Gifts for Autistic Children & Adults

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. With one in every 160 children around the world on the autism spectrum, it's likely that autism has touched your life whether it's a family member, friend, or neighbor, or coworker.  

Celebrate those in your life that live on the spectrum with thoughtful gifts that will bring smiles and soothing comfort to kids and adults alike. We've rounded up our favorite gifts that are autism-supportive, and they can all be purchased US tax-free and shipped internationally with MyUS. 

Weighted Blankets

A great night’s sleep can improve concentration, mood, and health, but for people with sensory processing issues or Autism, the feel of a light blanket moving during sleep can be distressing. 

That’s where weighted blankets come in. They contain polypropylene pellets that are evenly distributed throughout the blanket, providing firm, gentle pressure. Weighted blankets have surged in popularity for kids and adults with Autism, but they can also help those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and many other conditions. 

For adults, our favorite is the weighted blanket from Good Knight. They're made of 100% premium cotton, and each square is filled with tiny non-toxic, poly-pellets that distribute weight evenly. This blanket measures 60”x80” and comes in three weights; choose the 15 pound blanket for adults 100-150 pounds, the 17 pound blanket for adults 120-170 pounds, and the 20-pound blanket is perfect for adults 150-200 pounds, with prices ranging from 68 to 77 US dollars.

Looking for a weighted blanket for a child, teen, or senior? SensaCalm makes customized weighted blankets for kids ages one and up as well as adults. Choose your fabric, size, and blanket weight on their website, and they'll create a blanket to your exact specifications!

"I bought this blanket for my son, he is 3 years old and has autism, he loves the superheroes on his blanket, and he's been sleeping 9 times out of 10 through the whole night," said Jen C. on her review of the Marvel Avengers Custom Weighted blanket from SensaCalm. 

Noise Canceling Headphones $90

There's no quicker or easier way to escape the noise and stress of daily life than by putting on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and Cowin's E7 Pro Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are our top pick. They have professional active noise cancelling technology to cancel out noisy city traffic, busy offices, and other pesky noises, and have soft ear cushions for lasting comfort.   

Lava Lamp $20

Sensory overload is common for people with Austism. A lava lamps can help calm and soothe frayed nerves and promote relaxation. This top-rated lava lamp from Schylling has a metallic base, classic shape, and comes in four classic color combinations.

“I just love this lamp. It is made of very good quality materials and glass, not like some of the cheaper lamps sold online. If you buy from this company you will not be disappointed...I guarantee that!” said Paulette on her Amazon review. 

*While lava lamps make great gifts for adults, they can become very hot, so we recommend keeping them out of kids’ reach. 

Bubble Lamp $90

Bubble lamps deliver a soothing experience similar to a lava lamp, but without the worries of being too hot to the touch, making them perfect for kids that want to wind down and zone out after a stressful day. .

Calover's bubble lamp, just shy of 4 feet tall, is a striking circular water feature with color changing LED lights that creates a tranquil and soothing deep-sea environment. Use the included wireless remote to choose from 16 static colors, select brightness, and pick from five modes; flash, strobe, fade, smooth and static single color.

ArtNaturals Essential Oils and Diffuser $30

For many autistic adults and children, the scent of essential oils can be both soothing and invigorating. And unlike candles, essential oil diffusers never release smoke that can be irritating to nasal passages and provide all-natural aromatherapy benefits that can provide relief from anxiety and depression, improve sleep and improve quality of life. 

The ArtNaturals essential oils diffuser is a staff favorite thanks to its whisper quiet motor, auto shut-off, choice of seven LED colors, and six essential oils that are included with purchase. 

Stim & Fidget Toys

“Stim” toys (toys that are intended to redirect or replace self-stimulating behaviors that are common in Autistic children and adults) and fidget toys are virtually interchangeable. Along with redirecting or replacing behaviors, they can relieve stress and anxiety. Their size also makes them easy to bring anywhere.
Here are a few of our favorites:

Mega Stretch Caterpillar $3

Made of solid but soft rubber, covered in tiny spikes, and stretching to over 30 inches long without breaking, the Mega Stretch Caterpillar is a tactile favorite.

Starry Night Spinner Ring $10

While it looks like a regular ring, the Starry Night ring doubles as a spinner, one of the most soothing stim toys ever. Great for adults that would prefer to keep their fidgeting low-key.

Chewable Annular Pendant 3-Pack $19 

Compact and fairly dense, these chewable annular pendants are discreet and suitable for moderate to aggressive chewers. Available in a three pack of solid or iridescent colors to compliment any outfit or mood. 

Soft Fidgets Pack $13 

 For those that prefer stim toys with less resistance, try this Soft Fidgets Pack. It includes Silver Stimtastic Putty, a Slow Rising Squishy, a Stretchy Squishy, a Bandy Ball, and a Mermaid Sequin Plush.

We always aim to bring our members the best shopping options available, but some of the gifts featured in this post may have purchase restrictions. To find more information, please visit the merchant’s terms of sale, shipping guidelines and/or terms and conditions.