My grandson hasn't been diagnosed yet, but we're pretty sure he's somewhere on the spectrum. I'm been looking for toys or other aids to help him and the prices are just CRAZY!! Has anyone ever bought anything used (for a 2 year old), and how do you know exactly *what to buy? Maybe I'm jumping the gun, and should wait for the diagnosis and treatment program. Does anyone know if any of these articles are provided in OT, or any of the other treatments. I think where I live, they'll come out a… read more
Answer Summary
Members rallied around a grandparent seeking affordable toys and teaching aids for a toddler they suspect may be on the autism spectrum,... Read more
Dont wait untill diagnoses will be done. For every child bo matter if the kid is developing condition or typical its ALWAYS important to work on mental development. We go to thrift stores, donation centers, look in craigslist for garage, yard sale or free stuff. We built a small house out of carton boxes with tape and staples, cut windows and door so can play 3 little pigs and just stay in when feeling need to do so.
There are all kinds of free apps for phone and or tablets!!
@MaryAnnesteele, I agree that some of the expensive OT items can be made for less. We bought our son a sleeping bag for Christmas and he loves it.
We loved Color wonder no mess paint! I think we used it closer to age 3 for the same reasons. We have a tent. Our Early Intervention therapist put a blanket over the table and made a tent. A good activity is crawling through a tunnel or to top of couch with a puzzle piece and matching. We labeled and eventually worked on Wh questions with the puzzle pieces. When we bought a trampoline (cheap at Walmart) we did a 3 step obstacle course. Good for motor planning and core strength (low tone and seated posture)
@A MyAutismTeam Member I haven't actually made anything yet, but I've gotten ideas from looking at some of the expensive things I've seen. Ex. I saw something called a "peapod", that a child can sit in. (Don't know it's purpose) or if my grandson would need it, but I just thought, "Hmmmm, *I could MAKE that. Also, since he likes to chew on things, (clothes), I've gotten some of his teething rings out for him to finger and chew on. Mostly, I'm in the beginning stages of getting ideas, but I will share with the forum as I find or make them. :) My grandson is 2, so I'm probably looking for things that might or might not apply to your son. :)