Christmas ideas for Blind and autistic son

[HotChocolate2016]

This year we have adopted our little miracle From an orphanage in Ukraine, This will be his first proper Christmas and I am really stressing myself out in what to get him.

I will give you the basics, Our prince is 8 years old and is Blind, Autistic and Non verbal. He likes to throw things on the floor, open and close doors and is currently learning how to play with toys, in the orphanage he didn't have a lot of opportunities to play and explore toys. At this moment in time he explores everything by mouth and I am extremely worried about giving him things too small that could result in him Choking. He also eats blended food and doesn't like sweet things however he loves porridge.

Our little Sunshine is 8 years old but developmental he is that of a 12 month old so far I have brought him some rattles and a couple of light up balls, we are waiting to see a specialist because there is a possibility he can see light. I don't want to overwhelm him by getting lots but I want to get him enough for a stocking and some gifts under the tree.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated,

Thankyou.

I've found this site useful for gift ideas mamaot.com probably looking for suggestions for his developmental age.
Also the FB group 'a special needs Christmas' often has good suggestions. [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/193089027492954/?ref=ts&fref=tsp
Things that seemed to go down well with most children at SN groups are the space blankets that marathon runners use, they cost about £1 and crinkle pleasingly, also shiny if he is able to see a little. Beat Bo also very popular for lights, music, cause and effect. A band in a box type of thing with musical instruments? Something like this ?

Sorry, epic clicky link fail

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001FVGM6O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478440304&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=battat+sound&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2BA5LJwRJL&ref=plSrch

The FB group is www.facebook.com/groups/193089027492954/?ref=ts&fref=ts

www.learningspaceuk.co.uk/baby-activities-c161/ambi-toys-dazzle-ball-p805

www.wonderbaby.org/articles/best-christmas-toys-blind-children

www.cheapdisabilityaids.co.uk/sensory-toys-and-sensory-lighting-1-c.asp

The spiky balls that look like laundry balls but glow is an idea.

I hope you have a wonderful first Christmas with your son

Also suggesting sensory toys. Have you seen an occupational therapist yet? Would they be able to suggest something more in keeping with his specific needs? You can get some great special needs swings, for outdoor use, I've seen them at parks before. But you'd want to be sure that he enjoyed that first!

Have a brilliant Christmas!

Sorry, you could also try asking on the special needs boards. Great for you too if this is all very new to you.

If he's into opening and closing things the Melissa &Doug latches board might work and grow with him. Congratulations on your expanded family 💐

I'm seconding the (excellent) Lamaze Octotunes, which is mentioned in alwayshappy101's link. Its gentle vanilla scent is very soothing, too.

HotChocolate2016

I hope your whole family enjoy a lovely Christmas with your precious son, and that he goes from strength to strength in his new life with you.

x

-Hammock or swing for the garden
-Story tapes ( can get him a basic CD player to play them on also)
-chocolate buttons ( melt in mouth)
-snuzzly warm blanket
-bean bag

• books, those board book type with textures inside
• bop it game

Bean bag
Weighted blanket
Hand held fan
Sand/water table
Theraputty
Fiddle toys
Gym ball
Spinning Light wand

Books with sensory bits like 'that's not my'.
Bubbles
Materials with different textures.
Those netting things that you can put food in for weaning children.
White noise machine
Ball pool
Mini trampoline

I could probably suggest stuff all day.....

Thankyou ladies, currently looking at your ideas online :)

Will have a think but just wanted to offer you my congratulations and admiration for offering this little boy a lovely home X

I agree with bubbles! Or perhaps a stretch Armstrong?

I have literally nothing to add as all my suggestions have been used!

Well, I'll add "happy first Christmas with your new son"

:)

DS adores play doh without doubt it is his favourite toy. I know 8 might be a bit old but it is such a good sensory toy.

Sensory toys does he have any sight can he see lights theres lots of fabulous sensory lights you can get but also toys that you can press to make sounds i hope you all have a magical christmas together

Sorry I have nothing to add but would like to say how wonderfully incredible you sound at adopting a boy who sounds like he has been welcomed into a home where he will get such love and nurturing

I also have nothing useful to add but you and your son sound wonderful. I just wanted to wish you both a merry first Christmas.

My DD likes opening and closing the door on her ikea toy kitchen. My husband is blind and I am visually impaired. He said he liked playing with keys as a kid the jangle of them. Maybe take a look at the rnib shop.

Make a huge ball pit with a paddling pool? I made sensory stepping stones like these adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/sensory-stepping-stones.html?m=1 but you can buy some. I agree with a CD player depending on how sensitive he is to noise. My DD has the elc one.

I follow the adventures of Adam on Facebook. The mum there has lots of fantastic sensory play ideas.

Have a fantastic first Christmas!