The following books, toys, and videos which are available in the HRC Resource Center contain current information for parents and caregivers of young children.  These materials offer significant resources for support and understanding of early intervention strategies.  Many other materials are available for check-out in the resource center.

 
Books

 
New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Special Need, by Sue Schwartz, Ph.D.

These books explain to parents and teachers how to use everyday toys both manufactured and homemade to create activities that stimulate special needs children to develop and improve their language skills.

Play Helps , by Roma Lear

This is an inspirational sourcebook full of ideas for activities and toys for children with all ranges of special needs.

Teaching Playskills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practical Guide , by Melinda Smith, M.D.

This is a comprehensive manual encompassing the many elements of play and how they can be incorporated into the lives of children with developmental delays.  This guide defines play and delineates methods of developing and teaching play skills.

Autism & Play. , by Jannik Beyer

­This handbook describes different play sequences which encourage the integration of social, emotional and cognitive development in children with autism.  The easy-to-follow play strategies focus on the four key skills of visualizing, imitation, mirroring and turn-taking.

Let Me Do It! , by Anne Rogovin

This a practical and usable resource packed with more than 300 projects and activities designed to meet the needs of children with varying abilities including learning disabilities, autism, and mental retardation. 

From Toys to Computers, by Christine Wright

This book provides ideas and methods for accessing toys and computers together. 

Homemade Battery Powered Toys and Educational Devices for Severely Handicapped Children, by Linda Burkhart

The author or this book designed simple switches attached to toys that can be activated by a severely handicapped child.  The toys with switches may provide initial training of skills later needed in the use of electronic communication devices.

Video

Embracing Play, by Hilary Baldy

This video provides strategies for parents on how to keep their child with autism engaged in an activity.  It provides discussion about the importance of play is in the development of a child.  It also shows parents how to engage in object focused play and how to structure a play area.

Play It Safe, by Cambridge Educational

This video provides helpful hints for parents on how to create a safe play environment for their child.  It also gives advice on how to make toys safe

for children to play with.

Toys

Story Reader, by Disney

This toy is a great tool for your child to learn the fundamental skills needed in reading.  It allows you and your child to read along while listening to the story.

Sentence Building Blocks, by Imaginarium

This toy combines the fun of building blocks and reading.  It also encourages imagination, good eye-hand coordination, and creative word play.

Stack and Learn Sensory Tower, by Discovery Toys 2000

This toy encourages your child to explore the fascinating sights, gentle rattles and intriguing textures of the five stack tower. 

ABC/123 Puzzle Set, by Imaginarium

This toy is a great tool to help your child promote good motor skills  and language skills at an early age.  Use this toy as a teaching and learning tool while playing and having fun with your child.

Farm Activity Puzzle Set, by Imaginarium

This is a wonderful toy to help develop a variety of skills, including, motor skills, language skills, and cognitive skills.  Use this toy to interact and play with your child while learning.