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Chosing GiftsChoosing Gifts for Children with Autism -- Go to any store and you'll see toys exploding off the shelves. But if you're buying a present for a child with autism, picking the perfect gift requires a little more thought.

"First of all, talk to the parents of a kid with autism because kids vary so much," said Tahirih Bushey, a speech and language pathologist at the Scottish Rite Clinic in Duluth. She points out autistic kids have narrow but deep interests.


"Whatever they have a passion for, look for something that fits in with their affinity," said Bushey.

Bushey says children with autism love predictability, so calendars, puzzles, and games like "Memory" are great choices

"Kids with autism love to know when things are going to happen," she said.

For an appropriate gift that's a bit more pricey, Bushey took us to the electronics aisle.

"A digital camera is a great toy," she said. "They have trouble being in the midst of a social interaction but they can become the class photographer."

But Bushey says the way in which you present a gift is just as important as the gift itself.

"The whole idea of opening a present is not necessary fun for a child with autism," said Bushey. "Anything could be in there." She says kids will respond to the toy better if they know what it is ahead of time.

"You might want to take a video or picture of the gift," she said, and attach it to the wrapping paper. "Surprise isn't always a good thing."
 
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