You’re not alone if you need a gift for a child on the autism spectrum this holiday season.
Here are some great and simple gift ideas.
Younger children:
Sensory Gifts:
If there’s a young child on your list, simple sensory toys work great as gifts. It may be something they can use during therapy sessions.
Many children with autism struggle with sensory processing. Some children are sensitive to sound while others are sensitive to touch.
Engage the child’s senses with squishy toys, plushies, and toys that light up. Musical toys are also popular. Just make sure it has an off switch so it won’t drive mom and dad crazy.
Small trampolines are great gift. They work great for children with high levels of energy.
Older children
Board Games
Autism board games can help children work on communication skills while still having fun. I’ve used them during therapy sessions as there are games that help with reading, math, and even social skills.
Super Duper Publications and Different Roads to Learning have a great supply of educational board games and books.
iPad/Tablet
If a child doesn’t have an iPad or tablet yet, you can bet it’s at the top of their wish list.
It may be out of your price range so a gift card for the Apple store might be a good idea.
Many apps for iPad/Tablet help children learn and communicate which is often a struggle for children with autism.
If the child already has an iPad/Tablet, you can contribute to their app list with an iTunes gift card.
Books
Books are also a great gift choice. Many children with autism enjoy books with repetition and rhyming. Older children may enjoy books that focus on specific subjects.
Keep in mind that no child on the autism spectrum is the same as the next.
If you do not know the child very well, you may want to ask the child’s parents for what they have a particular interest in.
They’ll be able to point you to gifts that are developmentally appropriate for their child.
Remember, it doesn’t matter how much you spend.
It’s the manner of giving that’s worth more than the gift.
Happy Holidays!
About Catherine Pascuas
Catherine is the founder of Edx Autism.