But the gifts aren’t about teaching—they’re about fun.
If your gift absolutely requires a child with autism to find a partner, verbalize thoughts and take turns, chances are he’ll use it once and never again. Instead, choose a gift that can be used interactively (building blocks, puppets, etc.) but doesn’t have to be used with others. That way, a child with autism can enjoy them alone, or learn new skills when you play together.
But most kids with autism also have at least some fine and gross motor delays that make more complex athletics difficult (and thus not much fun).
Unless you know the autistic child in your life really wants them, avoid toys like jump ropes, hackey-sacks, juggling scarves and the like. They may be attractive, but they’ll probably wind up in the junk drawer when your autistic loved one finds they’re just too tricky to manage.
When things are less hectic, you can take time out to help turn an obsessive interest into a true, shared passion.
Toys like hand-held video games, MP3 players and the like are specifically created to help people to disappear into their own worlds.
While they do have their place in the life of a child with autism, better options might be X-Box or Wii games that can easily involve several players; CD players that allow everyone to listen to and comment on musical selections; and so forth.
Even if you think it’s funny, try not to give a child with autism a toy that’s likely to say the same things over and over, or a toy that’s likely to wind up in a thousand pieces on the floor.
In fact, if you really think a child with autism would just love a wild, loud toy, the very best present you can give is to take that child - and that toy - outside, where you can have crazy fun together… out of earshot of the rest of the family.
