6 Gifts I Would Like to Get as a Parent of a Child on the Autism Spectrum

A lot has been talked about gifts for children with autism. So I’m going to turn the tables and talk about gifts for us, the parents.

Let’s dive in…

1. Respite.

If you’ve been around parents of kids with autism, you must have noticed we could use a break. With the challenges, it can get exhausting and overwhelming sometimes. This could be your chance to show some support. How about a few hours of respite? We get to catch up with life or just take a nap!

2. Help with chores.

Another practical gift could be helping with chores. Some of us may find it hard to leave our child with someone else and respite might not be the best idea, but helping with chores can be much appreciated. We can use help with groceries, laundry, meals and other chores.

3. Spa gift cards.

I don’t remember the last time I had un-smudged nail paint on me. So, this could be the pampering that is appreciated. A massage, a facial , hair treatment or a simple mani-pedi could go a long way in making us feel uplifted and relaxed.

4. GPS tracker.

A lot of the kids on autism spectrum tend to wander off and this is a constant worry that many of us who parent kids with autism have on our mind. A GPS tracker can take this worry off to a great extent. There are many in the market to choose from. You can ask us for our preference based on the features our kids need the most.

5. Money.

Friends and family can contribute to any savings account or a STABLE account that a family might have set up for the child. You’re also offered tax deduction up to a certain amount for your contributions to a STABLE account. Some states also allow unlimited carry forward until all your contribution has been fully deducted. This might not be the most sensational gift, but it’s definitely a practical one.

6. Other gifts.

Clothes, blankets, electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, restaurant or store gift cards and other usual holiday gifts are always great ideas. Not every gift has to be about our challenges. Anything that brings a smile on someone’s face is a good gift.

Nothing beats a good old handwritten letter about how much you care for our family. Your support, your acceptance and your faith in us and our child is the biggest gift that you can give to a family like ours.

Happy Holidays!