I don't care what santa brings me....

[EarlofShrewsbury]

... as long as he doesn't forget me.

This is what is said to me when I ask my 8 year old DD to write her Santa list.

She has ASD and is more like a 5/6 year old in terms of social development but she is extremely bright.

I'm not sure if she genuinely doesn't care or if she's trying to figure out if Santa is real by not verbalising what she wants.

So now I have to guess and she's not the easiest kid to read the mind of.

Anyone else struggling?

I feel for you...my child had figured out by 5/6 that Santa wasn't real (but happily played along with the tradition and didn't tell other kids). She'd ask for 'a surprise'. Gee, thanks kid.

Perhaps you could tell her that while she may not care what Santa brings her, he cares about it but can't read her mind so it helps him if he has some ideas?

It looks like it is time for the reveal and move on. You are struggling and the last thing you want is having to rack your brains on this.

She is 8 and a bright kid so you should bite the bullet and do it.

Surely she would still ask for a surprise from her parents though?

I have ASD and used to ask for a surprise every year, it wasn't because I was questioning the existence of Santa, no idea why I did it. I think I sometimes had trouble imagining the future/thinking ahead so I didn't know what I would want that specific day if that makes sense?

Thanks. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

Last year she said the same but 3 days before Christmas let slip that she was expecting magnetic fridge letters but for the Russian alphabet (which she taught herself aged 6).

Prime came to the rescue and delivered on time and she was made up. I'm worried she does have something in mind this year but is reluctant to say. She's verbal but doesn't speak up much.

Family chat over dinner or something.

Gosh I’m really excited for Christmas, I really hope I get some new slippers, what about you DH?

Oh I’m hoping for some socks, how about you DD?

Worth a try.