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Since we sponsor disabled kids in the Christmas Angel program, a lot of people have asked about choosing gifts for disabled kids for the holidays. Thought I would share some thoughts on the subject. (1/)
Buying a gift for a disabled kid is much like buying a gift for any kid. Ask the child what they want. What do they like? What do they need? Do they have a favorite character or activity? Do they like a particular type of music or movie? (2/)
If the child is unable to answer (for whatever reason), ask a caregiver. "I don't know what to get XXXX for the holidays. Is there anything they would really like? Do they need something?" (3/)
Do not automatically assume that a disabled kid can't like a given item/activity/game just because they are disabled. Ask!
But what if the child has a particular need. What if the caregivers use developmental words you may not know? (4/)
But what if the child has a particular need. What if the caregivers use developmental words you may not know? (4/)
Visually Impaired: the child may have various levels of visual accuity (can see shapes/shadows/colors/distortions/nothing at all). Consider toys or games that make noise or with large pieces. Audio books, large print books, Braille adaptive tech (if used). Again ASK! (5/)
Hearing Impaired: the child may have various levels of audio accuity (can hear certain frequencies/sounds/speech without background noises/low tones/nothing at all). Consider movies with subtitles, toys with flashing or colorful pieces, social interactive toys. Always ASK! (6/)
Hypertonic/Hypertonia: high muscle tone, tight muscles, spasticity (tight or stiff mucles). Often associated with cerebral palsy or certain seizure disorders. Look at toys or games that involve balance or muscle control, turn-taking, reaching, hand-eye coordination. ASK! (7/)
Hypotonic/Hypotonia: low muscle tone, flaccid or floppy muscles or extremely loose joints. Often associated with EDS or certain forms of muscular dystrophy. Consider resistance toys, throwing or rolling toys, reaching, pushing, gripping. ASK! (8/)
Hypersensitive: acute sensitivity to stimuli.
Hyposensitive: lack of sensitivity to stimuli.
These can be tricky as they may cover a spectrum. I cannot stress enough the need to ask the child or caregiver. Weighted blankets, vibrating toys, fuzzy toys, etc. are possible. (9/)
Hyposensitive: lack of sensitivity to stimuli.
These can be tricky as they may cover a spectrum. I cannot stress enough the need to ask the child or caregiver. Weighted blankets, vibrating toys, fuzzy toys, etc. are possible. (9/)
Perseveration: not "obsessive/compulsive." This is the uncontrolled repetition of a response/action/thought/emotion without a continuous stimuli or reason.
This is another tricky one. Always ask the child or caregiver. Look at interests, stimming toys, sensory toys. (10/)
This is another tricky one. Always ask the child or caregiver. Look at interests, stimming toys, sensory toys. (10/)
Gross Motor: activities/needs that involve large movements or big muscle groups. Balance, running, walking, standing, jumping. Toys or games that involve any of the above. Big bouncy balls. Lifting games. Large scarves to swing. Swings. Remmber to ASK! (11/)
Fine Motor: activities/needs that involve small, precise movements or smaller muscle groups. Self-feeding, coloring, tying shoes, coloring, painting, playing an instrument, typing. Try beading toys, keyboards, coloring toys/games, blocks, weaving toys. Always ASK! (12/)
Proprioception: an awareness of location and movement of the body - are you standing straight? leaning? raising a leg? Often an issue with inner-ear problems, traumatic brain injuries, hypotonia, and other conditions. Bouncy balls, rolling toys, shaker toys. Definitely ASK! (13/)
Feeding Issues: problems with oral motor skills, chewing, swallowing, tongue manipulation. Also includes food aversions, whether mild or severe. Do not try to buy "treats" because you're certain the child will like them. On this one, always, ALWAYS ASK! (14/)
Cognitive Delays: Delays in intellectual functioning/development. Learning difficulties. May make it difficult for a child to engage or play with others. Can span a wide spectrum of conditions. Look at turn taking games, storytelling games, interactive games. As always ASK! (15/)
I am by no means an expert. There are more syndromes and diagnoses than I could possibly address here, but I hope this gives you a place to start.
And remember to ask questions. Being open to learning more about a child's interests and needs can make a world of difference. (16)
And remember to ask questions. Being open to learning more about a child's interests and needs can make a world of difference. (16)
