Wish List part 1
Families often struggle with finding appropriate gifts for individuals with autism. Some of our friends are unable to communicate their “wish list” effectively, and others are don’t seem to be particularly interested in anything other than one familiar, standby boy. So how do we help grandparents, family members, and others give our friends meaningful gifts for Christmas or birthdays?
or
continue reading
Gift selections depend, of course, on the age and interests of each individual with autism. The gift ideas below have worked for some of my friends with autism in the past. They are just suggestions that might get your creative juices flowing and trigger an idea for a special present for someone you know.
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION. This youngster was somewhat amazed that a magazine with his name on it appeared every month in the mailbox. Because he was likely to tear up the magazine, his sister put the pages in plastic page protectors in a loose leaf notebook. This youngster loved Car and Driver Magazine and Zoo Books. He is now a young adult and he still gets magazine subscriptions every year for Christmas.
PERSONALIZED TRIP. Even if our youngsters don’t appear to notice other people, the most valuable gift we can give them is time. So grandparents or siblings can give a youngster a coupon for an afternoon at the zoo or a fishing expedition or a tour of the local fire station. The box on Christmas morning could contain a brochure from the zoo and plastic zoo animals or it could contain a fishing lure or a fire hat.
THERAPY TOYS. Check with your youngster’s music therapist about appropriate musical gifts or as his physical therapist or occupational therapist about textured balls, sturdy toys that light up, or other sensory toys that are safe and fun.
TIP FOR THE DAY: So, the key here is to think out of the box when shopping for meaningful presents for individuals with autism. Check in tomorrow for more gift ideas that have worked well for individuals of all ages with autism. We welcome any ideas you have. Just send a message to talk@FAQautism.com.
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
Automatically generated related posts:
- Wish List “Our daughter’s grandparents ask us for Christmas gift ideas every...
- Meaningful Gifts Grandparents and other family members often ask for gift ideas...
- Wish List part 2 We are continuing our discussion about ideas for appropriate gifts...
- Gift Scrooge Most of us have learned to expect looks of awe...
- Disinterested in Gifts Disinterested in GiftsMost of us have learned to expect looks...