Picking Gifts for the Profoundly Mentally Challenged

Profoundly challenged students are those with an IQ between 25 and 45 on an intellectual test. The lower on the scale a child's IQ, the less likely that they are to live at an independent functioning level. These children are often in wheelchairs, wear diapers and eat baby food. Some are even feed through feeding tubes. While some people think these children do not know if they receive gifts, others still want to remember the profoundly challenged during the holiday season. After all, we remember a baby on his first Christmas. As a Special Education teacher, I know that finding the perfect gift for a profoundly challenged child is easy with a few tips.

Think Safety

First and foremost, think safety. Avoid toys with small parts that might be swallowed or ingested. Check the toy for any paint that might come off if placed in the child's mouth. Also, check for lead paint. Older toys or toys from yard sales might contain lead.

Musical Toys

Musical toys will be a big hit. Music is a universal language so any toy that has a melody will work. Toys such as animals, recorded books or CD's with the child's favorite music are great gift ideas. Also think of musical items that the child might hold or use. Tambourines, drums or even a simple child's keyboard are ideas. Remember that often, these special children have very little hand eye coordination , so they will often require assistance in using a musical instrument.

DVD or Blue-Ray

Purchase a DVD or blue-ray with the child's favorite cartoon character or child's program character. Having taught profoundly challenged children, I have noticed that many a child will pay attention to their favorite character. Some children enjoy holding a stuffed version of their favorite character while watching the show. Barnie, Dora and Sponge Bob are all great suggestions.

Assisted Technology Toys

Purchase toys that operate with assisted technology. Generally, these toys are animals, musical instruments, spinning tops or other toys that function off of a button attached to the toy. A child simply learns to push the button in order to see the toy work. Recording devices that work off of a button can also be purchased. These devices record a brief message. For example, in my classroom we recorded the device to say good morning. A child came into the classroom, pushed the button and many times it would elicit a smile. Special web sites and catalogs sell toys with an assisted technology device.

Although a profoundly challenged child may not be able to show their appreciation for their present, the giver is the real winner. Seeing the joy on the child's face makes the lack of words worth it.