Blog #131~ Christmas Ideas for a Special Needs Child
There’s only 11 more shopping days until Christmas. Are you struggling to find a gift for a child with special needs? My son Nick has Down syndrome and autism. For 21 years I’ve worried if I was doing enough and finding the right toys to help him thrive while having fun. You name it we’ve done it from the mini trampoline to Tickle Me Elmo (and every light up, musical toy in between). 🙂
Children with special needs often have sensory issues. They struggle to process sensory information. Some children are sensitive to touch, while others are sensitive to sounds or lights. Toys and activities geared to be more visual, tactile, and interactive can help with these sensory issues. Gifts that appeal to the senses like plushies, figit toys, putty, stress balls and flashlights are popular.
Books that have predictable patterns, repetition and rhymes are enjoyable such as the classics like “Good Night Moon,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and Dr. Seuss books. Interactive books can help with language skills.
Puzzles can help with fine motor and cognitive skills. Many have sound bites to provide additional feedback.
More gift ideas………
*Music table
*Art easel
*Vibrating pillow
*Air hockey
*Musical animals
*Musical trampoline
*Solar System in My Room
*Tranquil turtle
*Putty (www.puttyworld.com) It glows and changes colors!
You can find these gifts on the Amazon and Toy R Us websites. There are many more ideas at www.nationalautismresources.com. Also, I have a resource page listed on this Wordpress site.
Holiday Ideas from Suburban Pediatric Therapies (where Nick goes to speech and occupational therapy):
Cheers to a fun filled holiday season for your child with special needs. I hope these gift ideas will help make the season a little brighter. Thank you to all the parents and therapists who helped to contribute to the gift list. That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa 🙂
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 