Autism-friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

Choosing a gift for children with autism can be difficult but acknowledging their developmental ability rather than their age can make whole lot easier. Children with delayed language or social skills for example, are recommended to receive something that can encourage their developmental growth while having a playful exploration. This can also minimize future frustration in learning. Here are the most common autism-friendly Christmas gift ideas according to their developmental ages: 

Toddlers

Count and Build Robot, Wooden Shape Sorting Cube, and Geometric Stacker are example of toys that can help them develop their visual perception, sequencing skills, motor skills, problem solving skills, and eye hand coordination. These autism-friendly Christmas gift ideas can also be used to teach colors, numbers, shapes, and counting. In addition, Tranquil Turtle and Frog is another example of gift to buy for them. It creates a calming effect helping kids to relax and sleep easily. Pressure Vest is best for children with sensory challenges. The vest allows deep pressure to be distributed evenly and it can also help prevent anxiety attacks.

Preschool

Multi Voice Changer, Mini Spinny, and How  Do You Feel Facial Expression Puzzle Game are great toys for audiovisual stimulation, motor skill development, and visual discrimination skills. It also teaches cause and effect, emotions and encourages them to vocalize. Moreover, Airwalker Therapy Swing and Soothing Rain Tube are gifts that provide soothing and therapeutic effect. It can help stressed or agitated children to feel more relaxed. The swing is useful for vestibular stimulation, spatial awareness, and sensory integration therapy.

People also read: GPS Trackers: Better Life for Parents of Children with Autism

Grade School

Autistic children at this developmental age can comprehend a bit more complexity with toys such as Fidget Set, Pin Art, Mini Hoberman Sphere, Kanoodle, and Sentence Building Game. These toys are highly educational and enjoyable. It teaches cause and effect, encourages imaginative play and develops motor skills, coordination, language skills. It also provides great tactile experience and promote social interaction. Additionally, fidgets are used for many years to help restless children focus and keep them occupied.

Teen and Adults

Autistic teens enjoy gifts that have calming effect like Flowing Sand Panel, Deluxe Jellyfish Lamp and Self Color-Changing Egg can block out unwanted stimuli. Stress, anxiety and meltdowns are very common at this age. Thus, soothing gifts are highly advisable to give as it can make life easier for the whole family. Sensory gifts such as Music Lightshow DJ, are another great way to release tension and stress for adults with autism. Furthermore, one of the traits of autism is delayed or impaired social skills. Thus, What  Should I Do Now is a game to help develop social skills in various situations.