gift for an 8-yr old with special needs

nosebag

Hi all, my child was invited to a b-day party for an 8-yr old with autism. Any ideas what would be a good gift? I don't want to buy something that's completely useless. Sorry, I'm really ignorant - I know nothing about it. Tried to search online buy most advice is for younger kids. Thanks.

pigpen

Ask the parents what she likes! There is such a huge variation between each child it is hard to say 'they will like this'

Many of the autistic children I know like stuff like lego, gadgets (maybe an itunes voucher?).. or you could be really boring and go with clothing .. getting stuff for younger children often doesn't work, these children are often highly intelligent and it would be an insult to be bought a 'baby' toy.

tea_lover

That's like saying "I'm going to a birthday party for a child with blonde hair, what should I buy".

nosebag

I actually don't know the parents - they're friends with my ex and I don't even have their contact info. Sorry if I offended anyone with my question, yes I do realize that all children are different - I was looking for suggestions to pick from. Not knowing anything about autism, I was afraid that I was going to buy something completely inappropriate.

*Robin*

nosebag wrote: »

I actually don't know the parents - they're friends with my ex and I don't even have their contact info. Sorry if I offended anyone with my question, yes I do realize that all children are different - I was looking for suggestions to pick from. Not knowing anything about autism, I was afraid that I was going to buy something completely inappropriate.

Ask your Ex for the child's Mum's 'phone number. Call, introduce yourself and ask.. The Mum will be pleased to hear from you, and grateful for your consideration; I guarantee it!

pigpen

I'd just get something you would get for any other 8 y/o child in that case.. if it is too advanced the parents can put it away until the child is older .. better something to grow into than too babyish.

Does your child not know what she likes to play with? She must know her to have been invited.. maybe take your child shopping and let her choose an item she thinks the birthday child would like. .. Cop out for you then, if she doesnt like it, its not your fault

jrtfan

2 of my son's closest friend s are on the spectrum, as were several other children at his last school. I've noticed that they often have one huge particular focus - Pokemon for example, or maybe one of the interactive games like Minecraft. (By 'huge', I mean that they are expert in their particular interest!) Also, it's not unusual for them to be gifted in one or more areas (maths, art, creative writing and so on). I would agree with pigpen's suggestion that you sound your own child out, maybe ask them if there is any one thing this child talks about at school more than anything else, or if they are particularly good at anything in class, then take it from there.

arbrighton

I wouldn't suggest buying clothing for an autistic child, as depending on any sensory issues, they may be very particular about what they can tolerate wearing.

You're going to have to speak to ex and ask. Or speak to your child and ask them what this child seems to like in school.

pmlindyloo

Why don't you buy a gift voucher from Smiths if you can't find out what they would like from someone else?

Plus/or a set of pencils/felt tip pens/pencil case/fancy rubber/ruler type things - don't know any child who doesn't love anything like this.

martinnathalie9

I think a gift voucher would be an excellent idea! It could even be for a digital service like Steam or Amazon? Might be much easier for the family to order online.

marleyboy

Our Autistic Son likes toys that make sounds, lights up or spins. But as has been said, Autistic children have a wide array of different symptoms, some wont like things that light up for example.

Your best bet is to ask the parents, dont feel ashamed or nervous in asking, as the parent will happily describe the child's likes\dislikes.

Our Son does not like sweets or fizzy drinks for example, he does not blend well in groups and tends to wander into his own World, not much of a party boy. However others in his class love cakes and chocolates, love to interact and love to play with active toys.

Plus/or a set of pencils/felt tip pens/pencil case/fancy rubber/ruler type things - don't know any child who doesn't love anything like this.

You have not met our Son I see, he has no interest in pens, crayons or felt tips, not unless he can chew them. Albeit gift vouchers sound ideal.