Present for 5yo with autism

[WhyOhWine]

My cousin’ DS is 5 and has autism. He is non- verbal and I think at the severe end of the spectrum (apologies if that is the wrong terminology). We are seeing them over christmas and am trying to choose a gift. Previously I have given clothes but will be giving toys to his sisters so it feels a bit mean to give him clothes. I have never seen him show any interest in toys before (but he loves his iPad). Any suggestions? Thanks

[LRL2017]

An iTunes voucher to buy games for iPad? If that's what he's in to.

[quirkychick]

What about some sensory toys? Maybe check with your cousin if there are things he particularly likes/dislikes, so nothing noisy if sensitive to noise or similar. My dd2 is coming up to 8, but loves things like light up balls, a light which projects stars (for bedtime), a bag of chiffon scarves, light up buzzers etc. Amazon do lots of sensory toys at reasonable prices, last year dd2 was sent a bag of sensory toys which went down a treat.

[cansu]

I think you have to ask. My ds who is severely autistic is v hard to buy for unless you know his interests. At that age it would have been dvds or coloured pegs! sensory toys may well be a good idea but I would definitely ask.

[Sirzy]

I would ask the parents. Even if you say it in a “we were looking to buy x some sensory toys what do you think he would like?” Type way so as not to seem like you are just passing the buck (if that makes sense!)

[SimultaneousEquation]

It depends what he’s interested in. However, this toy has gone down hugely well with an autistic 4yo I know (and several neurotypica children that age): it’s a house with four doors, each with its own real key. But that 4yo was quite keen on doors, and your dn may not be.

m.johnlewis.com/melissa-doug-doorbell-house/p1783069?sku=234151310&s_kwcid=2dx92700028121376913&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIorrsqY6P2AIVZLftCh2tuwn8EAQYASABEgKiV_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[WhyOhWine]

Thanks. My mum asked my cousin what he would like but my cousin gets asked the same by everyone and says she finds it hard enough just to think of enough gifts from her/father Christmas.

[burntoutmum]

Another suggesting sensory toys. How about something to fiddle with? One of those tangle toys?

[Slobbymummy]

my son is 9 and is severely autistic and only really plays with his iPad but we got him some sensory lights that you put inside the bath and he loves them! All three of my children like them and cost less than £15 off Amazon

[Geneticsbunny]

Try sensory toy warehouse online. They have a good selection of sensory stuff at reasonable prices you could give him a box with a few different small things in.

[WhyOhWine]

Thanks for all the suggestions

[Lovemusic33]

This

B&M do some great lights, the disco light bulb is popular her, I think it’s £3.99, they also do a bubble lamp for around £35 and a jelly fish tank.

Both my dd’s have ASD, dd2 loved construction toys (Lego, knex) also jigsaw puzzles and anything tactile.

There’s also a light up car track thing on Amazon which looks quite good (car lights up and goes around a small track).

Dd is now 11 and loves slime and gelibath. Play dough has always been one of her favourites too, she doesn’t make things out of it, just fiddles with it.

[quirkychick]

My parents have bought that light for dd2 for Christmas!

I would ask not what to buy, but what he likes, some kids get overloaded with too much noise/light/music etc. but some love it.

We have that Melissa and Douglas house it's great, they make lots of great stuff, actually. We have some of their puzzles too.

Aldi often do light up bath ducks etc.