If you have a neurodivergent child on your gift list this year – even if that child is yours – it can be daunting to think through options that child will love. (If the child is a friend or relative, it’s always good to start by asking the parents for ideas!) Here’s a basic framework for thinking through options that can guide you to a winning selection.
Sensory seeking vs. sensory sensitive
First, think through your experiences with the child to determine whether he or she is sensory seeking or sensory sensitive.
A sensory seeking child actively seeks out stimulation. Example behaviors could include constant activity (even rough or risky activities), liking to smell or chew on things, or making lots of loud noises. These children may not like wearing shoes and may not notice if their clothing isn’t on right.
A sensory sensitive child is very much the opposite, experiencing sensory input very intensely and thus avoiding too much because it’s overwhelming. These children may be very cautious, be picky eaters because of difficulty with food textures, dislike being touched, and dislike bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.
The sensory system’s 8 senses
Next, think through the sensory system’s eight senses. Is the child on your gift list particularly engaged by (or averse to) certain of these?
- Olfactory: Smell/nose
- Gustatory: Taste/mouth
- Vestibular: Balance/spatial orientation
- Tactile: Touch/skin
- Proprioception: Awareness of body in space and strength needed to complete actions
- Interoception: Awareness of internal bodily states
- Visual: Sight/eyes
- Auditory: Sound/ears
Match a gift with a sense
Based on your conclusions, search for a gift that aligns with a sense that engages that child (and doesn’t trigger aversions).
For example, a sensory-seeking child who loves vestibular input may enjoy obstacle course stepping stones, a scooter board, or a pogo jumper (safer indoors than a pogo stick). One who loves gustatory or tactile input may enjoy a chew necklace or fidget spinner.
A sensory-sensitive child who has a hard time with loud noises and bright lights (auditory and visual stimulation) may love a play tent with fairy lights or a lava lamp.
Once you’ve narrowed down your parameters, specific online searches can yield helpful results. A couple of stores that typically have varied and creative options are Fat Brain Toys and Lakeshore Learning.
But most of all, remember that – whether the gift is a hit or not – your unconditional love and support are the best presents you can offer this holiday season.
Happy gifting!
Pariva Health has helped more than 25,000 families of neurodivergent children and
counting — find out more about the ways in which we empower families, offering hope and help, with lots of play and no wait list.