By Radhika Chitnis
Friends, family, neighbors and grandparents are always sensitive to a child’s needs, but might be equally unsure of whether their choice of a gift will really be useful or even safe. Got Autism, which offers educational and therapeutic products for people on the autism spectrum, provides the following list of gift ideas for those with special needs in every age group.
Toddler – Preschool
Charlie the Weighted Bulldog $37.95
Helps increase muscle tone and strength while doubling as a lap pad. Charlie is 13 inches in length and weighs 2 pounds.
Sands Alive $24.98
Combining sensory exploration and fine motor play, this no-stain, easy clean-up sand is all-natural, gluten-free and has a non-toxic formula that prevents bacterial growth. The Holiday Special Neon Frenzy edition glows in the dark to add another sensory dimension.
Twilight Turtle $32.95
Help comfort little ones to sleep, especially children who are afraid of the dark. Transform any room into a starry night sky, with three soothing color options (blue, green and amber) to create magical, tranquil environments.
ages 6 – 10
Pop Fly Game $29.89
Practice throwing and
catching skills while building visual perception and gross motor abilities. This is a backyard game kids will love: hit the paddle with your bean bag and up goes a ball.
Saddle Rolls
Offers extra support and aids in developing muscles, coordination and balance. Saddle Therapy Rolls come in four different colors and sizes and can support up to 600 pounds ($33.95-$59.95). Sensory Saddle Roll has a nubby surface for tactile input ($49.95).
Sensory Play
Tents $32.50
These tents build gross motor skills, creativity and imagination. They feature an inflatable ball-pit, tent and hideaway — perfect for hours of entertainment.
Tweens
Pea Pod Calming Station $79.99 – $95.00
A velvety cocoon of deep pressure for calming comfort and the perfect place for relaxation. Inflatable with heavy-gauge vinyl and triple-welded seams that make the Pea Pod strong and durable.
Comfort Weighted lap pads $39.95
Ideal for promoting calm without distraction. Perfect for homework. These large (13 x 19 in.) plastic pellet-filled lap pads also can be used as a warming/cooling pad when warmed in the dryer or cooled in the freezer.
Teens
Big Ball of Whacks $37.98
This complex, structural puzzle made of magnetic pieces is a great tool for creative, visual thinkers. Includes a 36-page guidebook.
Jaxx Metro 5 ft. Bean Bag $229.00
This stylish seat provides pressure, comfort and a sense of spatial awareness. Its premium, shredded ecofoam filling and durable polyester liner with childproof zipper make this a bestseller.
Adults
Comfort Weighted Blanket $99.95-$369.00
Hand-made with washable, non-toxic plastic pellets, this blanket provides proprioceptive input combined with calming comfort.
Adult Fidget Bag
$64.95
Give restless fingers some classy fidgets. Includes a blue nylon tote with Putty Buddy, Glitter Wand, Mini What Z’it, Blobby Robby, Totally Textured Tangle and Y Ball.
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Reduce annoying low-frequency sounds in any environment.
Plane Platinum Headphones $61.85 Noise Cancelling Headphones with Case $31.95
To learn more about these products or for more information, visit got-autism.com
