Picking out holiday gifts for kids with autism or other special needs can be tricky. Year after year, toys that I thought Carson would love have fallen flat. They are tossed aside, collecting dust in the far corners of our playroom cabinet.
Sometimes his difficulty with fine motor tasks got in the way. Sometimes his language skills made it difficult for him to play a game with a peer. And sometimes he just didn’t get it.
So, last year I went on a mission to try discover new and different toys and games that I thought Carson would not only enjoy, but would benefit from. After all, the best form of therapy is play!
I have to admit, I couldn’t find any great lists. I had this grand scheme in mind that I would test out a myriad of toys with Carson and my other autism mom friends. But, sadly, that never happened. It’s a miracle I’m scraping this list together a week before Christmas.
Nevertheless, I’d like to share with you some toys and games that I’ve discovered that have been a big hit with Carson, or that I’m planning to try out this year. If you are anything like me, you’re still putting those finishing touches on your Christmas shopping, so hopefully this will help give you some gift ideas for your child with autism or other special needs! I’d love to hear what’s been a big hit with your child too.
I’ve provided links to these toys, just so you can see what they cost and read other reviews. I’m in no way getting credit for any purchase.
I would like to make a plug, though, for purchasing these toys if possible from a locally owned toy store. I’m lucky enough to live near Go Bananas toy store in Northern Virginia. This place is a gold mine for toys, with tons of unique and interesting toys that you don’t find often in big box stores. Plus, the owner, Mary, is a former teacher herself and has lots of great ideas! Visit your local toy store for more ideas!
Nintendo Wii -- Two years ago we debated whether to make the plunge and buy a video game. While I thought Carson might enjoy it, I worried that the games would be too difficult for him given his motor skill difficulties. At the time, he was obsessed with a couple of TV shows, so I liked the idea of breaking that cycle and getting him engaged in something that required him to get off the couch. Today, I can’t imagine life without our Wii. Yes, Carson loves it (too much probably). But the best benefit we’ve seen is that it gives him a way to connect with other kids. When Carson’s “typical” friends come over to play and they play the Wii together, I love to listen in on the conversations. Yes… real conversations between Carson and his friends. They talk about the games they like, characters, etc.. It’s music to my ears!
Carson would say that his favorite games are anything related to Mario. I would say that my favorite games for him are Wii Sports and Wii Fit. Both give him opportunities to work on balance and coordination. But the unexpected benefit has been language development!
Mini trampoline with handle – We bought this when Carson was just three, and only recently got rid of it because it was falling apart from years of use and abuse. It’s a great way to get their blood flowing during those cooped-up winter days. Many therapists also believe jumping on a trampoline for a few minutes before doing academic work can actually help calm and focus a child.
Razor Rip Rider – This was Carson’s big gift for Christmas last year, and it was a big hit. Kids in the neighborhood were always asking if they could take a turn! He hasn’t mastered riding his bike yet, more out of fear than anything at this point. But he loves riding this around. The only caution is that it’s important to require a helmet when using this. It does 360’s and it would be easy to flip over, though I’ve never had that happen.
My Little Sandbox Big Builder – This comes in lots of different configurations, and is awesome for sensory play and encouraging imaginative play skills. It’s basically a mini sandbox with mini gadgets that fit with whatever theme you purchase. For instance, this one comes with a rake, shovel, construction vehicles, rocks, etc.. Go Bananas carries lots of different versions of this.
Rush Hour Jr. by Thinkfun. This game is great for developing visual perception and cognitive skills. Players must first align a variety of different vehicles on the board game in a pattern that matches a playing card. That in itself can be a challenge. But the game itself is to maneuver the vehicles around the board so that the ambulance is able to get through the “traffic jam.” The playing cards are at different abilities, and believe me, some of them are very difficult.
Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game by Mattel. This is a new purchase for this Christmas, so I don’t have any first-hand experience with it yet. I found it interesting because it combines Carson’s interest in video games with a game that requires visual/spatial skills! Players draw a card and then have to use blocks to build the structure shown on the card. The fun part is they get to knock the structure down by flinging a character at the structure, just like the video game.
Hedbanz for kids by Spin Master Games. This is another game I haven’t tested out, but am getting for this Christmas. I like it because it looks like something my typical 10-year-old daughter will enjoy playing as much as Carson does. We’ll probably have to modify the rules of the game so that Carson can play, but it requires each person to put a card on their forehead and then ask the other players about it. It sounds like an awesome game for developing language and problem solving skills.
Gears, gears, gears by Learning Resources. Carson got this as a gift a few years ago. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, but it was just too difficult for him at that point to put various pieces together on his own. Plus, there are no “instructions,” so it requires imaginative skills to get started. But it’s exactly those reasons that I’m getting it out again now that Carson is 7, and finding much more success with it. It requires fine motor skills to put the various gears and gadgets together, and a little imagination to think “outside of the box” on what to do with it. Also, I know lots of kids on the spectrum are very mechanically minded, and will love this building kit.
iPad – I guess it goes without saying, this is the best “toy” out there for special needs children right now. I almost hate to mention it because the price tag is so high. But one option is to consider asking relatives for a gift card from Apple, which can be used towards buying it. I bought one this summer that was supposed to be “mine.” The truth is, my son and husband probably use it more than I do! I’m just starting to get my arms around the possibilities with it. Right now, I love downloading kids books, especially the “Bob Books,” which include a lot of interactive tools for teaching reading and spelling. I also love the Dexteria app for developing motor skills, and Sentence Builder for developing language skills. There are lots of websites out there with reviews on apps specifically for special needs kids.
For other suggestions, check out:
Toys R Us Differently Abled Toy Guide
Fisher Price Toys and Play Time Tips for children with special needs
