Autistic 18yo, opening a present: a voucher for an expensive experience. You could see he did not like it. You could see him struggling: no way was he able to show pleasure or enthusiasm in this gift, but he was aware of the social code.
Ds managed to explain his feelings about the gift politely, honestly and courteously. He thanked us for the thought. He listened to me and his older siblings explaining the experience (they have all received this gift as they got old enough). He opened himself to the possibility of trying it.
Meanwhile dh is sitting there with a face like thunder. Dh, who has previously responded to gifts with "Why would I want this?" and "What's the return window for this?"
What is it they say? 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' Dh has something to learn from his ds!