Gift Ideas for our autistic friends and family

This list was generated because sometimes we have received questions from relatives and friends on gift ideas for our autistic children and adults, in particular, for our "Voyager" kids and adults (formerly "low-functioning" ~ BAH-HUMBUG!).  

Some characteristics of our Voyagers may be 

• non to semi verbal, 
• possible cognitive delay or intellectual impairment
• possible motor or other functional challenges
• possible behavior and/or other medical issues.   
• DEFINITELY loving, precious, curious, and have this great desire to thrive and be successful

With that in mind we thought it might be nice to have a list of gift ideas we've received over the past couple years.  Please take a look, and if you have more ideas please send them to us!

And please shop through AmazonSmile, and Amazon will donate a small portion of their proceeds to AFBA.

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GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND RELATED DISABILITIES

Calming toys

• ​Flowing sand panel
• Tranquil turtle

• Massage roller stick
• Squishes ie. Stress balls​

Visual toys

• Lotus light
• Star projector night light
• Icicle string light curtain
• ​Music lightshow
• Light necklaces

Audio gifts

• Age-appropriate audio books
• Sing-along CD's
• CD Boom Box
• Wireless microphone! Drive mom crazy!

Gifts of learning

• Piano lessons with a special needs teacher like at Cultivate Music studio
• Swimming lessons
• Age-appropriate audio books. The cognitive level of non-speaking autism kids is way underestimated! Stimulate them with good, grade-level stories or non-fiction audio books
• iTunes gift cards for apps

Get kids moving

• Work out sessions with trainers like those at Special Fit. 
• ​ Swimming lessons
• Small trampoline
• Gift certificates for Rockin Jump (trampoline park) or Pump It Up (inflatable playground) 

​Just Toys & Fun!

• LEGOS of all shapes - careful to not get too small if they might get in kiddos mouth
• Magneatos - magnetic construction set
• Soft or Nerf Balls - Maybe mitts.
• Chew toys
• Slime/thinking putty 
• ​Indoor swing for doorway/rainy day swing
• Squirt bottles/water table play items
• Bubbles

Fun Fashion

• We all need new clothes!
• Roshambo shades (flexible, virtually unbreakable sunglasses)(available on Amazon Smile)
• Visors/hats
• Super soft clothes - one parent recommends an ultra soft shirt line from Gap

Posters of Certain Characters, TV shows or Movies
Examples might be The Wiggles, Sesame Street, Thomas the Train, Dora.  Others, Star Wars,  even Seinfeld!  You can find them cheap on Amazon.com   Maybe frame them so they're ready to put on a wall.

Goodies!

• Favorite foods
• Gluten free goodies

Homey Stuff

• ​High thread count sheets 
• Weighted blankets/sensory sacks 

MORE RESOURCES

• National Autism Resources Article: Toy and Gift Guide for Autistic Kids and Teen (Shop their autism toys here)
• Autism Parenting Magazine article: Autism Toys for Children: Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Best Gift for Your Child With Autism

THANK YOU to everyone that sent their gift ideas!

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