what kind of activities can be given to improve cognition of a mentally challenged child?

Question

to improve attention level in mentally reterded children.need various activities to improve attention level through occupational therapy.various to improve the attention span.

Answer 1

You can do the same activities with this child that you can do with any child of the same cognitive level. Play games, use interactive toys, read books, play with water, sand, mud, etc. Talk to the child as you would with a child at the same mental level. Encourage any activity the child shows an interest in, but keep coming back to others. Just as with "normal" children, interest comes and goes. You can go to the library and find books that will tell you what activities are appropriate at any level. Also, be sure you include plenty of physical activities using the large muscles (running, jumping, sliding, tumbling, etc.) Again, just make sure the activities are developmentally appropriate so you choose safe things to do.

Answer 2

Find the child's favorite toy or television show (even what they did the previous day). Talk about it and verbally quiz the child about it.

Computer games are awesome. All kids love to play on the computer.

Reading to the child will also help, especially if you casually ask comprehension questions after the story. This will "train" the child to listen actively and provide feedback.

I also like to use puzzles, coloring puzzles, sorting activities (sort coins, nuts, bolts, etc.).

Answer 3

Consider what activities you would give a "normal" child at the MR child's DEVELOPMENTAL level.

Lots of attention span issues, for any child, have to do with auditory processing issues, and/or sensory integration issues.

http://www.autism.org/ait2.html

http://www.sensoryint.com/

Answer 4

Try the video / book Being in Control : Natural Solutions for ADHD Dyslexia and Test Anxiety. There are simple concentration and focusing exercises , seated yoga, and accelerated learning tips for children. Examples at

http://jasonalster.googlepages.com/home

http://dysgraphia-help.blogspot.com/2006/05/dysgraphia-help.html

Answer 5

You would be surprised how well they respond to computer games. If you are not using these I would recommend them. If they need accomodations to use the computer there are many available. But I have found that many will pay longer attention to something you are working with them on the computer than anywhere else. But maybe that is true of all of us, here we are.