Re: Gifts for Apraxic Children

[Guest guest]

My 31/2 year old loves legos. We match the colors, sort them, count them and

of course build. They are great for fine motor and to stimulate

conversation, also.

[Guest guest]

Speaking from my own experience with my 2 1/2 year old, don't go with

the computer programs! Geez, the mouse thing was so aggrevating to

him. We have one program that doesn't require a " click " and he does

it constantly. He doesn't have any type of learning delay, it just

frustrated the heck out of him, and ME! LOL We got a

Barney " computer " that he likes, but watch out on those type too. The

buttons have the ability to do 2 functions, but you have to change

another button to make them switch. I can't even remember which way

it goes. I personally am going to wait until mine gets a little

older to try more of these. Since it's all we use now, he's got many

years to learn about computers. Just my opinion.

> Every Christmas I try to search for the Christmas gifts that will

be entertaining as well as educational to my son with Apraxia. I am

wondering if anyone has any suggestions. My son is 3 1/2, is very

bright, and is really beeginning to take off with the language. He

knows his letters, his numbers, and loves to sing. His play skills

are a little limited, although I am seeing improvement there as

well. Autism has not been ruled out, but right now no one is really

suggesting this either. I did think about trying a computer program,

although he does have some issues with fine motor skills and the

mouse is frustrating to him. Any suggestions would be greatly

appreciated. (We have the CD Time to Sing) and he annssolutely loves

it.

>

> Thanks,

>

> bearcat@u...

[Guest guest]

I think a tape player is great - one that can record their voices and

even amplify them, and play their favorite songs! My kids like

theirs.

Also, I'm thinking about a puppet theatre for my kids this year. It

would be great for the imagination, and for providing an excellent

opportunity for to talk, and play with his brother on his own

level. ( is 3 w/apraxia, and big brother is 5, advanced in every

way. It's sometimes hard for them to play together.)

Maybe one of the Leap Pad products would be good. They use a 'pen',

not a mouse. got a My First Leap Pad for his birthday last

month, and he navigates it very well. Since your son knows his

letters and numbers already, he might enjoy this type of thing - but

maybe the Leap Pad Pro (the My First may be 'below' his abilities,

intellectually speaking).

That's all I can think of right now.

Hope I've helped!

Take care,

TJ

> Every Christmas I try to search for the Christmas gifts that will

be entertaining as well as educational to my son with Apraxia. I am

wondering if anyone has any suggestions. My son is 3 1/2, is very

bright, and is really beeginning to take off with the language. He

knows his letters, his numbers, and loves to sing. His play skills

are a little limited, although I am seeing improvement there as

well. Autism has not been ruled out, but right now no one is really

suggesting this either. I did think about trying a computer program,

although he does have some issues with fine motor skills and the

mouse is frustrating to him. Any suggestions would be greatly

appreciated. (We have the CD Time to Sing) and he annssolutely loves

it.

>

> Thanks,

>

> bearcat@u...

[Guest guest]

>Every Christmas I try to search for the Christmas gifts

>that will be entertaining as well as educational to my son

>with Apraxia. I am wondering if anyone has any

>suggestions.

Hi and Everyone

Found you all some goodies!! I Thought perhaps some of you

could get a few gift ideas from this online resource called

Exceptional Parent Magazine. I also listed a few other sites.

The Online Exceptional Parent Magazine provides, support,

ideas, information, and encouragement for families of

children with various disabilities.

http://www.eparent.com/default.htm

Happy Shopping,

Mustafa

( May need to cut and paste longer links)

" Toys and play are an important part of any child's life.

The following articles offer suggestions on what toys are

best for children who have special needs. Also included are

some simple adaptations to ordinary toys that can help them

become accessible to all children. "

http://www.eparent.com/toys/default.htm

Special Toys Special Kids

[Guest guest]

I just bought my daughters the Barbie Karaoke tape player for their

birthday. They love it. It has a microphone on it to sing along

with music or just to talk into it. The speaker for the microphone

has an echo function that echos what they are saying. They love

playing with that feature. It comes with 3 tapes with popular music

and some " party " music. Their favorite song is " Tomorrow " from the

musical " Annie " . One of my daughters can sing most of tomorrow.

The other one that has the severe apraxia sings lots of the words to

it.

My speech therapist wants to use it for some homework.

Unfortunately, it is very girlie looking, but maybe there is a boy

version on the market somewhere.

Suzi

[Guest guest]

I came up with a few more things. These would make good stocking

stuffers.

Bubbles and things to blow bubbles with. Whistles and musical

instruments to blow. If they have any mouth sensitivities, they

have those new toothbrushes that are battery powered. They cost

about $6 and come in all sorts of kid friendly colors and

designs. Playdoh, gooze, clay, etc is good for kids that have

sensory issues.

Don't forget books. My kids really love " Brown Bear, Brown Bear,

What do you see? " My speech therapist has used it in her therapy

sessions, and my daughters can say the whole thing now (even the one

with severe apraxia).

Suzi

[Guest guest]

I bought my daughter a tape player from Fisher Price, that has a microphone

also. It is more boy looking than a barbie one. It did not come with any

tapes but, I have purchased two for it. One is in my car, and she is

driving me nuts with it. We argue over whose turn it is to listen to their

music. I really need to buy more tapes, maybe Santa will bring some as

stocking stuffers for her.

Thank you,

sheila

>I just bought my daughters the Barbie Karaoke tape player for their

>birthday. They love it. It has a microphone on it to sing along

>with music or just to talk into it. The speaker for the microphone

>has an echo function that echos what they are saying. They love

>playing with that feature. It comes with 3 tapes with popular music

>and some " party " music. Their favorite song is " Tomorrow " from the

>musical " Annie " . One of my daughters can sing most of tomorrow.

>The other one that has the severe apraxia sings lots of the words to

>it.

[Guest guest]

Hey !!

Here are some things that have been wonderful for us:

Singing Sounds - Songs for learning Early speech sounds. Both my kids love it!!

Here are some examples of the songs -

" Gosh By Golly I giggled again, right when I thought I was over them, gosh by

golly I giggled again - and again, and again and again.... "

" Won't you come along, with Bobby Baker's Band, Ba,Ba,Ba,Ba, Boom, Boom,

Boom... "

I ordered out of super duper publications (www.superduperinc.com)

My son also loves the Candy Land game.

A great thing to do this Christmas that would be good for your son is to make

bead necklaces. I went out yesterday and bought some shoelaces (black, round

ones for formal shoes - they are perfect!) and a bucket of beads that cost 4

dollars. I am tying a knot at the end of the shoeslace and letting my children

(2 and 4 years) thread the beads on - I am then tying a knot at the other end,

then tying both ends together to make a necklace!! I am wearing the first ones

they made and LOVE them - as will grandparents and aunts!! It is a great fine

motor skill, and what a confidence builder for them to give it to someone they

love!!

I will send out more ideas as they come to me - this is a good start!!

Carnell

North CArolina

www.verbaldyspraxia.com

>Every Christmas I try to search for the Christmas gifts that will be

entertaining as well as educational to my son with Apraxia. I am wondering if

anyone has any suggestions. My son is 3 1/2, is very bright, and is really

beeginning to take off with the language. He knows his letters, his numbers,

and loves to sing. His play skills are a little limited, although I am seeing

improvement there as well. Autism has not been ruled out, but right now no one

is really suggesting this either. I did think about trying a computer program,

although he does have some issues with fine motor skills and the mouse is

frustrating to him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (We have the

CD Time to Sing) and he annssolutely loves it.

>Thanks,

>

>bearcat@...