Getting what they what.

As the holidays approach I consider how I have gotten presents. I have developed a simple equation to get the thing they want: love-3 years. Look at what they are passionate about and when look at "age appropriate" items minus 3 of their physical years. Most times it works. As he gets older the minus years gets a little larger. At this point we are still holding strong at minus 4 years! My son, being on the ASD spectrum will tell everybody information on what he is into. We have been able to take that passion and convert it into gifts for him. We can get toys, and now days video games and movies.
What has been your strategies for purchasing gifts?

The wish to be normal

There are times when I sit and wonder what it would be like to have 2 "normal" children, instead of just one. My younger son's only issue is a mild does ADHD, and what teen does not have that! There are many things about my older son that I would like to wish away. Having a Developmental Disability is no easy thing. There are many ways my life would be different if he was normal. I would not have to struggle with a system that is underfunded. I would not have to adjust my work so I can be home for him. He would be able to handle his own responsibilities without my constant supervision. The behaviour would just be teenage hormones. On the other hand I would loose his innocence and ability to forgive. The naivety that will always be there. There is many times I would not have things other than they are. Life is what you get from it. I would never have the awareness of disabilities if it were not for my special boy!

Arguing with a wall

Special needs kids are known for their inability to accept change. It is like stubborn times 100! Many times there is a battle to do any change. You learn to pick the battles you would like to win. The battles that will bring change for their own good!! Sometimes the battles is not on change but for them to do something they don't want to. Like doing chores around the house. What can you do???

We have learned to use reward system. Points for doing what you are told. Extra points if only ask once! After so many points you win. Most times its money to go spend or save. Sometimes its extra treats.

What's the system you use? What works for you??