Incredible Review of Buddy Dog

by Dr. Esther Hess from the Center for the Developing Mind in Los Angeles, CA

"The kids at Center for the Developing Mind love Buddy Dog! At the Center for the Developing Mind, we specialize in the treatment of children with developmental and/or regulatory disorders like autism and the Buddy Dog has become an essential  therapeutic tool that helps the clinicians pull their child into a shared emotional experience. If a child is noticed to be wandering and distracted in the play, by pulling on the tail of the Buddy Dog and starting the animated movement of the toy, a child is redirected back into the interaction. Once reengaged, the child is encouraged to explore the toy on multiple levels. The crinkly jacket that Buddy wears provides sensory input that helps in general regulation. Once a child's skills advance, Buddy Dog has been an essential part of pretend play (symbolism) where the child is encouraged to recreate themes in their lives that have range from nurturing to being afraid or recently, being bullied in school. Buddy Dog has provided the children in our Center multiple opportunities to explore the uncertainties of their world and come up with solutions that help them move forward developmentally. Thank you for coming up with such a creative, interactive toy for children. Yours, Esther B. Hess, Ph.D., executive director Center for the Developing Mind, Los Angeles, CA."

To purchase Buddy Dog and other special needs toys, visit playabilitytoys.com.