As the holidays draw nearer, I'm planning to write a few articles that recommend "top" autism gifts for various different groups of people (kids with autism, adults with autism, parents of children with autism, teachers, therapists). If you're reading this, you probably represent one of those groups - and I'd appreciate your advice.
What autism-related products have you purchased or used that you would highly recommend to others?
What products have you purchased or used that you would NOT recommend?
What autism products (including toys, books, DVDs, clothes, etc.) are on your wishlist?
Thanks in advance for your help!
The best thing that ever happened for our 3 yr old son, who has high functioning autism, was finding the website starfall.com. This site is great for all kids; it teaches them about the alphabet, reading and to use the computer. Because of the way that it is formatted and all the great games and sounds my son learned how to talk, read and use the computer in just a few months. It’s free too!
I’m sure that he would have accomplished these things in his own time but this site definitely had a huge impact.
Because he has a hard time making eye contact and is prone to ignoring me when I try to engage him in learning using the computer was a great way to go. I can sit behind him and follow along while he just soaks up the learning experience.
Hi
I am a parent with an autistic daughter of 16 years.I wish that every shopping mall in any country has a special needs corner where various products for daily life needs of a special child are displayed.This would not only help the parents to identify the products but also provide a meeting ground to share views.Integrating a special child into the society is of vital importance.
Best children’s books about Autism:
Title: Trevor Trevor
Author: Diane Twachtman-Cullen
Title: Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes
Author: Jennifer Elder
Title: My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings
Author: Beverly Bishop
Title: I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
Author: Elaine Marie Larson
This is a tough one to help answer. For me who uses visuals often, boardmaker program was a must and a laminator and all different sized sheets for different uses. Boardmaker would be about the only specific item I have ever bought in years. Anything else I just buy from any store, not specific to autism.
For DVDs, my son has loved the baby bumblebee video series and it really helped him with vocabulary.
We also like the Rock and Roll Phonics.
My son really enjoys the classical baby dvd of classic artwork made by HBO.
Another hit is an animated music series in which animated computer instruments play the music–it was on PBS.
This website might be helpful to your readers:
EspeciallyForSpecialKids.com:
I found this great resource for those trying a GFCF diet. It is http://www.CeceliasMarketplace.com. They offer a gluten free/casein free grocery shopping guide and I found it a lifesaver when trying to find GFCF products in the grocery store!!
Hello,
The website http://www.SelectAutismMerchandise.com has safety products for individuals with autism. It was started by a mom of an autistic child. It has medical ID jewelry, autism alerts for car and home, info sheets, etc. People don’t always think of emergencies ahead of time, but it’s certainly good to be prepared!
The best autism related product I have bought for my 6 year is by far the Gym Spin Sensory Motor toy. She uses it in occupational therapy and her therapist recommended one for home as well. She uses it every day to self-regulate, calm down and relax. It offers vestibular input and also helps build trunk muscles.
The older my son gets, the longer and more expensive my list becomes!
I’d love him to have a jumbo tricycle so he could pedal around the neighborhood with his family and get some fresh air and exercise. He’d also benefit from a really big ballpit, a suspended lycra swing in the playroom, and – dare I say it – a waterbed that would give him the gentle swaying motion that he loves and craves!
I have 3 family members, children with FragileX. One child has more Autistic tendancies than the other two. He loves books and “I Love Lucy” video’s. To encourage his love of books I have made a hardbound book for him. The power of story is very strong for children. I also believe it is important that other family members know their story. It is through my homebased business as an Independent Consultant that anyone can do this. I encourage parents to tell their childs story. Children love to see their pictures in a book. There are several good book making sites out there. Please explore the options available.
The software TEACHTOWN designed for kids on Autism Spectrum designed along the lines of ABA is a great resource. Plus TRANSPORTERS the dvd for reading emotions etc availabe at http://www.thetransporters.com having a large trampoline was worth every penny too! Lots of books as you never know what they are going to warm to. http://www.modelmekids.com is good for showing social skill in dvd form. I get some resources from The Dyslexic shop in Edinburgh and you can order online. Plus ‘Different roads to learning’ online is a great ABA resource.
I suggest DVDs of nice movies like the original “Miracle on 34th Street” or a musical one like “A Muppet CHristmas Carol”. Why not get a cd of “The Messiah” presentation for him/her to listen to and sing?
I highly recommend Ellen Notbohm’s book, “Ten things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. This is a great resource for anyone new to the world of Autism. It is a quick read with thoughtful explanations into the world of autism.
A great website would be ZacBrowser. I would also highly recommend http://www.Do2Learn.com.
I would recommend my journal for parents of children with autism. The journal allows parents to keep track of medications and supplements, treatment program schedules, activities, appointments, and contacts. The daily log lets parents note what they did that day, write observations, track symptoms and progress, make notes to their child’s doctor, monitor changes they tried that day, record special moments, and much more. http://www.sunflowerbee.com
I started with Mayer Johnson and the laminators, but that took SO MUCH TIME! Then I found Choiceworks…it’s all done for you and you can customize it.
Also, my kids favorite thing is playing with lentils/beans, aquarium rocks, sand in a plastic tub (gift wrap plastic tubs for size and wheels on the bottom, so you can roll it out of sight when you need to.) Excellent sensory input!
I love AAPC Publishing. They only publish books related to autism spectrum disorders. And they have a great Facebook page with lots of great info, new links, and conference announcements.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Autism-Asperger-Publishing-Company/74393094265