Shopping for a kid who has autism? Think *inside* the box
by Beth
Christmas is right around the corner! If you’re still trying to figure out what to buy the child on your list who has autism, I’ve got good news. Picking out a special holiday gift for a child with autism is not as difficult as you might think.
Some people assume if they are buying for a child with special needs, they need to find something different or unusual. Quite the contrary! Children with autism have unique interests, just like everyone else. It’s true that some children with autism have very few interests at any one time, and the interests they do have can be very, very important to them. So if you are shopping for a child with autism, it might be best not to go “outside the box.”
Before choosing a holiday gift for a child with autism, ask him or her what he likes, and be ready to hear an earful! If you can’t ask the child directly, contact the parents — most are happy to let you know what their child is particularly fond of. Trains? Wheels? Springs? Maybe they like bugs. Or maps. When shopping for children with autism, you’re as likely to be choosing gifts at a hardware or office supply store as a toy store.
Not a bad thing, really. You’ll avoid the crowds!