Autism Gift Guide
TODDLERS - KIDS - TEENS
As a mother of a 12-year old son with moderate-to-severe autism, I understand better than anyone the challenge of finding gifts for a child on the autism spectrum for the holidays and/or birthdays.
Medical Alert ID Bracelet
Yes, I know. This isn't so much a gift for your autistic child as it is for you as a parent or caregiver, but I believe it is incredibly important because of the peace-of-mind it provides me as a parent that I decided to include it and put it at the top of the list. This autism medical alert ID bracelet can be customized with your child's name, your contact information, or any other type of medical information you would want someone to know in the event your child needs help. My son wears his when we're traveling or at a place with larger crowds, such as an amusement park.
While there are other types of medical ID jewelry, what I love about this one is the silicone band with the multi-colored puzzle pieces - which are synonymous with autism. It easily and quickly identifies to someone that the individual wearing it has autism. Let's be honest, sometimes our special needs kiddos may behave in a manner out in public that can attract unwanted attention from those who don't know your child. With this bracelet, if someone stares long enough, maybe they'll see the ID bracelet with the puzzle pieces and have a better awareness of what is actually happening.
Cozy Canoe Sensory Compression Peapod
My son loves to be in cozy, tight spaces. He says it makes him feel "together". His world is vast, bright, and loud. Any chance he gets, he wants to be in a place that is small with low lighting - even if he is just covering himself with a blanket.
This Cozy Canoe Sensory Compression Peapod is perfect for any toddler or young child with autism or sensory processing disorder who need a place to self-regulate. They can crawl into it and cover themselves with a blanket to watch TV or play with their devices or even fall asleep. It's a snug little nook where they can be themselves, feel safe, or feel "together".
Loops Ear Plugs
These Loops Ear Plugs have been a game changer for my autistic son. Along with his autism, he also has Sensory Processing Disorder. Loud noises are like daggers to him - they hurt. Not just his ears, but his entire body; which results in his brain's inability to regulate his emotions and physical movements.
The Loop Ear Plugs were actually recommended to me by my son's occupational therapist...and they have worked wonders! He wears them during assemblies, in the cafeteria, or in the hallway between classes. These were times of great stress and anxiety to my son, but now that he wears his Loops, he can navigate those things with much greater ease. The best part is that Loop are a noise reduction ear plug, meaning he is still able to hear others speaking and participate in conversations, but they dull the loud noises.
Teeter Popper
The Teeter Popper was a major go-to item for my son when he was a toddler. It would even go with us to different family functions and gatherings. Autistic children - especially those with Sensory Processing Disorder - are constantly on the move. Not just walking or running the house - they squirm, they jump, they're up, they're down, they're squatting, they're standing...they're regulating themselves.
The Teeter Popper was great for my son because he could sit and rock himself when he wanted, where he wanted, and for however long he wanted. It's incredible strong and durable, and it helped build his core strength and balance. Definitely a must-have for an autistic toddler with the wiggles.
Mini Trampoline with Handlebar
This indoor/outdoor trampoline is another great gift for any toddler on the autism spectrum that is constantly on the move. Not only was it great to help my son get the wiggles out when he was younger, but it also helped develop and strengthen his coordination and balance. There were even times when I could tell he was headed for a meltdown or was feeling unregulated and I would have him jump on his trampoline to "work it out". It would calm both his body and his brain while also helping him with his counting.
Chew Necklace
Chewing on things is expected when you have a teething baby. But for those with toddlers, young kids, and even teenagers with autism, chewing is a habit that you have to deal with. These kiddos don't chew on things because they don't know any better...they chew on things because it's therapeutic and an outlet for stress and anxiety. My son is 12 and still chews - whether it's his pencil eraser, his fingernails, or his water bottle straw. And it's not a situation where you can tell them to stop. They won't stop....I don't think they can. But what you can do is give them a safe item to chew on.
These chew toy necklaces are made from 100% food-grade silicone and are free from BPA, latex, and lead. Moreover, they provide a gentle and soothing calming effect for those with autism and Sensory Processing Disorder that can help reduce fidgeting and an alternative to other undesirable (and unsafe) chewing items.
Night Light Projector
Even at the age of 12, a sound machine with a light projector is essential for my son. Although at his age, it's not about having a night light because he's afraid of the dark. It's more about the nature sounds and white noise settings that he likes.
When he was younger, we would go into his room during the day, close the curtains, and turn on the light projector. It was incredibly calming and soothing to him when he felt overwhelmed. And when it was time for bed, he would settle in and stare up intently at the ceiling, watching the light waves and patterns, and fall asleep easily.
Air Toobz - Air-Powered STEM Building Toy
What I love about the Air Toobz is that it not only encourages creativity, STEM skills, and problem solving with children with autism, but it's a lot of fun! The modular tubes can be arranged and connected in countless ways and they get introduced to airflow and physics as they try to send the foam balls through the tubes, and discover how the balls react to different speeds.
Not only is Air Toobz a great gift for any child on the autism spectrum, but the whole family can join in on the fun and create good times together!
Door Pong
It's Ping Pong without the table!
This is an indoor game that is a perfect gift for a child with autism. It encourages hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, concentration, and team play. Door Pong clamps to your child's doorframe and allows them to hit the ball back and forth either solo or with a friend.
Sky Nook - Indoor/Outdoor Swing
For my son, swinging is his little piece of heaven and the activity he will always choose when given a choice. Whether he's at recess, the sensory room at school, or at home, the fluid and gentle motion of swaying back and forth soothes, comforts, and calms him.
The Sky Nook is an indoor/outdoor swing that your autistic and sensory seeking child will absolutely love as a Christmas or birthday gift! It will envelop them and wrap them up like a cozy little caterpillar inside a cocoon. What I love about the Sky Nook swing is that you can hang it in their bedroom, playroom, living room, or even attach it to a tree outside. It's their own tiny sanctuary where they can laugh, read, sway, or dream.
Pluffle Playfoam
This no-mess alternative to kinetic sand and slime bins was recommended to me by a friend with a loved one who is autistic. Pluffle Playfoam is super soft and fluffy that offers sensory seeking kiddos soothing, tactile fun without any mess. They can run their hands through it and watch as it magically "melts" and flows through their fingers. It's not sticky, non-toxic, gluten-free, and nut-free. Ideal for developing fine motor skills, promoting creative play, and encouraging self-regulation, it's the perfect sensory bin filler in a home with a child with special needs.
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