Many physically handicapped or learning-disabled children receive occupational therapy to address developmental needs. Occupational therapists often use games and activities to help children practice motor skills, improve coordination and strengthen speech skills. Parents, educators and other caretakers can use these games to actively involve handicapped children in skill development and make this practice fun and enjoyable. Playing games as a family can encourage your child to view this skill practice positively and allow family members to be actively involved in the therapy process. Games vary, depending on the child's special needs.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Many handicapped children struggle with hand-eye coordination, making it difficult to complete simple physical tasks, such as dressing or carrying and organizing toys. Kids can improve on hand-eye coordination with consistent practice and drilling. Several board games that contain pieces and require physical movement are ideal for practicing these skills. Playing checkers, chess, Connect Four and Operation, a board game that simulates surgery, can help kids build this skill. Sports such as baseball, soccer and football -- which require throwing, catching or kicking -- also can aid with hand-eye coordination.
Fine Motor Development and Writing
Some children struggle to control their fine motor skills, making it challenging to complete tasks that require control of smaller objects such as a pencil. This can affect drawing and writing skills. Art-related activities -- such as coloring books, in which children fill in pictures with color or games that allow children to write with finger paint or complete mazes -- allow a child to create or work with shapes and letters. As a child plays these games, writing and drawing skills can improve.
Sensory Motor Development
Sensory motor development involves a child's ability to understand and operate or manipulate objects. Some children with special needs struggle to maneuver or use objects, and games such as building blocks, using Legos, or playing house can encourage them to practice motor development skills. Parents can work with a child's interest to provide interesting and engaging options. For example, providing child-size kitchen toys such as an oven, dishes and play food can help a child play actively with objects and develop improved manipulation skills.
Speech or Language Skills
Children with speech or language needs might struggle with poor pronunciation, poor volume control or speech impediments such as stuttering. Games that encourage therapeutic interventions for speech include singing, reading books aloud or playing memory card games that require the child to repeat words. Speaking and making facial movements in a mirror are other helpful activities that can be used with fun rhymes or songs as well.
References
- KidsHealth: Occupational Therapy
- China Adoption Coach: Occupational Therapy Games and List
- Children's Therapy and Family Resource Center: Oral Motor Activities
- Barnet London Borough: Disabled Children's Occupational Therapy Team
- Flinder's University School of Education: Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
