Toys Like Us

Toys Like Us

- in 2024 Editions, January 2024, Magazine

Toys and dolls provide opportunities for children, including those with special needs to learn through play, but also provide support for emotional and social skills.

According to the Pacer Center’s “Toys Universal Tools for Learning, Communication and Inclusion for Children with Disabilities,” “toys are not only a wonderful educational tool, but they can provide a unique opportunity for communication, self expression, and, especially, inclusion.” 

If you are looking for a doll, toy or figure, whether it’s for sensory needs or general play,  below are toys with inclusive aspects for kids with special needs. 

JoJo the Weighted Doll

This weighted baby doll from Fun and Function provides a cuddly and calm friend for children 18 months and older, weighing 15 plus pounds. JoJo’s soft, 1.5-pound body features a bright color and simple design that appeals to everyone. Other weighted toy options are available including a teddy bear, lion and more. funandfunction.com

American Girl Doll

In 2020, the American Girl’s “Girl of the Year” doll was Joss Kendrick, who was born with the disability of congenital hearing loss. The popular doll company provides options for their dolls such as a wheelchair, a service dog vest, and arm crutches. There is also an option to order a doll with a hearing aid. Follow age ranges for purchases. Visit americangirl.com

Barbie

Barbie Fashionistas celebrate diversity with fashion dolls in a variety of body types. In 2023, Barbie collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome, according to Mattel’s news release. For ages 3 and older, families can get Fashionistas Barbie and Ken dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids and a doll without hair.  shop.mattel.com

Little People

Fisher-Price sells Josh and Mia and Barbie party sets. Both sets provide a figure using a wheelchair. The toys are for toddlers and preschool kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Check retail stores and Amazon to purchase.

Chloe the Comfort Cat

The cat weighs 2.5-pounds, perfect for providing a calming sense of security to children with sensory input needs. Its soft, floppy body can lay across your lap or shoulders for perfect snuggles. For ages 3 and older. fatbraintoys.com

SPIKE Silicone Fidget Play Gripper Toppers and Fij-It.

These silicone fidgets offers pencil Grippers, Toppers and Fij-it discs that help kids of all ages stay focused at school, home and work. These 100% silicone fidget toys are quiet, mess-free and can be sanitized for unlimited play. spiketoys.com

 

Source National Parenting Product Awards

About the author

Angela Gartner has been the editor at Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine since 2014. She has won local and national awards for her features, columns and photography over the years. Previously, her work appeared in publications including The News-Herald, Sun Newspapers and The Chicago Tribune. She grew up in Northeast Ohio and is a mom of two boys. The whole family is busy every weekend with sports and finding new happenings around the region. She is also a board member and past president at the Cleveland Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She loves reading, writing poetry and taking the family's Scottish Terrier on walks.

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