Finding the Perfect Gift for Your Autistic Teenager - 50 Unique Gift Ideas

Finding the Perfect Gift for Your Autistic Teenager

Shopping for gifts can be challenging for any teenager, but trying to find the perfect present for an autistic teen can feel especially daunting. Autistic children have unique interests and needs, so it's important to put some extra thought into finding something that will appeal to their specific preferences. The good news is there are plenty of great gift ideas that can delight an autistic teenager. Here are some tips to help you pick out a gift your autistic teen will genuinely enjoy.

Focus on Their Interests

One of the best ways to choose a gift for an autistic teen is to think about their special interests. Many autistic kids have intense, focused passions whether that's dinosaurs, anime, trains, video games, or something else entirely. Lean into those pre-existing interests when you're selecting a gift. Find something that ties into the specific TV shows, movies, books, hobbies or topics they already love. It shows you understand who they are and what makes them uniquely them.

Consider Noise Level

Autistic teens often have enhanced sensitivity to sound, so gifts that are noisy or loud may not be appreciated. Avoid gifting anything that beeps, buzzes, plays music, needs to be assembled, or makes other disruptive sounds. Opt for quieter gifts like books, art supplies, sensory tools, headphones or other electronics they can mute. If you want to give a noisy gift, include headphones to help block out some of the sound.

Give Them Options

Autistic teens don't always handle change or surprises well. Giving them options and allowing them to choose their own gift helps ensure it will be something they enjoy and feel comfortable with. Offer a selection of 2-3 potential gifts within a certain budget and let them pick out their favorite. This gives them a sense of control and agency in the gift selection process.

Try Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes that deliver a monthly package centered around a certain theme or interest can make great ongoing gifts for autistic teens. There are subscription boxes for just about every hobby, fandom or activity these days. Let your autistic teen choose one based on their own specific preferences. They'll love getting mail just for them and having a new special interest-related item to look forward to each month.

Give Sensory Items

Fidget toys, weighted blankets, textured objects, kinetic sand and other sensory items make wonderful gifts for autistic teens who may crave sensory input. These tools can help them self-regulate emotions, focus, relieve anxiety and manage fidgety energy. Pay attention to the types of textures, sounds, sights, movements, pressure and tactile input they respond best to and look for sensory gifts that align with those preferences.

Gift Comfort Items

Many autistic individuals find comfort in having familiar objects or "loveys" with them at all times. Consider gifting your autistic teen a stuffed animal, blanket, pillow, book, stuffed animal or other comforting item they can keep with them. This lucky object can help provide a sense of security and reassurance whenever they need it, whether at home or on-the-go.

Give The Gift of Shared Interests

Bond with your autistic teen by giving gifts you can enjoy together. Choose activities you can participate in as a shared interest. Possibilities include board games, video games, craft kits, cooking classes, museum memberships, or supplies for hobbies like hiking, photography or gardening. Giving the gift of experiences allows you to join in the fun while supporting their interests.

Help Them Organize

Organization tools and storage solutions make excellent gifts for autistic teens who may struggle with executive functioning skills. Help them stay tidy with labeled bins and baskets, shelving units, drawer organizers, wall calendars, whiteboards, bullet journals or file folders.Digital organization tools like wall calendars, reminders and lists also make great gifts for helping reduce clutter and stress.

Give Tech Gifts

Many autistic individuals thrive when using technology. Gifts like tablets, headphones, e-readers, or gaming consoles allow them to use technology to learn and have fun on their own terms. They may especially appreciate tech gifts that help minimize social interaction like online gaming memberships or streaming services so they can enjoy activities solo.

Gift Social Stories

Social stories that explain social situations through a child-friendly format can make excellent gifts for autistic teens. You can find pre-made social story books on topics like making friends, handling bullying, conversational skills and more. Or get creative and make a customized book for your teen explaining how to handle challenging situations like doctor visits, traveling or handling meltdowns.

Give Them Confidence

Autistic youth often experience bullying, judgment and low self-esteem. Boost their confidence with gifts that make them feel good about themselves. Possibilities include motivational books, inspirational posters, confidence-building workbooks and journals or trendy clothes and accessories that help them express their personal style.

Keep Their Interests and Needs in Mind

Shopping for any teenager has its difficulties, but choosing gifts for autistic teens comes with its own unique considerations. Keep their specialized interests, sensitivities and developmental needs in mind when picking out the perfect present. Focus on their passions, give them options, look for tools that make their life easier and get creative in supporting their enjoyment. With some empathy and understanding, you can find gifts that will truly delight your exceptional autistic teen.

FAQs

What kinds of gifts work best for autistic teens?

Gifts that cater to their special interests, fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, subscription boxes, sensory items, organization tools and tech gifts often work well for autistic teens.

Should I let an autistic teen pick their own gift?

Yes, giving them a few gift options to choose from can help ensure they get something they genuinely want and will use. This gives them a sense of control.

What gifts should I avoid for an autistic teenager?

Avoid excessively noisy items, clothing with uncomfortable textures, strongly scented products, clutter, or anything that would disrupt their routine.

Are gift cards good gifts for autistic teens?

Gift cards are great because they allow autistic teens to pick their own gift. Opt for stores, online shops or experiences related to their interests.

Should I give an autistic teen gifts to help with social skills?

Social story books, journals, or confidence-building gifts can gently help them work on social skills. Make sure to focus on their interests first.