Gifts for Kids with Autism 2014

For years my boy just asked for a gift. 
That was the only clue, "a gift."
He's come a long way, and now sometimes
says, "I don't have the words."
This year he wants "a Christmas book,"
so - well, I'll wander over to Parnassus
Bookstore (I'm a huge fan of independent
bookstores) and turn the problem over
to them.

If you have a lead like "Christmas" or "Dinosaurs,"

you are in good shape. 

Sandra Boynton's Christmastime is an all time 

Christmas favorite.

Quirky animal characters combined with a gently

humorous analysis of all aspects of the holiday season

to provide a richly satisfying read. 

Boynton is even better known for board books,

like Bob and Six Other Christmas Stories.

For dinosaur demanders I recommend

The Big Fearon Book of Dinosaurs

Black and white line drawings illustrate brief

descriptions of dinosaurs. Activities include

coloring pages and sequencing. Elementary level.

World of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life

by Dougal Dixon.

Full color pictures and easy to understand layout

(name, description on left, picture in center, fact

file column on right) make this a winner for almost

any age, though those who have memorized the

prehistoric era will likely find nothing new.

For the youngest dinosaur lovers, head 

back to Boynton with Oh My, Oh My, Oh

Dinosaurs.

If you don't have a lead, you might want to 

look through some of my past entries here. I also

like Chinaberry for its wonderful descriptions.

If you want toys as well as books, I like Hearthsong -

I just ordered my boy his second perplexus maze since

he adored his first one until his brother threw it across

the room one too many times.

Large toys that create small enclosed spaces are often

popular with our sensory seeking kids -

Please add your gift suggestions! Comments welcome.

And Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, Serene Kwanzaa,

Peaceful Winter Solstice - however you celebrate this time

of year, may you find peace and happiness with your

family.

(Fellow Boynton fans should click on Christmastime. 

You're welcome. Yes, I do accept chocolate.)