It can sometimes prove a task to look for appropriate gifts for children with autism. Because these kids have special needs, you will have to put more thought into finding something useful. Sometimes they simply need to feel cared for, sometimes their senses need to be engaged, and sometimes they just want something to help as a learning aid. So, the following article will list some suitable gifts for autistic children. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, you’ll know exactly how you can surprise autistic children with meaningful gifts.
What is autism?
ASD which is also termed as Autism, is known to be a developmental disorder. It has an impact on learning capability among human beings related to communication and social and behavioral interface. In a way, children with autism see the world in distinct ways, which also makes them process emotions in different ways.
Their response to sensations can be different. This is also true when it comes to social stimuli. So, knowledge on the subject assists in identifying gifts that are most suitable for autistically challenged children.
Why a suitable gift is so important for children with autism?
Autism means that children will have some special needs that other children will not have. They can get something more than just entertainment from a wisely chosen gift. So, you need to get them autism toys that can improve their life.
Truth be told, there isn’t a part of a child’s life that cannot be altered for the better with the right toys. This is especially true when it comes to eating, sensory, social, and even coping skills.
Choosing some gifts for children with autism will result in decreasing levels of anxiety, providing learning experiences, and boosting creativity. Thus, by selecting the best gifts for autistic children, you are making people happy. Moreover, you are helping them develop and feel comfortable in a world that is sometimes very challenging.
How to choose gifts for autistic children?
Picking out gifts for children with autism can be a very difficult endeavor. You can’t just pick out anything that catches your eye. Instead, you need to pick an autism toy that will help the challenged kid be at ease. Most of the time, people like to go with educational toys or sensory items that will excite the kids. You need to consider everything from the kid’s age to their challenges and their passion. From there, you can start to shortlist what gift will be best for the child. Here’s a breakdown of how exactly you can pick the final option.
Comprehensive tips for selecting gifts with autism
1. Focus on unique interests and preferences sensory preferences
All children have those things that interest them. So, you should figure out what excites the kids. It can be cars, music, movies, and much more! Children with autism can even have preferences as to what kind of sensations they like to be exposed to. Moreover, you should also consider what type of colors and textures are more suitable for the child.
2. Matches the child’s developmental stage
Most of the time, people like to pick some generalized options like dolls for young girls. However, even if a child is young, they might not be at the same developmental stage as other kids. So, you need to consider the maturity level of the kid and their passion. Try and find toys that will provide some tough challenges at the same time as fun.
Like a 9-year-old kid with autism may have the motor skills of a child who is not even 5. So, you can’t get them any toy that calls for quick reactions like an RC car.
Similarly, the cognitive skills of an older autistic child might not match their age. So, you can’t get them complex puzzles to solve. The same will remain true for verbal skills, communication style, sensory sensitivity, behavioural patterns, and learning preferences. Just make sure you don’t get something that overwhelms the kid.
3. Encourage social interaction
Gifts like board games, and toys, which will help the child’s social play, are good gifts. These gifts assist children with autism in learning how to interact and how to make friends during school breaks. However, make sure that these games aren’t too complicated.
4. Look for calming and comforting gifts and educational gifts.
Some of the children with autism require toys that calm them down and put them to sleep. These can be weighted blankets or a stuffed animal that the kid can hug. Even if the kid is a bit old, getting them a stuffed animal might not be a bad idea.
Similarly, you can find some educational gifts like interactive storybooks, LEGOs, puzzles, sensory learning kits, and more! These educational gifts are ideal for autistic children as they provide opportunities for pattern recognition, improving motor skills, and overall perception.
5. Prioritize safety and durability
It is most important to emphasize the issue of safety. Make sure toys are made of material that is safe for kids to play with and do not have parts that the kid could swallow. Endurance is also important because some children may play very rough.
6. Consult with autism experts
If you are still in doubt, do not hesitate to consult with working experts who deal with autistic kids. Pediatricians and other caregivers can advise on how to deal with autistic children and their special needs.
The top 8 gifts for autistic children: educational, creative and safe
Now that, you know how to choose gifts for children with autism, let’s dive further into specific options. Hopefully, the following list of gifts and toys for autistic children will help you finalize your purchase.
Weighted blankets
Weighted blankets consist of quite a heavy material with additional weights sewn in to put extra pressure on the kid. It is one of the best gifts for autistic children as the additional weight can make the kids feel like they are being hugged. A weighted blanket can:
- Alleviate anxiety
- Promote better sleep
To sum up, this is a perfect gift for children who have to feel safe, as well as it is both, an emotional and physical security item.
Sensory toys
Sensory toys for autistic children remain one of the most received gifts by challenged individuals. Such toys as play dough, kinetic sand, and textured balls also stimulate children’s sense of touch. These autism toys are calming for a child, who likes to play with things, he or she can touch. Sensory toys for autistic children can:
- Enhance tactile exploration
- Fine motor skills can be enhanced.
Most of these toys for autistic children aged 3 to 7 are inexpensive. So, you will not have to go out of budget when picking these options.
Fidget toys
Fidget toys are small in size so that the kids can play with them on the go. Other objects include stress balls squeeze balls, or fidget cubes which can assist an autistic kid to concentrate. Fidget toys can:
- Improve concentration
- Design training for a physical release of stress.
- Assist children to remain on task
In particular, these fidget gifts for autistic children are great for kids who become anxious in social situations.
Personalized storybooks
Interactive books for autistic children are also great when it comes to a thoughtful gift. Just make sure you pick a storybook that the kid can relate to. These storybooks can:
- Promote the love for books
- Enhance creative thinking
Puzzle games
I highly recommend using puzzle games as gifts for autistic children. These toys aren’t only good for their brain, but they also help kids with learning disabilities. Puzzle games can:
- Develop cognitive skills
- Encourage independent play
Some puzzles can be complex, and you should only pick these toys for autistic children aged 7 to 12.
Noise-canceling headphones
Autistic children especially dislike noise, and many of them are picky with the kind of sound that surrounds them. So, if you wish to help them deal with sensory overload, give them some noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones can:
- Reduce auditory overload
- Make an environment that is quiet and calm
- Help children cope in noisy environments
Art supplies
Painting and drawing materials can be greatly used to motivate autistic kids. Organizing any kind of art can be both helpful from psychological and informative points of view. Art supplies can:
- To improve children’s fine motor control
- Promoting creativity and the visibility of individual identity
- Offer a calming, fun activity
These toys for autistic children aged 12 to 15, are especially suited for kids who express themselves through their art. Moreover, these supplies will help you bond with your kid over a few drawing sessions.
Educational apps
Educational apps are no exception when it comes to using technology as a means of learning. These apps have many custom features to help challenged kids keep up with the competition. Educational apps can:
- All of the identified strategies aim at enhancing reading fluency
- Enhance cognitive development
- Promote more engaging lessons
In particular, apps remain suitable and precious gifts for children, who are engaged in using technologies and like educational games.
Great boon for parents of autistic children
There are various things that parents of autistic children worry about, especially when it comes to their digital safety. So, you shouldn’t just stop at picking the right gifts for autistic children and rather help them be safer in the online world.
Since the internet boom and social media, parents can’t ignore the predators and cyberbullies on online platforms. That is why so many parents use parental control tools to keep their children away from such people. Finding the best parental controls app may be beneficial for parents as it can help keep your autistic kid away from cyber bullies. Moreover, you can monitor and restrict all of your kid’s digital activities with these tools.
FlashGet Kids – a reliable app for safeguarding your kids
FlashGet Kids is a one-stop parental control solution, especially for parents with autistic kids. This app won’t only let you monitor your child, but you will also be able to restrict their digital activities. Moreover, you can set up custom alerts to get ahead of any issue your child might face in the digital world. Here are some possible use cases for FlashGet Kids.
- Real-time location tracking to always know where your kid is going.
- Surround monitoring with a remote camera and mic to ensure your child is safe.
- Keyword detection to get notified immediately when your child is getting bullied.
- Notification tracking to monitor all updates your child gets on their phone.
- Usage reports to figure out your kid’s interests and usage patterns.
For parents of autistic children, FlashGet Kids is a great resource for lessening their worries. Moreover, you won’t have to spend more than five minutes setting up this best parental controls app.
Bonus: what should parents do for children with autism?
A lot of dependence has to be placed on the parents or the family of an autistic child. As such, you have to take charge of their schedules and other specific requirements. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Create a routine: this makes the children undergo less stress as compared to when there is uncertainty.
- Engage in sensory play: autism toys, also known as fiddle toys, are especially helpful for calming kids when they feel like they are ‘spiraling. ’
- Use technology wisely: bring in the use of parental control applications like FlashGet Kids to monitor the child through their mobile devices.
Everything from choosing toys for autistic children to caring for their routines can be challenging. However, you shouldn’t get overwhelmed. There are a ton of smart fixes and parental assist tools in the market. Just explore what fits your child’s needs, and it will help you manage your kid pretty easily.
Conclusion
In choosing appropriate gifts for autistic children, there is a need to understand some aspects of the particular child. It varies from the weighted blankets to sensory toys that the kid will be occupied with. All in all, you just have to think about what the kid wants: the kid’s interests, his/her appropriate mental age, and his/her disabilities/impairments. These aspects will help you in your endeavor to find out what would be ideal to buy for children with autism.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your child safe in the digital world as well. Sticking with options like FlashGet Kids will ensure that your child is always in your care. This app will help you intervene and protect your kid from all the dangers of the digital world.
FAQs
Do autistic children cuddle their parents?
Of course, most of the autistic children like to cuddle their parents. However, some kids might be more hesitant and avoid physical touch altogether.
What do autistic kids need the most?
Autistic kids need a consistent routine and the best parental control app to protect them in the digital world. Focus on developing a simple routine for your child and use options like FlashGet Kids to ensure they remain safe online.
What toys do autistic kids love?
What may work well as gifts for autistic children may differ, but it could be wise to identify their areas of interest. However, autistic children are quite fond of storybooks, sensory toys, and art materials.
