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Original poster

13yo (ASD) birthday ideas....struggling!

36 replies

delanical · 30/09/2023 17:35

My autistic son is turning 13 soon (for context he goes to an autism school and after quite a tough few years in mainstream, he's doing really well, has friends etc but is quite isolated out of school and dislikes busy / noisy environments but is a total sensory / thrill seeker)
He's also entering that teenage stage where everything is rubbish and he doesn't want to do anything. He hates sports. Does gaming constantly anyway and has everything he needs.

Previous birthdays have been trips to HP studios, theme park etc and he's now got all the electronics he could possibly ever need. He doesn't want a party.

I know he'll be upset if there's no fuss / a treat day out / a surprise but he doesn't want anything and I can't think of anything he'd like / need or want to do......

I'm stuck. At this rate all he'll have is a balloon and a cake like a toddler!

Please - if you have a 13 year old, what did you buy them and how did you celebrate?!!

OP posts:
TrailingLoellia · 30/09/2023 18:06

Go with his passion. Tickets to the biggest U.K. game convention.

EGX London 202312-15 October 2023
ExCeL London, United Kingdom
EGX, the largest video games convention in the United Kingdom, returns in 2023 with another blockbuster show. This event is expected to play host to four packed days of gaming celebrations, attracting crowds of dedicated fans for on-site multiplayer tournaments, panels, and other excitement.

Original poster
delanical · 30/09/2023 18:07

Beckafett · 30/09/2023 18:05

Does he like gaming merch? That's what my partners son likes who's only interest is gaming. He's the same as in he likes a fuss on his own terms but it's hard to know new things.

He's very anti merch. Will only wear plain black clothing etc with no labels 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
delanical · 30/09/2023 18:08

TrailingLoellia · 30/09/2023 18:06

Go with his passion. Tickets to the biggest U.K. game convention.

EGX London 202312-15 October 2023
ExCeL London, United Kingdom
EGX, the largest video games convention in the United Kingdom, returns in 2023 with another blockbuster show. This event is expected to play host to four packed days of gaming celebrations, attracting crowds of dedicated fans for on-site multiplayer tournaments, panels, and other excitement.

We've tried to encourage him to go to these sorts of events but it's a hard no from him - too busy / noisy.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

13 year olds Events & celebrations SEN
Original poster
delanical · 30/09/2023 18:08

TrailingLoellia · 30/09/2023 18:06

Go with his passion. Tickets to the biggest U.K. game convention.

EGX London 202312-15 October 2023
ExCeL London, United Kingdom
EGX, the largest video games convention in the United Kingdom, returns in 2023 with another blockbuster show. This event is expected to play host to four packed days of gaming celebrations, attracting crowds of dedicated fans for on-site multiplayer tournaments, panels, and other excitement.

Thank you for the suggestion though!

OP posts:
TrailingLoellia · 30/09/2023 18:08

delanical · 30/09/2023 18:08

We've tried to encourage him to go to these sorts of events but it's a hard no from him - too busy / noisy.

Show quote history

Yeah I can see that with some who are on the spectrum. Back to the drawing board.

LovingKent · 30/09/2023 18:10

Escape room?

LadyBitsnBobs · 30/09/2023 18:10

Did you think about a VR session? There are some VR places around they are AMAZING . You could take a few friends and do the arcade games for a few hours.

Beckafett · 30/09/2023 18:10

Ah sorry I meant like items; my partners son likes Kirby as an example- he wouldn’t wear a t shirt but give him a bit of plastic, or something like that he’s happy

Original poster
delanical · 30/09/2023 18:15

LovingKent · 30/09/2023 18:10

Escape room?

We've done a couple as a family and he liked them but it's a bit 'been there, done that' with him now. He has very fixed mindsets on things he's done before.

OP posts:
Original poster
delanical · 30/09/2023 18:17

Thanks everyone for all the help and suggestions!

OP posts:
LovingKent · 30/09/2023 18:27

Fair enough.

As for presents if it is PC gaming how about a gaming keyboard? Better graphics card? If xbox you can get custom controllers apparently. New game?

Was going to suggest indoor skydiving but there doesn't seem to be one in the South West. Link is here anyway.

https://www.iflyworld.co.uk/

iFLY: Indoor Skydiving at Basingstoke London MK & Manchester

iFLY brings an exciting opportunity for indoor skydiving for all, including groups & corporate teams. Located in Basingstoke, Milton Keynes, Manchester and London at The O2

https://www.iflyworld.co.uk

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