Personalized Gifts
Giving gifts is a holiday tradition that many individuals with autism miss. Particularly if a person with autism is rather disconnected from people or is unable to communicate opinions and ideas, we sometimes forget to include them in the process. It is often easier for us to just pick up a few gifts and wrap them up without consulting our friend. Many people with autism are, of course, able to make gift selections and even to shop independently. These folks may need some help with ideas for gifts that are meaningful to their family members and other special friends.
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Sometimes the hustle and bustle of shopping is unpleasant for people with autism who are particularly sensitive to noise or who are intolerant of changes in routine. And some individuals may not be able to verbalize their preferences for gifts. In this case, you can help them prepare a “universal gift” that all their family and friends can enjoy. Depending on the functioning level and interests of your friend with autism, this universal gift can be an ornament for their Christmas tree or a food gift or another handmade item. Most individuals can help to some extent in making a yummy Trail Mix, Hot Cocoa Mix, Spiced Tea Mix or homemade cookies. After mixing up the ingredients, just put a serving in ziplock bag, then tie a copy of the recipe on the ziplock with a curly ribbon. Another fun universal gift is a Pine Cone Bird Feeder. Take a walk to collect pine cones. Cover the pinecones with peanut butter, then roll in bird seed. Add a light rope for hanging from a tree. There are, of course, dozens of other craft and cooking projects to choose from. No matter which gift you choose, include a card that is personalized with a picture of your friend with autism. The photo is the most precious gift of all.
For a variety of reasons, some individuals with autism are not willing or able to participate in making a gift. In this case, you might want to purchase or make a variety of small gifts. Put them out on a table let your friend select a gift from “Santa’s Store” for each person on their list. In necessary, show your friend a picture of the person for whom they are choosing a gift so they make the connection between that specific person and the gift they are selecting. Again, include a photo of your friend in the gift card.
A friend with autism who is able to do her own shopping expressed her frustration about selecting gifts. She said she hoped to get each family member something they really wanted, but couldn’t come up with any ideas if the person didn’t offer a Christmas list. In response to her comment, I suggested that she talk privately with each person, asking them to give her a few gift ideas. I also suggested she consider getting gift cards for each person, selecting a card from Amazon.com or iTunes or a favorite restaurant. My friend felt that the gift card was too impersonal, so I suggested she consider attaching the gift card to a box with homemade candies or something else she had made herself. The best solution to this challenging situation depends on the situation and individual preferences, but the point is that people with autism may need some guidance in selecting gifts.
Send your gift ideas or challenges encountered in gift giving to us. Just send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
Note to FAQautism.com listeners and readers: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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