Christmas season can be over stimulating to the person with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorder, with the potential for disruption of planned events and gatherings. Thus, some thought and consideration should be given when selecting holiday presents for those with autism. Obviously, you should know the interests of the person you’re buying for, just as you should with anyone.
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Helpful tips on buying holiday gifts for people with autism
Since persons with autism are often labeled obsessive about certain things, family and friends are frequently advised to avoid related items. However, it’s recommended that you may indulge them with a gift relative to their specific interests. Also, most people with autism find surprises unsettling, so a “surprise” gift should be avoided. You should consider letting the person know what they are going to receive, thus avoiding that situation.
Many adults and children in the autism spectrum have specific interests or hobbies. People with autism are often labeled as “obsessive” about certain items and family members and caregivers are encouraged to try to re-direct them away from those things. Instead, they recommend to “indulge the obsession” just as you would for someone not in the spectrum who loves certain sports, movies, music or toys.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Holidays often carry too many stimuli for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy without a meltdown.
- There special sensory processing gifts one can purchase for a child on the autism spectrum.
- Those on the spectrum thrive in routine and often are startled by surprises and become overwhelmed.
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