Holiday Giving: What Does Your Child with Autism Love Best?
In my mind, though, it's not just a matter of finding something appropriate for a child with special needs. It's about finding something your unique child will truly love. I've noticed that children with autism tend to have certain interests in common; for example, my son -- like so many on the autism spectrum -- is crazy about Thomas the Tank Engine. He's also intrigued by animals, especially reptiles and ocean critters -- so he gets DVD's, books and toys that allow us to explore that interest together. He plays musical instruments (clarinet and piano), so last year he received a Benny Goodman CD.
It's my sense that MANY kids on the autism spectrum love animals, trains, music and... technology. For some, legos, K'nex and Bionicles can become tickets to true inclusion with typical kids who think the same toys are wonderful. Am I right? Do these themes resonate with your child? What does your child love best?
Comments
I so agree that we need to find things that our children will love, not just what we feel is appropriate for them. My son is now 9, he loves his legos and bionicles. Becuase they are a mainstream toy; it has helped him bridge a gap in trying to socialize with other kids. I can’t tell you how great it is to see him building alongside children of his age group. He may not always interact, but he is aware that they have something in common and that makes him feel better about himself.
See what reaction and interest your autistic child/student may get from assorted polished colored rocks and a little rock collecting book. Here is a brief “running record” of the delight I observed: J. is handed a clear plastic zipped bag. A small rock collecting book and many assorted polished colored rocks are inside this bag. He smiles and says, “Rock, Rocks” over and over again. J. quickly opens the bag, slides the rocks onto the table, sets them together in a pile, closely examines various rocks–picking them up, matching them to the ones in the rock collecting book pages. J. tries to hold the whole pile of shiny stones in his one hand and some drop onto the floor. J. giggles and smiles a big smile. J. moves the stones from one hand to another making a rock clanking sound. J. squeals, giggles, and makes a big smile over and over again. He changes the colors of the rocks he has in his hands– he examines the shapes, tips one rock on its side, putting it on the table, and watches how it stands or falls. He continues to giggle to himself and make continuous big smiles and saying over and over, “Yee!” I suggest see how your autistic child may react and also enjoy assorted polished colored rocks and a small rock collecting book.