Gift ideas to help develop imaginary play

Many kids with autism struggle to develop their imagination and struggle with enjoying imaginative play.  It's something we've really worked on and our middle son is just getting there with some things in it.  There's lots of ways to access your imagination but many kids with autism find it difficult to create things from nothing and we've found that providing props and support is a way to support them.  Here's some ideas if you are looking for things this Christmas. 

Last minute Christmas gifts for our sensory autistic kids

I find buying things for my autistic kids quite challenging at the best of times. Family are always asking what they can get for gifts and it's hard Anthony often has limited interests and is shy about expressing an opinion (in case it's wrong) and David... well David's communication is very limited.  But they are both sensory kids, so what kind of things have I got on my last minute shopping list for the kids? 

Helping our autistic kids get ready for Christmas

Christmas brings with it many changes.  Despite being a very exciting time of year the upheaval and appearances around the home can cause some stress.  We prepare our autistic and neurotypical kids get ready by writing Christmas cards, making timetables and preparing the home all before this happens.

Preparing our kids for the new COVID safe Christmas

Christmas brings with it many changes. Despite being a very exciting time of year the upheaval and appearances around the home can cause some stress and this year it's going to be even more different. We won't have lots of people over and the day will be different due to staying safe and COVID-19. So how do we prepare our autistic and neurotypical kids for the changes ahead of them?

Getting the kids involved in Christmas baking this year

This year is perhaps one of the years when we don't want lots of fingers in food.  But, baking and cooking at Christmas can be a great way to keep kids learning when they've spent time out of school in the run up to the festive break.  There’s so much that they can learn along the way and it’ll actually improve their skills and learning in a lot of different ways that you may not have not thought about. Use the times when it's just your household to get together and bake.. here's just a few things they'll get from it. 

COVID Christmas friendly games and gifts for our autistic family

I find buying things for my autistic kids quite challenging at the best of times. Family are always asking what they can get for gifts and it's hard Anthony often has limited interests and is shy about expressing an opinion (in case it's wrong) and David... well David's communication is very limited.   Jane likes everything.  Everyone has someone that's hard to buy for and this year is more challenging as we've got to think about COVID and keeping people safe.   

Helping my kids communicate over Christmas

Christmas brings with it a change of routine, sensory explosions and a whole host of other things that can be overwhelming for any kids but particularly those with autism.  Perhaps more than other times, it's really important that I'm able to understand my kids, so I need to make it easy for them to communicate.

Computer games for our kids, suitable for ages 3 to 16+

My kids and I both enjoy gaming. We enjoy, relax and learn from it. But not all the games I play are suitable for all our kids.  If you are thinking of getting a new computer game for your children, here's some of the latest we are considering, what they are about and what you might like to know about them, from a mum of autistic and neurotypical kids.

Getting our autistic home ready for Christmas

Christmas brings with it many changes.  Despite being a very exciting time of year the upheaval and appearances around the home can cause some stress. So how do we prepare our autistic and neurotypical kids for the big things like decorations and make a success of the arrival of our real Christmas Tree?

Stocking fillers for our autistic kids

I find buying things for my autistic kids quite challenging.  Anthony often has limited interests and is often very shy about expressing an opinion (in case it's wrong) and David... well David's communication is very limited.   We have to guess what they'd like, for birthday's, Christmas and in their stockings.  Fortunately - I've come up with some great ideas this year that will appeal to their sensory sides, provide them with fun and even some sneaky education.

An Elf on the Shelf for our autistic kids

According to The Elf on the Shelf website, Santa sends most of his Scout Elves during Scout Elf Return Week, which runs from next Monday 23rd November to 1st December.  Many households will be following the tradition that reminds kids not to be bad as we approach the busy and exciting festive season.  But traditionally, the idea of an Elf that couldn't be touched and moved around could freak out our family, that happens to include autistic kids.  That was until last year.

Why George Michael's heart couldn't be sold on eBay

Since last week Anthony has been singing a song he’s heard from other kids at school. On a walk the other day he blared out:

“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart,

But the very next day, you sold it on eBay.”

Four last minute gift ideas for autistic kids

If you've just left it a bit late for your kids or think you may be visiting some as a last minute arrangement here's some quick gift ideas we've grabbed that are still next day delivery or collections (at least at time of posting!)

Helping my autistic children communicate over Christmas

Christmas brings with it a change of routine, sensory explosions and a whole host of other things that can be overwhelming for any kids but particularly those with autism.  Perhaps more than other times, it's really important that I'm able to understand my kids, so I need to make it easy for them to communicate.

The pressure of inclusion in Christmas shows

Today was Jane's Christmas show. She's in Year 1 now and I've settled into a relaxed routine.  Jane beams with pride at every song, action and line. She waves at me when she thinks no one is looking.  Secretly I know she's eyeing up the lead rolls the Year 2 kids get.  It's a stark contrast to what I'm used to.   Jane's siblings are autistic and having kids with autism in a Christmas show is far more nerve wrecking.

How will we cope with an Elf on the Shelf

December came and so did a new comment from our youngest, Jane. “Sarah and Julian both have a magical Elf on the Shelf that talks to Father Christmas.” After a few days of  ‘Elf on the Shelf this..’ and ‘Elf on the Shelf that..’ it became apparent that what Jane was really after was an Elf of her own. She even made a video to Santa on my phone that I found late on Monday night. But Elf on the Shelf is a bit difficult in our house.

This post has been updated. Read the post here>>

Four inclusive and supportive kids books

Through no fault of their own, many kids books miss out on the opportunity to be inclusive.  Many writers draw on their own experiences when writing and creating stories, so it's maybe not a surprise.  But I've found a few books that show inclusion in their stories and support kids in being themselves.

What my kids did for Christmas that made me cry

It's only a few days before Christmas.  The excitement is getting to many of us.  On the way home from the last day of school, Jane bursts into tears.  It's not unusual, yesterday she was crying because she wanted it to be Christmas everyday and it couldn't be.  Then she said something that made me choke up.

How to start helping my autistic son to understand money

It's not unusual for the kids to be sent money in amongst their Christmas gifts from relatives (if I'm lucky, I still get some too).   But unlike our daughter Jane who thinks about what she may be able to buy, to at least one of my son's a five pound note is little more than a plasticky piece of pretty paper and the other has only just started to get an understanding of it's value.

My daughter wants to be a King

When the parent mail pounced on my inbox, I sighed.  'Reception Nativity Costumes' it said. Of course, many reception parents delight in the excitement of the first nativity play.  As a mum of three, I've seen a fair few.  We've also had the chaos of costumes mixed in with two autistic boys.  'At least that won't be the case with Jane' I smiled to myself as I opened up the email.  So true, in fact, Jane's costume chaos cheered me up no end.