Christmas is a just few short days away. Some people have already got everything planned and super-organised types may well have started arranging things months in advance! Others leave everything until the last minute, especially buying gifts.
This isn't always because they haven't had enough time or just haven't got around to it. It can be because choosing the right gift for someone is difficult and the sheer amount of choice now available to us through the internet sometimes has the reverse effect of making things harder instead of easier. We're willing to bet that everyone knows somebody who is tricky to buy for.
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| Sensory Hug® Mini in the Bulldog theme |
When it comes to buying a gift for an autistic person, this difficulty can be magnified. With that in mind, we've put together some useful tips to help you.
Perhaps the best thing to do is simply to ask the person what they would like. Autistic people often prefer routine and to know in advance what to expect so buying something as a surprise might not be the best idea. You could also ask the person's family or friends for inspiration. If you choose to do this then be sure to ask in the right way and avoid negative questions like 'What triggers the person?' or 'What can't they do?'. Be positive and ask what skills and interests the person has.
Autism can affect how a person responds to sensory stimulation. Too much of this can be a bad thing, so it's often a good idea to avoid toys that can be over-stimulating, such as those that incorporate flashing lights or make loud sounds. Many autistic people enjoy toys that can help them to focus, such as fidget spinners.
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| Fidget spinners may also aid with stress and anxiety |
Consider buying a practical gift that can help the person to better cope with daily activities. A weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and improve mood, as can noise-cancelling headphones. Tools that help with organisation, such as a calendar or journal, are also a great idea. Another practical gift is a water bottle; some autistic people experience a reduction in their perception of thirst, and a water bottle is a good reminder to stay hydrated.
Finally, do some research into events that are specifically designed for autistic people. As awareness of neurodivergence has increased, a growing number of venues such as cinemas, zoos, museums and more host such events, for which you can buy tickets to give as a gift.
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| The Sensory Hug® Maxi by Medigarments Ltd |
The Sensory Hug® Mini & Maxi by Medigarments Ltd
Medigarments Ltd is a specialist supplier of dynamic compression garments from our SDO® Original and SDO® Lite collections, along with our groundbreaking Sensory Hug®. All of these garments from our Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ collection have been proven to deliver sensory and proprioceptive feedback that can help to reduce the overactivity and sensory-seeking behaviours often associated with autism.
If you need any further advice or would like to learn about our superb collection of dynamic compression garments for people with autism, please browse our website or get in touch with our clinical team.
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We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
The World of SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO®, SDO® Lite, Sensory Hug® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.
