(ARA) - You may sigh in envy watching a child excitedly unwrap a holiday toy, and imagining all the fun she'll have with it. But don't forget that play is actually important work for kids; it's an important tool for helping them develop and grow.

All children thrive on opportunities to play, and for special needs children stimulating play is even more important. Yet choosing a toy for a special needs child can seem daunting, especially if you're not the child's parent and not well-versed in the kinds of toys most beneficial to him or her.

Kara Sheridan, a disability expert with Disaboom, an online resource for people living with disabilities, offers some helpful hints for choosing nurturing, challenging and, most importantly, fun toys for special needs children.

Think Special

Remember the real purpose of a toy is fun - at least from the child's perspective. You may be tempted to choose a toy based solely on its therapeutic or educational value. But if a learning tool doesn't bring a child joy, he or she likely won't use it frequently enough to reap the hoped-for benefits.

Many regular toys are also great for special needs children, but you may want to consider a toy from a company that specifically designs products for children with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. While some of these toys may seem more expensive, their ability to engage special needs children in play that's most beneficial to them may outweigh cost considerations. And specialty toys may afford a special needs child with a play opportunity that he or she just can't get from mainstream toys.

Be Adaptable

Altering mainstream toys is another way to offer the most diverse play options for special needs children. For example, one toy manufacturer provides free do-it-yourself instructions for adapting electric cars for use by children who cannot hold their foot to the pedal or use their legs. The kit uses a switch near the toy's steering wheel to power the car, ensuring that children experience the fun and skill-building benefits of a popular mainstream toy.

In fact, adding large switches to operate electronic toys is one of the most common ways to adapt a mainstream toy for a special needs child.

Get Creative

If your child has good communication skills, engage him or her in the toy selection process. Be prepared, however, to get creative with adaptations if your child desires a toy that isn't accessible, like an electronic toy with very small buttons, a doll with complicated attire or a playhouse with a door too narrow to accept a wheelchair.

Parents of special needs children often learn how to creatively adapt toys to meet their child's individual needs. If you're a loved one buying a gift for a special needs child, consult with her parents first to see if the toy you're considering is appropriate or easily adaptable for use by their child. For example, many parents will choose to build a playhouse with widened doors and adequate area to turn a wheelchair or walker.

Safety First

Safety is a priority when purchasing a toy for any child. When choosing a toy for a special needs child, consider that child's individual abilities and requirements, rather than simply following a manufacturer's age recommendations.

The best safety precautions can't replace a parent's supvervision. Parents, keep a watchful eye on all aspects of a child's development, especially play time. If you're a friend or famliy member giving a toy to a special needs child, keep in mind that the child's parents will need to be able to easily supervise and interact with the child while he's using the toy.

All children should enjoy toys that represent the diversity of people in a positive way. Careful selection and presentation of the best toys for your child will nurture their growth into creative and confident adults.

For more helpful information on living with disabilities, visit www.disaboom.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent