DISCUSSION - People with Special Needs and Webkinz

[Mater052403]

I would like to see a Bank in WW. My young son is not special needs but is young enough that he doesn't quite grasp spending a lot vs. earning a little. LOL I would like to see a Bank that we could deposit his KC into and take out so much per week for him to spend however he would like. Maybe if many of us suggest such an idea, Ganz will consider this...

I think WW is a wonderful parallel to the world in many respects and am glad to hear so many people are using it as learning tools. Good luck to everyone. If I think of any helpful hints, I'll come and share.

[Robmomm]

My daughter has a form of autism and her favorite activities on WW are Wacky Zingoz and any of the spinning wheels (wheel of the month, wheel of wow....). She loves to visit her pets online and suggest decorating ideas for the rooms, but most of the day to day activities don't interest her and I take care of all of that. I don't mind at all, I'm a HUGE Webkinz addict! She does love the plushies though and usually carries one most everywhere she goes. Webkinz are perfect for us because I enjoy the online part and she loves the stuffed part. There is enough on the website to peak her interest occasionally, but I don't think there is anything different they could do to keep her interest for long periods of time. That is just my particular child though, I'd love to see different types of games and activities for all kinds of special needs children.

Yes, I agree.
They should make easier games, so autistic/slow/mentally ******ed children and children with other special needs can participate in the fun of Webkinz. =]

[Electrabuzz1]

Originally Posted by Robmomm

My daughter has a form of autism and her favorite activities on WW are Wacky Zingoz and any of the spinning wheels (wheel of the month, wheel of wow....). She loves to visit her pets online and suggest decorating ideas for the rooms, but most of the day to day activities don't interest her and I take care of all of that. I don't mind at all, I'm a HUGE Webkinz addict! She does love the plushies though and usually carries one most everywhere she goes. Webkinz are perfect for us because I enjoy the online part and she loves the stuffed part. There is enough on the website to peak her interest occasionally, but I don't think there is anything different they could do to keep her interest for long periods of time. That is just my particular child though, I'd love to see different types of games and activities for all kinds of special needs children.

We certainly have much in common. My son is diagnosed with PDD NOS - on the Autism Spectrum (among other things). We are both big lovers of Webkinz! He just had his birthday yesterday so we were both excited about the Webkinz he received and the ones to come at his parties this weekend. I also do his dailies (to keep up with his spending habbits). He does not have trouble amusing himself on WW though. He could rearrange his rooms for hours. Unfortunately though, there are very few games in which he can successfully participate. He enjoys the Webkinz studio and I use it as a tool to talk about appropriate emotions. He also enjoys the Chefs challenge and Rock Paper Scissors games. My son also enjoys taking one of his Webkinz with him where ever he goes. WW gives both of us a lot of pleasure!

---------- Electrabuzz1 added 2 Minutes and 12 Seconds later ----------

Originally Posted by Mater052403

I would like to see a Bank in WW. My young son is not special needs but is young enough that he doesn't quite grasp spending a lot vs. earning a little. LOL I would like to see a Bank that we could deposit his KC into and take out so much per week for him to spend however he would like. Maybe if many of us suggest such an idea, Ganz will consider this...

I think WW is a wonderful parallel to the world in many respects and am glad to hear so many people are using it as learning tools. Good luck to everyone. If I think of any helpful hints, I'll come and share.

I think that is a great idea! Perhaps they will incorporate something like that into Webkinz Junior. It certainly cannot hurt to send a suggestion their way.

---------- Electrabuzz1 added 14 Minutes and 34 Seconds later ----------

Originally Posted by LittleDog

I read somewhere that Ganz is copyrighting ideas for a website for younger kids. This would be great for special needs kids if it is not too watered down. Even though I have kids that are motorically and cognitively delayed, they would not like baby prizes. When I write to Ganz with suggestions, I go to their major website, and not the webkinz website. I have always gotten a response from their main website. The croc's storage swamp would keep me down under waiting for a response from their webkinz website.

FOR SUGGESTIONS TO WEBKINZ
See quote above from LittleDog as to the best place to get results from suggestions!

[Strawberry Jam]

I can not wait for Webkinz Jr. It is going to be a great website for younger toddlers and children with special needs. My sister has autism and I hope Webkinz Jr. will help her have the same fun and exciting experiance of Webkinz, but in a "younger version". I really think Webkinz Jr. will turn out to be a great website!

[Electrabuzz1]

Hey Everybody!
Be sure to check out the pictures on this thread of the new "Webkinz Junior"

http://www.webkinzinsider.com/forum/...t452976p6.html

Looks Interesting!

[Electrabuzz1]

Any thoughts for helping kids with Special Needs navigate Webkinz World?
Heard any news about Webkinz Junior?

[Electrabuzz1]

Thanks to everybody who supplied Webkinz birthday ideas. Although my son opted to have a party on a much smaller scale than originally planned we were able to incorporate some of your ideas. He had a great time! He also adopted 3 new Webkinz and is the proud owner of an Emperor Dragon called "Flame", a Seal called "Evan" and Husky called "Jamie".

He is really enjoying the new seed game. It is easy and stimulating. I am sure glad we have all those seeds saved up! He used 10 today and made over $1000. He went straight to the W-Shop and enjoyed sending presents to friends from his class.

[LittleDog]

Has anyone checked out WWJr.? Is it better for SN? I hate to rec. to parents that heavy price. I am really anxious to receive your feedback.

[Electrabuzz1]

Originally Posted by LittleDog

Has anyone checked out WWJr.? Is it better for SN? I hate to rec. to parents that heavy price. I am really anxious to receive your feedback.

I was talking to the fellow we usually buy our Webkinz from today and he said he is expecting to receive the Webkinz Junior pets around the middle of March. He believes there are 6 pets and that they will be selling for about $26 (Canadian).

It is a pretty steep price but I am hoping that we will really only need one as it is really about accessing the easier games for my son. He will still have his regular account for gardening, decorating . . .

I am looking forward to checking out Webkinz Junior.