Holiday Gift Guide for Kids With Autism and Sensory Disorders

As a parent, there’s joy in discovering something that aids your child in overcoming a particular struggle. Parents of autistic children understand the challenge of looking for the perfect gift for their child. Allow us to help you with gift-giving this holiday season. Here’s a guide for you on what to shop for this holiday season for your child with autism and sensory disorders.

Gift Requirements for Children with Autism

The best gifts for kids with autism are the ones that can assist them in their challenges which frequently include sensory issues. You can keep in mind the following factors when shopping for Christmas gifts for your child:

1. The Autism Research Institute advises that you consider your child's preference. They can be fascinated by trains or dinosaurs. If this is the case, select a toy from your child's preferred category.
2. Sensory difficulties can affect your child with autism in two ways: hypersensitivities and hypo-sensitivities. Both sensitivities influence how your child process and responds to many stimuli. 

      For autism gifts to your child, consider their sensory disorders, which include, but aren't limited to:

• Sounds
• Smells
• Tastes
• Sights
• Body Awareness
• Touch
• Balance

1. Look past the age recommendations on the toy. Your child with autism can be in developmental stages that do not correspond to their age. Autism-friendly toys should not include loud electronic toys with bright lights that can overstimulate your child with an autism spectrum disorder. 
2. Choose sensory toys that stimulate a child's senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. They could include bright colors, sounds, or textures. These toys enable children to develop their senses safely and naturally.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Children with Autism and Sensory Disorders

This holiday shopping season, choosing gifts for your child on the spectrum can be overwhelming. You do not need to worry because we will be providing the following ideas as gifts for children with autism.

1. Chewing Toys

Among the best gifts for kids with autism are chewing toys. You may have given this toy when your child was still an infant, especially when they are teething. However, chew toys can also be used for children with autism which give them calming benefits from chewing.

Chew toys are typically crafted from a non-toxic silicone material. They can be hand-held objects or jewelry worn around the neck or wrist. 

They are available with a wide range of surface patterns, including ridges, practices, and dots, but they can also be completely smooth. 

Further, chew toys stimulate a sense of taste and smell for their neuronal growth. 

This toy also helps them develop their biting and chewing skills.

2. Fidget Spinners

In contemplating gifts for someone with autism like your child, you may consider a fidget spinner.

You have probably already come across fidget spinners because they have become the craze in the past few years. They keep children's hands busy, these toys make it easier for children to concentrate. 

This will not only benefit your child with autism. A gift like this is also ideal for children with either attention deficit disorder  (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many children find the smooth and fast rotation of the spinners to be enjoyable. Considering the variety of designs available, you can be confident that your child will find one they love.

3. Toys that Cause and Effect

Toys with cause and effect can teach your child with autism that they can influence their surroundings because they can do something to elicit a response. For example, when they squeeze the toy, it makes a sound. Then the light turns on when they press a button. 

Further, these toys can promote hand-eye coordination, sensory exploration, and cognitive development and teach numbers and colors.

4. Weighted Vest 

Not necessarily a play "toy" but more like a beneficial tool to invest in. Your child can benefit from wearing a weighted vest as it enhances concentration and self-control. This can also be among the best gifts for adults with autism.

Weighted vests deliver sensory input to the child who wears them in the form of deep pressure, which, in turn, sends signals to the brain. As a result, wearing a weighted vest can make them feel more at ease and improve their ability to focus.

5. Sensory Mats

You can also give the gift of sensory mats, which are among the great gift idea for autism. These are small autism sensory mats, each with a distinctive pattern or texture.

They can use their hands or feet to explore and experiment with the various textures. You could even have your child close their eyes while you guide them through the different mats and ask them to describe their feelings on each one.

6. Cabasa Musical Instrument

A real musical instrument called a “cabasa,” is commonly heard in Latin jazz. Nonetheless, its calming percussive swish is appealing.

Your autistic child will receive tactile stimulation that will access sensory channels, adjust state, and induce neuronal growth.

7. Cushion That Vibrates

This vibrating cushion is an excellent aid in calming your child through its soothing sound and gliding motion.

A recent study also found that vibrating sensory toys can improve verbal initiations and responses in children, encouraging them to engage in social interaction.

8. Autism Noise-canceling Headphones

The outside world can be noisy for children with autism. It is typical for children on the autism spectrum to experience sensory overload due to too much or too loud noise. 

Noise-canceling or reducing headphones can be helpful for autistic children who are sensitive to noise.

9. Play-Doh

Play-Doh can be a significant benefit for your autistic child. It's a tried-and-true formula. It will allow your child to bend, mold, squish, and cut it into whatever shape they want, encouraging them to freely explore and create with their hands.

Furthermore, its soft texture, vibrant colors, and distinct scent provide a pleasurable sensory experience.

Consult Your Doctor

You can ask for assistance and more information from your doctor on a holiday gift guide for your child with autism and sensory disorders.

If you are searching for a "pediatrician near me" or "a pediatrician in Houston, Texas," look no further than our pediatricians at AR Texas Pediatrics.

Improve your child's health and well-being by taking advantage of our Well Child service with a nutrition assessment and dietary guidance. Our pediatricians will provide a routine check-up during each visit. Our priority is your child's health. Our ultimate goal is for them to have a healthier life.

Consult with the best pediatrician in Houston, Texas at AR Texas Pediatrics.

Click here or call 281-484-7619 for an appointment.