What intervention approach should be used first to develop skills in an 18-month-old toddler with multiple developmental disabilities?

The intervention approach involving toys that are visually and auditorily stimulating is particularly appropriate for an 18-month-old toddler with multiple developmental disabilities. At this age, children are in a vital stage of sensory exploration and development. Stimulating toys can engage their attention and encourage the development of foundational skills such as sensory processing, attention, and interaction with their environment.

Visually and auditorily stimulating toys can enhance curiosity and motivate the toddler to touch, manipulate, and explore. This engagement is critical for cognitive and motor development, helping the toddler learn cause-and-effect relationships through play. Moreover, it supports sensory integration, which is especially important for children with developmental disabilities, as it helps them make sense of the world around them.

Choosing this approach first lays a strong foundation for later, more complex skills. While activities such as parent-child joint activities or independent play are also valuable, starting with sensory-rich toys that capture attention supports the child's immediate needs for engagement and exploration, which are crucial at this stage of development.