The holiday season reminds us to be grateful for the things we have, and cherish the ones we love. It’s the time of year that makes us want to express our love with gifts that are thoughtful and represent how much we care. For children and adults with autism, gift giving can be difficult. It’s always during the holiday season that I am often approached by family and friends about what to buy my thirteen year-old son, Richie. I don’t mind the inquiry really, it makes sense, as Richie’s preferences and interests change just like anyone else. Please note that I don’t always know what to buy Richie either! The truth is, there is no true guide to the perfect gift for a child or adult with autism. I have to pay attention to the things that interest him and sometimes, it is truly just a guessing game. Some gifts are hits and some, not so much (especially for children and adults who have difficulty with communicating their desires or who aren't speaking yet). It happens to many of us, so please don’t feel bad if your gift doesn’t make the all-time favorites list.
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Of course, there is useful information for the unsuspecting friend or family member who truly has the best intentions. If you have an idea about creative gifts that include playdoh, clay, sand, paint, or anything messy that's not meant to be ingested, please check with the parents first. Of course, there are many creative children that would find these type of toys delightful to explore and be inventive. However, some kids, like my son, might consider things like playdoh to be a delectable. He will eat the entire can, color (or he might describe it as flavor) matters not at all. We avoid it! We don't have any playdoh, paints, clay or sand at our home. But that doesn't mean you can't buy it - just check with mom and dad first!
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Richie loves to listen to music, many children and adults with autism do. Buying an MP3, IPod, or CD player would make a great gift for many ages. If you have the time to add music to the device that you know is loved by your gift recipient, you just might be awarded gift giver of the year! Noise canceling headphones is a great touch! There are cool additions too, like speakers that connect to the music device. These water dancing speakers are very visually stimulating to many kids with developmental disabilities or sensory issues.
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Many children on the spectrum love things that involve gross motor skills, like swinging, spinning, or jumping. So, indoor versions of slides, trampolines, or swings would make great gifts because it appeals to their senses.
But, please ask parents first about toys and games that are a little more complex. For example, jump-ropes might be fun for some, but for many kids with autism, this might be a little more difficult to try. |
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Beware of toys that, while they are age appropriate, the child might have no interest in using, or have difficulty manipulating. For example, Richie is thirteen, and a microscope would be a great gift for many kids his age, but he would have no interest in this at all. Not to mention that the use of a microscope requires the use of fine motor skills that Richie hasn’t yet mastered.
Many kids love toys and gadgets that meet their need for sensory input. Toys that spin, light up, remote control cars, robots, and anything that is cause and effect related would be exceptionally appealing! We’ve purchased many toys that brought Richie a great deal of joy over the years.
Richie has his favorite parks and other places to visit, so an annual pass to a favorite park or attraction is the perfect gift that keeps on giving!
If giving an educational gift is important to you, then puzzles (Melissa and Doug has a fantastic collection of various learning puzzles), interactive books and toys, or iTunes/ Google Play gift cards for educational apps are also great ideas!
Remember that gift giving for anyone is never an exact science. I don’t always make the best pick – even for family members with no known disabilities. My husband and I have been together for eight years now, and we don’t always get it right! And although gift cards may seem impersonal, they're never a bad idea either. Richie has gone with me to the store many times with his gift cards. I love watching him perusing the toys of each aisle, as he looks for that one thing he just has to have (which is usually the most expensive item)!
It’s the season for sharing, appreciating the people we love, caring about the world we live in, and keeping those in need in our thoughts. It's the season for benevolence. My family and I wish you and yours happiness this holiday season and all year ‘round!
Disclosure: Please note that there are Amazon affiliate links in this post and I will be compensated if you click and purchase items using these links.
© 2015 Sensory Friends
It’s the season for sharing, appreciating the people we love, caring about the world we live in, and keeping those in need in our thoughts. It's the season for benevolence. My family and I wish you and yours happiness this holiday season and all year ‘round!
Disclosure: Please note that there are Amazon affiliate links in this post and I will be compensated if you click and purchase items using these links.
© 2015 Sensory Friends
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