Think sensory presents for children with autism

A few days before Thanksgiving, Marshall was sitting at a work table in school. When the teacher walked into the room, she could see that the little boy had been crying.

"What happened to Marshall," asked the teacher? "Is he okay?" Bobby, the assistant answered, "He’s fine. Marshall just got a sad face. He isn’t doing his work."

Marshall looked up at the teacher. He knew he had made a big mistake. "Christmas, Santa Clause, presents … Tick Season 1, Tick Season 2, Daredevil vs. Spiderman, Spiderman vs. Dock-Ock," he asked? Then the teacher understood.

Marshall knew Christmas was nearing. He had been told you need to have lots of happy faces. Otherwise Santa won’t bring any presents if you aren’t being a good boy. Marshall hardly ever got sad faces.

Every year, the class has a big Christmas party. The parents and family members come together to celebrate with their children. The event also helps the students prepare for all the festivities coming up in their own homes.

The children literally practice how to eat with not only their families but friends as well. Of course, the main event is always Santa Clause. Santa usually brings a few presents including a special one for each child. Marshall had become absolutely terrified that Santa would find out he had received a sad face. Would that mean no presents at this year’s Christmas party?

The teacher brought the boy over to the rocking chair and began to rock him.

"Marshall, you need to do your work. You made a mistake." Again, Marshall repeated, but with a tiny voice, "Christmas, Santa Clause, presents…Tick Season 1, Tick Season 2, Daredevil vs. Spiderman, Spiderman vs. Dock-Ock?" The teacher said, "Yes, Marshall. You only have one sad face. Santa knows you are a good boy. You are doing fine. Marshall, you know Santa will probably bring just one of those presents to school. I bet you he will bring Tick Season 1 if you continue to get more happy faces."

Then, to the teacher’s surprise, Marshall added to his phrase that he had been repeating for weeks. "Christmas, Santa Clause, presents, school Tick Season 1, school Tick Season 2, school Daredevil vs. Spiderman, school Spiderman vs. Dock-Ock." The teacher laughed. "I don’t know Marshall. I think Tick Season 2 and the Spiderman movies might be something Santa might want to bring on Christmas Day at your home. Okay, Marshall. Now get back to work so Santa won’t see any other sad faces."

Marshall looked back at the teacher unsure at first but then a big smile came across his face. Everything was okay. Santa was still coming with lots of presents for Marshall. Marshall went back to the table. Later on, he went to the sensory area and began bouncing on a ball while watching a movie during choice time.

With Christmas fast approaching, besides movies, sensory gifts make wonderful gifts for children with ASD. You don’t need to spend a lot.

For example, Walgreens always has lots of toys that light up, spin and make noises. Look for squishy toys including a variety of animals like snakes and frogs.

Walmart and Academy both have lots of possibilities too. Think about buying one or two large balls in the exercise department.

The children love balls to be partially inflated and fully inflated. The partially inflated balls are wonderful for calming. The fully inflated ones help get rid of that extra energy.

Target always has great interactive games including farm animal ones that make noises. Target even has some of those Eric Carle games and a lot of his books too.

Be creative at Christmas. Michaels has lots of tiny little animal figures. The children love to hold animals while being read a book such as Dear Zoo or From Head to Toe. Look at Kohls and see what books with stuffed animals they have available.

Recently, Kohls was selling Dr. Seuss books including the How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Max the dog was the stuffed animal being highlighting for $5.

Another place is The Dollar Stores. They too have lots of toys that children with ASD can benefit from. I am sure you can think of many other places including the Internet. Remember, think sensory. Of course, make sure whatever you buy is safe and ideally age appropriate.

Pamela Gross Downing, a special education teacher, can be contacted at downpamg@aol.com.