More Valentine Ideas
In a recent VODcast for FAQautism.com we shared some ideas for valentine treats that appeal to individuals with autism. The post was very popular, and spurred several folks to send their ideas. Pick the idea that works best for you and make a custom valentine for your friend with autism.
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MIRROR BOXES. My friend and professional colleague, Gloria McDaniel has worked with dozens of individuals with autism as a music therapist and a classroom teachers. She send an e-mail with several ideas, one of which was her popular “mirror boxes.” Her instructions are as follows: Cover a shoebox with red wrapping paper or with valentine theme paper. Cover the lid and the box separately so lid can be put on and taken off of the box. You can decorate the inside and the outside of the box with stickers, valentine cards, paper hearts or photos of friends and family. Attach a mirror in the bottom of the box. You can find inexpensive, framed mirrors in the cosmetic section and camping sections of stores. You can also purchase unbreakable plastic mirrors designed for sports lockers or camping. Gloria finds that her students with autism – as well as typical kids – enjoy looking at their own reflection and using the mirror to look at the scenery behind them or beside them.
DIPPED PRETZELS. A mom with two youngsters diagnosed with autism said her kids enjoy making dipped pretzels for valentines. The family gathers around the kitchen table to dip just one corner of miniature pretzels in white almond bark before putting them on wax paper or a cookie sheet to harden. They save some to eat for a special valentine treat, and the kids put some in sandwich-sized ziplock bags to give to teachers, therapists, family, and friends for a little valentine treat. Mom helps her kids sign their names on a heart she has cut from paper to slip inside the ziplock bag.
RIP-PROOF VALENTINES. My mom was an occupational therapist for many years. She used wallpaper from out-of-date wallpaper sample books to cut paper hearts that were rip-proof. Many individuals who were unable to resist tearing paper valentines could enjoy these custom-made hearts. Some carried them around for months in their pockets. The wallpaper valentines even survived washing machines and dryers!
TIP FOR THE DAY. There’s nothing like a personal gift or card to tell someone you love them. Don’t forget to send your ideas our way so we can share with others.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: 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. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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