|
By Leah Siuta, Center for Spectrum Services
Perhaps the best gift of all is the gift of time. Consider spending some quality, one to one time with your loved one with autism, while also providing some much needed respite for their parents. Would he enjoy time in the park? A trip out for lunch or dinner? An activity in the community? Time at her home or yours? What ever time you can give would surely be appreciated and welcomed.
Buying a present for a child with autism is the same as buying a present for any child. The item should be thoughtful and personal. Remember that each child has a very unique set of skills, developmental needs and interests. Therefore no specific toy or even a group of toys would be appropriate for all of these children. However, here are some helpful guidelines to consider.
1. Safety first – above all, the toy must be safe to use. Watch out for small pieces that could be swallowed, sharp edges, pieces that can be easily broken off, or toys that can be dangerous.
2. Developmentally appropriate vs. age appropriate – when ever possible consider both of these issues. For example, a twelve year old child may be functioning at a much lower age developmental age. Therefore, more traditional teen toys may not be appropriate but perhaps the toddler toy isn’t either. Whenever possible, try to bridge the gap with a toy that meets both criteria.
3. Captures the child’s interests – Consider what the child enjoys if left alone as well as what they enjoy when interacting with others. Are they interested in sounds or music? Do they prefer visual input with lights and motion? Do they like quiet toys such as books or visual motor activities or rough and tumble sports and play? Do they have a special interest or hobby? Talk to the child’s school and to the parent for ideas.
4. Provides support for their developmental goals
a. Play skills – cause/effect, thematic toys, imaginary play, interactive
b. Socialization – toys that encourage sharing, turn taking, working with a partner
c. Communication goals – encourages language, both receptively and expressively
d. Sensory needs – visual, tactile, movement, calming, behaviors linked to the senses
e. Fine motor coordination – uses the fingers and hands for visual/motor activities
f. Gross motor coordination- uses large muscles for play and large muscle movement
g. Academic profile – learning basic or advanced skills for cognitive growth
h. Personal care/functional life skills – helping the child care for basic needs
Here are some web sites which are dedicated to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders
Got-Autism
sensoryuniversity.com
Discovery Toys
FatBrainToys.com
Toys-R-Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled
kidscopetoys.com
Thera Pro
PlayabilityToys.com
Different Roads to Learning
amazon.com/toys-autism
OneHealthyLifestyle.com
toysforautism.com
especialneeds.com/aba-autism
ozmofun.com
SpecialNeedsToys.com/Autism
ToysForMyBrain.com
BabyBumbleBee.com/AutismDVD
|
