How to Choose a Gift for an Autistic Child

If you're buying a present for a child with autism, picking the perfect gift requires a little thought. There are rows and rows of toys in stores out there, but all of them may not be right for a child with special needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Firstly, talk to the child’s parents. Autistic children vary so much that what may work for one child will not necessarily, as with a normally developed child, work for another. Autistic children have narrow but deep interests and you want to find something that fits in with that child’s affinity. Whatever (s)he has a passion for is what you’re looking to get.

2. 
   Choose a child-speciific gift

   Experts say children with autism love predictability, so calendars, puzzles, and other educational games in their age range are great choices.

3. 
   Digital Camera

   A digital camera is a great toy as autistic children have trouble being in the midst of a social interaction, but becoming the photographer at an event is something that can keep their attention.

Tips & Warnings

• The way in which the gift is presented is just as important as the gift. Opening a present is not as fun for a child with autism as it may be for someone else. Autistic children like predictability. Children will respond to the gift better if they know what it is ahead of time. Attach some sort of image to the package so the child knows ahead of time what is in the package.