2017 Gift Guide for Kids with Learning Differences

We all know that finding gifts for our children with learning differences can be challenging. Kids want cool toys and we want gifts that will move them forward in their development. Here’s a gift list in common learning areas that will make everyone happy throughout the new year. Another plus – all gifts are available through Amazon for easy shipping.

​Dyslexia

Kids with dyslexia often like creative, tactile games and toys. Listed are some of our favorites this year.

• TacScreen – This bumpy cover for an ipad helps kids “feel” words. It’s recommended by Orton Gillingham Online Academy and used by kids with dysgraphia too.
• Lauri Pocket Chart Cards – These cute and colorful story sequencing cards help develop proper story progression.
• See & Spell Learning Toy – These wooden puzzles are great for spelling and motor skill development.

​ADD/ADHD

​Fidget toys are great for busy minds and active hands. We’ve included options other than fidget spinners to keep your child happy and relaxed this holiday season.

• Flippy Chain Fidget Toy – A bike chain-like toy provides hours of calming play. Silicone rings also give an added layer of texture.
• Liquid Motion Bubbler – The slow rhythm of colored drops moves up and down a small tube for ultimate relaxation.
• DNA Stress Ball – Extremely durable and fun for fidgety hands, this ball has a sturdy membrane that contains several rubber balls. It’s perfect stress release and satisfying because it won’t ever pop.

​Executive Function

Getting schedules in order are challenging. These gifts make it fun.

• Easy Daysies Chore Time Visual Schedule – These colorful magnetic schedules make it fun and rewarding to get things done in order and on time.
• Kingdomino Board Game – This family fun game uses strategy and problem- solving skills by building kingdoms with dominos.
• Computer Games – Your parental instinct may say no to video games, but there are downloadable games that develop flexibility, focus, planning, and other thinking skills. Try The Sandbox, Siege, Hero Wizards, Brain Rush, or Triple Town.

​Memory

​Remembering information is imperative for school and home life. These delightful games will keep kids happy for a long time.

• Farm Alarm Game – For kids 5 and up, this quick paced card game helps kids remember the order of farm animal sounds. It even includes a rubber pig to squeeze with wrong answers. Lots of laughter for the entire family!
• Robot Face Race – Shake a Robot Randomizer to get a robot face and then scan through dozens of faces to find the one that matches. Develops memory and visual discrimination skills.
• Pancake Pile Up! – Sequencing, memory, and processing skills are used when you grab an order card and quickly “stack” pancakes with flavors and toppings. It’s a Parent Choice Award winner!

​Processing

• Color Cubed Strategy Game – By matching color and position, spatial thinking is developed in this quick game for kids and adults.
• Spot It! – This super fast card game is based on visual recognition. There’s Spot It! Animals, Spot It! On the Road, Spot It! Hip, Spot It! Sports, Spot It! Junior, Spot It! Gone Camping, and many others. A favorite with all kids.
• Q-Bitz – This visual dexterity game requires spatial and organizational skills and is entertaining for ages 8 and up.