Independent Play
According to a study at the University of Michigan, “Less than 20 percent of kids with autism—and just 10 percent of those with Down syndrome—learn to ride a bike.” 
[1]
However, experts concur that riding a bike provides excellent benefits for children with disabilities. Bikes inspire kids to exercise, improve their gross motor skills, and spend more time outdoors. But, the social/emotional aspects that foster independence and engender a sense of self-empowerment cannot be underestimated. 
[2]
Two companies with outstanding options are Buddy Bike, LLC [3] and Strider Sports International [4]. The Buddy Bike is an alternative tandem bicycle where the child sits in front of the adult. The child’s seat is lower so the adult can easily see over his head. The pedals are synced and both riders have brakes. This is particularly beneficial for children who may fall behind in riding or who may change direction or ride off course without warning. The children are secure on the bike with supervision, yet feel the independence of the wind on their face and the control of the movements.
www.amazon.com [5]
STRIDER™ No-Pedal Balance Bikes
Strider Sports International, developer of the patented STRIDER™ No-Pedal Balance Bikes, builds pedal-less bikes that can assist children with disabilities develop balance, coordination and other 
[6]valuable developmental skills. The concept behind the no-pedal bike is that children can focus on balancing their bodies and steering without the added distraction of pedals. The security of being able to push with their legs and put them down whenever they want, provides the support many kids need to master the basics of biking.
Ryan McFarland, Founder and CEO of Strider Sports International, Inc. puts it this way, “Our main mission is to give all children the chance to experience the joy of riding a bike.”
www.amazon.com [7]
Emily Kachorek, cyclist and biking advocate wrote in Cycling Illustrated magazine:
“I ride because I love to feel the wind on my face
and listen to the birds and bugs
I ride because going downhill … makes me feel wild and free.
I ride because it allows me to play with the boys.
I ride because I can go alone.
I ride because even though I have ridden the route 1000 times,
I never know what is around the next bend.”
Reviewed by Ellen Metrick, Director of Industry Relations & Partnerships, National Lekotek Center; [email protected]
Pet Massagers
[8]Calm tension and wake up tired muscles with our vibrating Pet Massagers. Stimulating and fun, just press the button for a vigorous massage. Power off for a rolling massage. Choose Tickles the Turtle. A great fidget toy! Double A batteries not included. Ages 3+.
Price: $9.99 – $17.99
www.amazon.com [10]
Race Car and Butterfly Chews
Race Car [11] and Butterfly Chews [12] are a fun, socially appropriate way to calm and focus, and an alternative for kids who chew on their clothing, pencils, or other 
[13]objects! These fun, non-edible shapes are great for kids who crave oral stimulation and have sensory processing needs. Each has multi-textured surfaces for a varied sensory experience. The shapes can also be placed on top of a pencil, on our stems, a necklace or key chain for chewable jewelry. To top it all off, Cool Chews are bendable and make for awesome fidgets. Made in the USA. BPA, phthalate and latex free. Adult supervision required. Age 3+.
Price: $5.00 – 60.00
Butterfly Chews: www.amazon.com [14]
What’s “APP”ening? Helpful Apps for Children with Special Needs
Heads Up!
by Warner Bros.
[15]Heads Up App is a speech pathologist’s dream. As played on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, it’s similar to the popular game, Hedbanz, but, for the iPhone/iPad. Place the phone, screen facing out, on your forehead and whoever you are playing with must describe the word that is on the screen. Use this App in social group settings as well as for individual therapy. 18 decks of cards to choose from.
Price: $1.99
Available for: iOS [16] | Price: $1.99
Available for: Android [17] | FREE
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Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [18] for the form.
Helpful Articles
- Independence and Self-Advocacy [19]
- College Bound: A Journey to Independence [20]
- Important Life Skills to Teach Your Child with Special Needs [21]
- Preparing for the First Apartment: Beyond Home Furnishings and Domestic Supplies [22]
- When Is the Right Time to Transition from Your Home to a Group Home? [23]
- Apps for Supporting Independence: The Transition to Adulthood [24]
- Instacart App: Powerful Tool for Independence [25]
- What Are Pre-Employment Skills and How Does My Child Get Them? [26]
- Teaching Financial Independence The Building Blocks of Financial Literacy [27]
- The Power of the Piggy Bank | Important Life Skills Teaching About Money Management [28]
- Independence + Security Balance: Balancing Independence with Security Guardianship and Its Alternatives [29]
- Letting Go – Allowing Your Child to Be Independent – Accepting That They May Fail: [30]
- Building Independence Through Self Awareness And Regulation [31]
- Fitness as a Gateway to Independence [32]
- The Scoop on Poop A Plan for Independence [33]
- Ask Angie ASL – Independence [34]
This post originally appeared on our July/August 2013 Magazine [35]