Arts and craft kits (e. g. bead bracelets with cat-shaped beads) Home and kitchen ware that matches the interest (e. g. cat-shaped oven mitts in their favorite color) Books (a book detailing types of cats) Outfits (a shirt with a cute cat picture on it) Toys (a stuffed cat)
Age-appropriate chemistry sets to play with her siblings together Science books that she can read to her little brother, or that her older sister can read to her Board games with a science theme Toys that combine science and one of her siblings’ interests (e. g. a dinosaur science kit with her T. Rex-loving brother)
“I’m feeling a little worn out, so I’m going to get some alone time now. " “I need to go finish my work. Let’s talk more later. " “Dogs are great, but I’m a little tired of talking about them right now. How was your day?” “We can talk about Russian history for a little longer, and then I’d like to talk about something else. " “We can talk more about birds later. Do you want to tell me about that painting you were working on?”
People with ADHD also experience intense interests. If the person uses social media, you can encourage them to find online communities relating to their special interest (such as a group online for fans of movies). They can also make friends that way - remember that online friends can still be friends.
“Hey, he’s my friend. Leave him alone. " “That’s rude. " “There’s nothing wrong with being passionate. Stop making fun of her. " “Lay off. " “Hey, (autistic person’s name), come hang out with me!”
Use toy cars to demonstrate basic math facts—from counting to arrays Drive a toy car around a globe to demonstrate geography and distance Get a car-themed workbook Focus physics lessons on car mechanics Have them build a miniature vehicle using ordinary objects for a science/engineering project
Nonjudgmental listening Asking questions Validating feelings Setting boundaries (e. g. “I need some alone time”) Noticing when someone isn’t actively engaging with you
Say what to watch for (lack of verbal responses, examples of impatient body language, appearing distracted) Explain how to turn a conversation if the person seems bored (“So how was your weekend?”) Talk about how to tell when someone is interested, and that it’s okay to monologue if their conversation partner wants them to Explain that it is never bad or wrong to want to share their passions with others.
A teen who scours autism blogs is gaining great research skills and learning to look at multiple sides of an issue. A boy who goes to theater club is learning how to express himself and make friends. A girl who plays video games may someday design them.
