7 Gifts My ASD Child Would Find Really Cool That A NT Child His Age Would Not Be Too Crazy About.

So it’s that time of year again; The time every parent is faced with the task of determining what gift to get their child for Christmas. For most parents of neurotypical kids, this wouldn’t really be classified as a task since they are usually able to communicate exactly what they want. The Christmas wish list of most typical boys my son’s age (12 going on13) would probably include X Boxes, video games or the latest trendy clothing or sneakers. In past years I have always tried to get him gifts that a typical child his age might like. Those, in most cases have only proven to be a waste of money since he only looks at it once and that’s the end of his interaction with it. My ASD child wouldn’t care for these gifts or even find them appealing. Because he is also non-verbal it’s difficult for him to communicate what would be the best gift ever and this makes it even more complicated.

Most ASD kids usually display routine, repetitive or obsessive behaviors and tend to become attached to objects they find fascinating that a neurotypical child of a similar age may find strange or less appealing. These oddities could turn out to be a blessing in disguise around this time of year. How so? Well firstly you have observed over time the things your child loves or is completely obsessed with. Secondly, in my case these are usually very cheap stuff so you save as opposed to spending a pretty buck on the latest cool gadget a typical kid his age would probably be hoping for.

Based on my observation over the years, I have come up with a list of gifts below my son would love that a typical child his age probably wouldn’t care for.

1.     Random Kitchen Utensils – A spoon, a whisk, or spatula might do the trick.

2.     Bubble Wrap – My son loves bubble wrap and will just literally sit and burst away for hours.

3.     Bubble Blowing Kit – Well most kids love bubbles but let’s face it… you won’t find this on a 12yr old NT boy’s Christmas wish list.

4.     Used Toys – If it’s a toy he actually likes he won’t care if it’s used or brand new.

5.     An Old Button-Up Shirt. – Why? Because he has sensory issues he usually seeks different ways to deal with it. One way is just rubbing the collar of a button up shirt with his fingers and hands. This always proves to be relaxing and calming to him.

6.     A Spray Bottle – My son enjoys spraying stuff in the air above him and feeling the mist or drops of liquid fall on him. I would be happy if it would have been water all the time but I have had cans of spray starch finish in half the time it should for this reason.

7.     A Bottle of Lotion/Liquid Soap/ Dishwashing Liquid- For some reason, just randomly pumping the liquids from these containers have proven to be gratifying to some extent but very costly for mom.