Need gift for child with a mental disability?

Question

My boyfriend's ex-nephew (ex-wife's family) has a four year old with a mental disability. He will be turning five in a couple of weeks. His ex's family invited me and my BF to the child's b-day party. What should I get him. I am a teacher so naturally I would buy him books and educational toys but...he has someting similar to autism, down syndrome, and slight brain damage from lack of oxygen during delivery all combined according to his doctors...are there any books that he might benifit from..I don't want to insult his parents by buying books b/c he will never have the ability to read independently as he gets older????Any suggestionsI want to get something that he would like and the parents can use to teach him things..

Answer 1

Call the parents and ask them what he might really like. They can tell you best!

Answer 2

Does the child have any symbolic receptive communication skills.

If he uses symbols to communicate you could make a book with both words and the symbols appropriate to him. For instance photo's or pictographs.

You could also get a book which is mostly pictures.

You could also try a children's talking book which has an accompanying book. Is it definite that he won't be able to read independently.

This site gives you some information on using symbols for literacy.

You could also try dvd's, puzzles, colouring books, pencils, building blocks, puppets (you can get these as part of a kit with a script so you can do a puppet play), playdough,  

I've worked with students with Autism and Developmental delay of this age and they were able to use most of the same stuff as the other students - the activities just had to be modified a bit.

Answer 3

I would go with something physical or visual.  Physical a shopping cart.  My 7 and a half year old still pushes it.  He is PDD in reg. ed. typical school reads and writes and talks.  We have a walmart one that was  $9.49.  Another idea would be like a lava lamp or one of those aquariums that light up and make it look like the fish are swimming.  Playdoh is usually good too, anything old school like a sit and spin, bubbles, a big wheel, or scooter.  An electric Thomas the train set.  Most of my stuff is sensory and not educational.  Educational stuff like manipulatives, puzzles, kaleidoscope, view master, abacus, find it, paint with water, or an easel? I don't suggest books because they don't hold this population's attention.

Answer 4

well you can get him some computerized games like a leap pad and buy him some little books he can put in that and it'll teach him to read and you can buy him some books that he'll teach him to write and spell things and everything or you could get a learning dvd but please don't say he's never gonna be able to read because you never know you might be susprised

Answer 5

I'd say ask his family... what kind of toys he enjoys, what his interests are... theres no point buying him a random gift because alot of the time children with special needs have a limited selection of toys that are appropriate for them.

Answer 6

go to a party store-or someplace like Spensers Gifts-

I have a plastic light up aquarium that spins around-geared toward a pre teen-so it would be age appropriate

and look for things taht spin around and light up

Answer 7

You coud get him picture books. I dont think that would be insulting to a child at his age. Plus the colors and pictures will be amusing to him.

Answer 8

i would see something he likes cars the move would be a good one thats if he likes cars trains possable a learning toy thats has sounds on it and talks bright lights large things on the screen. talk to his mum and dad first good luck

Answer 9

I suggest you get him an interactive toy..not necessarily books. In these cases the children like to see color..so preferably you should get them something extremely colorful that they can play with. Of course, nothing that can hurt him either but maybe something soft and colorful.

Answer 10

What about a dvd of a really good kids movie?

Answer 11

If he has autism then he probably has an obsession of some sort. Most of us do. Mine is swimming and Dr Seuss. I also like to study about Mexico. Find out what he likes and then get something for him.

My roomates at school things like dogs, lighthouses, airplanes and boats, Dinosaurs too.

Find out if he has topics he loves and then get things that go along with that topic.

Even kids that can't read love picture books if it is about their obsession.

Its his birthday. By getting him something that is about his obsession, if he has one, would teach him people care about him and his likes and dislikes. That is important too.

If he loves bright lights, get him a bag of sensory toys that light up. That would be awesome and I don't think if it brought him happiness that anyone would find it insulting.