{"id":1002,"date":"2021-08-03T03:16:37","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T03:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/5giftideasforchildrenonthespectrum\/"},"modified":"2023-02-24T20:56:39","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T12:56:39","slug":"5giftideasforchildrenonthespectrum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/5giftideasforchildrenonthespectrum\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Gift Ideas for Children on the Spectrum"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Desiree Kaur<\/p>\n

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Buying presents for children can be daunting with so many options to choose from at toy stores. Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have limited or fixed interest. So, it is understandable when those who are not caregivers or immediate family members are at a loss on what to buy for a child on the spectrum as gift. Here are some ideas to help you along the process.<\/p>\n

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Stacking toys<\/h3>\n
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Stacking rings and toys are often used in Occupational Therapy (OT). It is also easily incorporated as games with caregivers at home. There are various types of stacking toys such as rings, wooden, cups and more. Jenga<\/a> and Uno Stacko<\/a> are also types of stacking toys. Bear in mind the age and soft motor skills ability of the child, as Jenga pieces are typically smaller<\/p>\n

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Building Blocks<\/h3>\n

Some popular examples of building blocks include Lego<\/a> . Again, consider the age and fine motor skills ability of the child. Larger pieces are much easier to put together and suitable for younger children who are still developing their fine motor skills. Lego Duplo is more appropriate for younger children or those who have had little exposure to the smaller pieces of Legos. This trains joint attention if done together with an adult whilst exercising fine motor skills. In fact, some parents enjoy Lego\u2019s themselves so it is as much a present for the caregiver as it is for the child.<\/p>\n

Gym Ball<\/h3>\n
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Used often in OT to enhance vestibular skills or balancing, it is also an excellent tool for bonding at home. In fact, it is always good to have more than one for caregivers to have fun alongside their children. They also come in different different textures and sizes which help with sensory processing<\/a> for some children with autism.<\/p>\n

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Bubble Poppers and Fidget Spinners<\/h3>\n
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\"FidgetFidget Spinner<\/span><\/h4>\n

While both these those toys appear to be more entertaining, there is also much value in honing soft motor skills. It is an excellent gift which, one can never have too many of. It is easily packed along on outings to keep children occupied and can also be used independently at home or in an educational setting. The <\/span>bubble popper toys<\/a> come in a variations of shapes, sizes and colours. Fidget spinner comes in a variety of colours and some with light activation upon spinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Board Games<\/span>\"pexels-karolina-grabowska-4887249.jpg\"Board Games are excellent for training turn taking skills which is a crucial part of speech therapy and social interaction. Additionally, it helps increase joint attention with others playing the game. Board games also help families bond whilst doing an activity. Bear in mind the age and appropriateness of the games for the child. Even if it is at a level above where the child is presently at, it can always be kept for use later.<\/p>\n

Ask the caregivers<\/span><\/h4>\n

As a parent myself, I always appreciate when I am asked about my son\u2019s likes and dislikes. The caregiver is your best insight into what the child likes or is obsessed with at the moment. In fact, caregivers are also able to tell you, what their child would probably not like at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, this piece reflects my personal opinions and was inspired by my good friend, who told me she sometimes wondered what toys my son would enjoy. The above suggestions may be more suited to younger children. If anyone has tips and suggestions for teenagers and adolescents, please email us <\/span>here<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Desiree Kaur is the founder of Project Haans and mother to Haans, the inspiration behind this project. She is based in Malaysia. Writing is her passion and she hopes the Spectrum of Voices will become a space for people to share their stories, learning, strategies and have their voices heard. <\/span>Project Haans is a self funded initiative. If you would like to support Desiree\u2019s work and Project Haans, you can do so via BuyMeACoffee<\/span> here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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Buying presents for children can be daunting with so many options to choose from at toy stores. Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have limited or fixed interest. So, it is understandable when those who are not caregivers or immediate family members are at a loss on what to buy for a child on the spectrum as gift. Here are some ideas to help you along the process. <\/p>\n

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Buying presents for children can be daunting with so many options to choose from at toy stores. Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have limited or fixed interest. So, it is understandable when those who are not caregivers or immediate family members are at a loss on what to buy for a child on the spectrum as gift. Here are some ideas to help you along the process. <\/p>\n

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