally & visually to give her sense of accomplishment & success in order to get her to continue it on her own, despite getting incorrect answers on the way. Seems good for her, since she has a very low frustration tolerance."
Options of Toys for Kids with ADHD
Squigz - Starter Set
Strong connections create a resistance that's fun to overcome, resulting in a rewarding "pop".
One of buyers said: "Overall, the product is great. My child psychotherapy clients love playing with Squigs. One difference I would suggest would be the opening and closing of the container that the Squigs are stored in. It could be a bit challenging for small children to open with their little fingers. The container itself is also a little challenging to repack with the Squigs after dumping them all out."
3D Feel & Find By GuideCraft 40 piece set
With 20 matching wooden shapes and textured tiles, children can count, match, sort, and identify objects. Sort the geometric or object shapes for focused learning experiences.
"Can be made more simple or complex according to how many pieces you place in the bag. Can place similar pieces in the bag for more specific tactile discrimination. Can be used as simple one piece puzzles for younger/lower level functioning individuals.
ThinkFun Rush Hour
Set up the traffic challenge and battle the gridlock as you slide the blocking vehicles out of your way to find a path for your red car to exit.
One of customer feedback: "My granddaughter was able to use some of the easier routes and designs to reach a successful conclusion of the game. Some of them don't take too long so she was able to maintain attention with little frustration. She really enjoyed the game."
