A family at my children's school suffered a fire over the weekend that destroyed their home. Their 5 yr old son is autistic so you can probably imagine how having his home, schedules, belongs, etc destroyed is affecting him. They are currently staying in a hotel for the moment, so barely any comforts of home. I am going tonight to pick up a gift card for the family from our PTO but also wanted to get some individual things for the children. I am looking for some advice on what might be a good toy/game for the 5 yr old - what kind of toys might be comforting for him in this obviously stressful time. I wouldn't want to get him something that might frustrate him more. Thanks!~~
I like the gift card idea but it won't do it for the here and now. I have two autistic boys and they both love their trains. Anything he can line up and hook together would be a great gift for him. Possibly some Legos or maybe a toy he goes to at school all the time? You just need to find what he likes, his nitch if you will. Maybe something Star Wars? What are the parent's preferences?
I spoke with my friend who has a 7 yr. old autistic son, she suggested a gift card to Target, Meijer or Walmart. It is hard to know what his likes/dislikes are currently. How kind of you! Best of luck!!
The other advice that you got was excelent! My Nephew is autistic and each child has thier own "thing". I would talk to his teach and see what it is that he likes.
Blessings, K.
B., I can not imagine!! I have two autistic kids. See if you can talk to his teachers to see what he is in to. LIke Legos, trains, dinosaurs etc. Also if he needs clothes his favorite clothes. I would not send any thing with tags on the back. Like my daughter always makes us cut the tags out and she will not wear jeans. Maybe supplies to make picture cues and lists of his daily activities. I wish I could help more. Let me know if I can. Take Care, M.
Hmmm... Things for the 5yr old. Is there someone you can ask that knows the family well. Autistic kids kind of have their "thing" they are interested in and nothing else matters.
My son with aspergers likes his dollar store plastic army guys and his paper and colored pencils.. and his legos.
At 5, my son liked his army guys, legos, things for coloring, his leap pad. Depending on if he has sensory issues, he may enjoy play dough.
Probably a gift card would be a good thing...
Its wonderful that your helping him get back to some normalcy and having toys to play with.
Good luck
J.
Hi B.!
How wonderful to be there for this family during this tragic time! We have a special needs son and he just LOVES "Marble Works" ... it's a Discovery Toys item ... the whole family can get involved in assembling the marble tower maze and it's really a delightful toy.
God bless them and be with them.
M.
I would recommend a medium size fleece blanket that he can wrap up in. I have a son with autism who is 10 and he finds great comfort in wrapping up in soft blankets especially during stressful times. I hope this helps. My prayers and thoughts go with you and this family.
Bless you for helping this family. I have an autistic son, now grown.They are as varied as the rest of the world. There is no magic thing that all autistics like. Some are fascinated by things that overwhelm others. You need to ask someone who knows this child well what he finds comforting. Many autistics have fixations on certain subjects, items (for my son, computers, for others I have known, art, music, math, books) and their family will be very familiar with what they are. Also, bear in mind that some autistics have hyperactive sensations.... very sensative to bright lights, loud noises, strong odors or rough textures. Less likely to like things with those traits. You are being very sensative to his needs. Thank you for that. L.
B.,
I can give you some generic ideas;; however, it might be a good idea to speak the the child's team at school or his parents to find out what items he likes. The reason is that I can tell you that some kids with Autism like what we call 'fidget' balls (like stress balls), but he might like a certain kind. He might have a blanket that he liked, but maybe it had a certain texture to it that comforted him or relaxed him or calmed him. Really, I would speak to either his parents; or, maybe his Occupational Therapist, Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologist. They may have some really good ideas, because no 2 kids are the same on the Autism Spectrum. And, on another note, how wonderful that you all are stepping up and helping this family and recognizing their specail needs as a family, as well.
B.
The last time I was in Toys R Us they had some toys that were for Autistic children.
I would suggest something like a BIG puzzle, or some small Car or truck (with batteries). Somehting to keep his mind occupied.
Also, since I have been in Nutrition for so long, I heard at many of my seminars that Autism can be helped thru nutrition. One Pediatrician said one of her clients that could not talk or walk was able to do both with her program. I have that program if you are interested.
Blessings,
E. ____@____.com
