(NAPSA)—It may surprise par- ents to learn that the benefits of play could extend beyond fun and games. According to Pediatrics in Review, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, play “offers children important developmental benefits and parents the opportunity to fully engage with their children.” Indeed, research continues to reveal that playtime helps build social and critical thinkingskills in children, and that it may help with balance and dexterity. There’s even evidence that playing can help bond parent and child. Those benefits may be particu- larly important for youngsters who have special needs. An estimated 10 million families across the U.S. Children with special needs could benefit from the right kind of play. benefits they may present. Addi- tionally, parents can search toys by their manufacturer or their child’s age. Also important, the site may help save parents moneyby allow- into resources designed specifically to help their kids get more out of play. For instance, a ing them to more thoroughly evaluate a toy—andits alternatives— before buying. “Many parents purchase expensive adaptive toys without realizing that there are regular toys out there that work just as well or better for a fraction of the cost,” says Ellen Metrick, who evaluates toys for thesite. www.AblePlay.org reviews toys from the marketplace and evalu- can also help support the National Lekotek Center, a division of Anix- with special needs. It features a rating system based services for children with have a child with physical, devel- opmental or emotional disabilities and chronic medical problems, according to Children’s Hospital Boston’s “Children’s News.” Many of these families can tap newly revamped Website called ates them based on their relevance and benefits to children divided by disability category (physical, sensory, cognitive, etc.) and also lists toys by the possible Parents who visit the Web site ter Center. The nonprofit group provides family-centered, playdisabilities. For more information, visit www.AblePlay.org, e-mail RMendoza@lekotek.org, or call (800) 366-PLAY,ext. 401.
