Autism Spectrum Therapies’ Suggestions for Holiday Children’s Gifts
The Autism News | English
Culver City, California (PRWEB) December 06, 2011
Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) understands that it is always challenging to select fun yet appropriate gifts for children during the holidays. This challenge is amplified when the recipient is a child with autism. Despite these challenges, gift giving can also be an opportunity to provide a gift that inspires natural creativity and learning abilities in children with autism. AST’s Co-Founder and CEO, Dr. Ronit Molko, Ph.D., recommends giving gifts that are “fun and engaging, while at the same time provide opportunities for interaction, creativity and learning.” Here are some of AST’s top suggestions for great gifts to excite and inspire your child this holiday season.
Top 5 Gift Ideas by Age Group
1. Children Ages 0 to 3
Shape sorters
Puzzles (wooden with handles for each piece; suggested brand: Melissa and Doug®)
Board books
Stacking blocks and cups
2. Children 3 to 5
Games (e.g. Candy Land®, Chutes and Ladders®, Don’t Break the Ice®, Connect Four™, Hi‐Ho Cherry‐O, Cariboo, Hullabaloo, Lucky Ducks®)
Puzzles with up to 25 pieces (suggested brand: Melissa & Doug®)
Play sets (e.g. kitchen, construction)
Dress up items and beads
Puppets
3. Children 5 to 7
Toy animals with care items (e.g. toy dog with carrier, bowl and leash)
Play kitchen set
Barbie™ dolls and accessories
Hot Wheel® sets
Leap Pad™
4. Children 7 to 10
Games (e.g. Uno®, Scrabble®, Yahtzee, Bop it®, etc.)
Wii™ (e.g. Wii Play™, Mario Kart®, etc.)
Nintendo DSi™ (e.g. Mario Brothers®, Cooking Mama, etc.)
Lego® Building Sets
Radio Control Cars
This list was developed as a general guideline. It is important to remember that every child is unique. Check with your child’s teacher or therapist for specific recommendations on which toys might be more appropriate for specific skills sets and developmental levels.
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