Autism & Holiday Season Gift Giving
Choosing Gifts for Children with Autism
We found this article today that had a few helpful tips for people looking to buy a gift for an autistic child. We thought it could be useful as we hit peak ‘gift giving’ time.
Over time, parents of autistic children will adapt to their child’s likes and dislikes in regard to ‘presents’ and ‘gifts’ - for many it’s a matter of trial and error in working out what ‘works’ for their child. But for families and friends looking to buy gifts during the holiday season, a few tips or hints never go astray!!!
To ensure ‘gift giving’ is a successful event for an autistic child, one of the best things that family members and friends can do is to first talk to the child’s parents, and get a feel for what will work best with the child.
As an important tip for a gift bearer - an autistic child is unlikely to receive a gift in a similar manner to a ‘typical’ child. From our personal experience we have seen many disappointed faces of well meaning gift bearers who want nothing more than to see excitement as their gift is opened. Although hurt feelings are difficult to avoid when a child throws a present away unopened, or opens a present but then turns their attention back to something of greater interest to them, or opens a gift but then just stares blankly at it, it is vital to remember that these reactions are normal for autistic children, and are in no way intended to hurt or upset anyone.
PS - And if an older child has more interest in the paper than the gift - that’s normal too!!!
December 12th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Good post.
I find presents very difficult.
My family if they give C anything at all is usually clothes. C really isnt bothered and cant even open presents. Its taken me years to get used to this. Especailly at xmas at thats what its all about.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
The blog is down but the email is still there.
The best part is when they finally “get” presents. The little one figured out birthdays this year. And even opened his gifts… he also showed off and READ his cards out loud.
We’ll see if he gets Xmas this year. He does know that Santa exists but beyond that I don’t think he understands.
His bro figured it out about 2 years ago now… that was fun too.
S.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Maizie went through a long phase where she would hide while opening presents and refuse to let anyone watch her. One Christmas in particular she hid behind a couch for every gift and we were not allowed to watch or a melt down would begin. Over time she became used to the attention and now she loves opening gifts. However, getting something new really does stress her out. My parents bought her a doll house the other day for an early birthday gift and my parents were shocked at how stressed out she became after opening the gift.
December 13th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Hi , i am looking for gift ideas n there are so many of them , so much so it leaves me confused and undecided what to get - maybe you would like to visit my website - happy holidays .