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WEST VALLEY CITY -- Parents of children with autism know the struggle to communicate, to connect, and even just to play with their child. Now one store has come up with 10 toys it says can help.
In the front of the West Valley Toys "R" Us store, a display of 10 toys catches the eye -- not because they are unusual -- but because they are pretty normal toys. Next to the table is a huge "Autism Speaks" sign.
Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
The toys include Thomas the tank engine, a piano floor mat, Duplos blocks, and moon sand. On the table is a pamphlet or a guide that outlines how the toys can be used for children who have varying disabilities. Amy Baker with "Walk Now for Autism Speaks," says, "It's really a great tool, especially when you are first diagnosed because you don't know where to go or what to do."
She says these toys have been shown to help children with autism and their parents.
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Autism Society of America
"Anything you can do to get eye contact, or help them come out of their world for a little bit and into yours -- that's what these toys are great for," says Baker.
She has two sons with autism. She explained, "Odds are they are not going to want to be right next to you, but if you have something there to interact, then that will kind of help."
Baker says most children with autism have sensory processing disorder, or they need help with gross motor skills and fine motor skills. She says toys like these help.
Toys "R" Us is taking $1, $3, $5 or $10 donations all month long that will go to Autism Speaks. April is Autism Awareness Month.
The Ten Toys that Speak to Autism are:
- Little Tikes Basketball/Little Tikes
- Little People Noah's Ark Playset/ Fisher-Price
- Magnetic Double Easel/Crayola
- Mega Bloks 80-piece set/Mega Brands
- Moon Sand Royal Castle/Spin Master
- Rock ‘n Rollin' Piano/Sakar
- EZ 2 DO Silly Friends Jumbo Set/Play Doh
- Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway: Thomas & Percy Start Set/Learning Curve
- Wii Console System with Wii Sports/Nintendo
- Wooden Sandwich Making Kit/Melissa & Doug
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
