
Shopping for boys can be difficult, but finding the perfect gift for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be slightly more challenging. Autistic kids have different behavioral patterns and ways of learning, so it’s important to find gifts that keep this in mind and can still cater to children and teens.
Whether you’re browsing for a birthday present or you’re getting a head start on the holiday season, now’s a great time to start thinking about finding unique toys for autistic boys. All children love books, trinkets, and everything in between, but finding something that caters to your autistic child’s specific wants and needs can make the present that much more special.
In search of gifts for an autistic teenage boy? Looking for the best toys for a 2-year-old autistic boy? This guide can help you find the perfect holiday and birthday gifts for autistic boys, no matter their age!
For Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. Sensory pillows
If you’re looking for something soft that can help your autistic young one cope through overstimulation, consider a sensory pillow. You can find a pillow in different colors, shapes, and sizes that have a gentle vibration for comfort and sensory recognition.
2. Stuffed toys
Just like a sensory pillow, stuffed animals and other toys can be a comfort item for autistic children. In many cases, a stuffed toy can provide a sense of security for your little one, even at a young age.
3. Flashlight
Looking for the best toy for a 5-year-old autistic boy? According to Raising Children, an Australian parenting website, flashlights make a great gift for a young autistic child for a slew of reasons. It encourages them to explore their senses, use their imagination, better understand concepts like shadows and reflections and so much more. Plus, a flashlight can be a great introduction to independence – if you have a young one who’s afraid of the dark, a flashlight can be introduced as a way to add light to the room without anyone’s help!
For School-Aged Boys and Preteens
4. Kinetic sand
Older autistic children can still love and appreciate the sensory stuffed animals and pillows, but by a certain age, they’ll be ready to explore other sensory toys. Kinetic sand is a great option for sensory time, specifically if you don’t have nearby access to a beach or sandbox. This toy is designed to provide fun, sensory play with the bonus of simple clean up.
5. Video games
Even though video games tend to get a bad reputation, they’re a great learning tool for autistic children. Not only are there games designed specifically to help children with developmental disabilities, but the act of playing video games, in general, is a great lesson in social skills. Children can play video games together, whether in person or virtually, and pick up problem-solving and team-building skills along the way.
6. Sunset lamp
Lava lamps might’ve been the cool accessory for your bedroom as a kid, but sunset lamps are the trendy accent of this generation. This lamp projects brightly colored circular lights that resemble a sunset, which can be equally relaxing and mesmerizing. Most sunset lamps come with different light setting options so you can play around with different colors until you find the one your little guy loves the most. This is a great gift idea for the autistic boy in your life who’s ready for a room design upgrade!
For Teenagers
7. A galaxy projector
Just like the sunset lamp, a galaxy projector offers a fun way to bring character to an autistic teen’s bedroom while also providing a relaxing element to the space. The bedroom is meant to be a place to wind down, and a galaxy project can be the accessory that does just that for your favorite teenager.
8. Noise-canceling headphones
Since people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder have sensory issues related to loud sounds, noise-canceling headphones can make the perfect present. Teenagers naturally have a lot going on; gifting a pair of noise-canceling headphones can help the autistic teen in your life cope with loud noises, better process his surroundings and enjoy distraction-free music at the same time!
9. Weighted blankets
Even as you watch your autistic child turn into a teenager, there’s always room for cuddles and comfort! Weighted blankets can act as a great layer of security, warmth, and relaxation.
Give the Gift of Therapy and New Sensory Experiences
Whether you’re a parent, family member, or caretaker, and you’re looking for opportunities to help the autistic boy in your life develop more social skills and build independence, Blossom Children’s Center can help.
We offer Applied Behavior Analysis, an effective therapy option for children with developmental conditions. With our methodology, we use real-life situations to emulate how behavior works and how improvements in communication, social skills, and gaining independence can help autistic kids better navigate their lives.
With a team of professional registered behavior technicians and ABA students overseen by the Board Certified Behavior Analysts, you can feel confident in our evidence-based interventions and learning approaches.
Reach out today to learn about our ABA therapy methods and programs.