My nephew is turning 8 but b/c of his autism, he's really at maybe a 5 or 6 year old level as far as what he's into. He is way into dinosaurs right now and is having a dino party next month. I teach in-home preschool and we just finished up our dino theme, so I'm giving him 2 dino books, dino finger [uppets, and a simple board game that came with our curriculum and a few new dollar store stuffed dinos. I'd like to get him a gift ranging from $10-$20 that is dino related or Spongebob related since he loves that as well. Any thoughts?
Just a thought, I don't know how high or low functioning he is but I know a few of my friends with autistic boys tend to LOVE the computer. Maybe look into a computer game? Either spongebob or dino related.
Hi,
Does he have a dinosaur museum nearby? If so, you could get him a couple tickets for admission.
Try websites that sell educational toys such as discovery toys and lakeshore learning. http://www.lakeshorelearning.com
Maybe some small "counter type" dinosaurs that he can put on both sides of a balance and predict which side is heavier. Dinosaur floor puzzles are still fun for the 5 to 6 yr. old level. (Lakeshore should have these and maybe the company called Melissa and Doug.)
What about videos? I'm sure there is a wide range on both topics and he might even like some non fiction stuff. National Geogrpahic has good kids' videos. Also, I'm not sure if Dino Dan is available on DVD but it's pretty cute. It might be too young for him, but if he loves dinos, it's pretty cute.
the dinosaur from toy story. I think they have remote controlled at toys r us.
I agree that something educational about dinosaurs could be perfect for him. My son has Autism and he has a restricted interest. It was toilets and thank God that is over! Now he is into Anatomy. He will ask me all kinds of questions and I will google it. He tells me that he wants to see real pictures, not drawings. I've already started looking for some educational anatomy gifts for him for Christmas.
I think that when a kiddo has a restricted interest they like to learn as much about it as possible. Your nephew might enjoy some educational tools that would help him increase his knowledge. I'm sure he will love it!
Posters
Plastic Dinosaurs in all sizes
Here are a few melissa and doug dinosaur gifts that work well with kids suffering from ASD:
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dinosaur-jigsaw-puzzles-in-...
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/wooden-movable-dinosaur-gra...
Have fun picking toys... Good luck!
If he loves dinosaurs then I would go with informational books about dinosaurs geared for his reading level and slightly above. Having Autism does mean that sometimes the person has a preoccupation with certain subjects and he might enjoy learning as much as possible about all things dinosaur-related. That means you don't necessarily have to go with toys. Books, a heavy blanket, learning materials, a dinosaur science kit, dinosaur puzzles, etc.
