Spectrum Transition Coaching Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Shopping for holiday gifts for everyone on your list can be daunting. Spectrum Transition Coaching can make it easy. We’ve compiled our favorite books, products, games and gadgets for students, young adults. and parents. These gifts are selected with neurodivergent learners in mind but work great for any family with young adult children.
Happy shopping!
For high school students and their families
1. Talking College Card Deck: These conversation cards are a great tool for families as they prepare to send a student to college. Created by Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD, these cards prompt intentional conversation around themes of expectations, money, safety, health, relationships and more.
2. How to College: While we obsess about getting our kids INTO college, we often fail to think about what happens next. The transition to college is a significant period of change and stress. This book guides students and parents alike to focus beyond the college application process and prepare for success during the college experience.
3. From High School to College: Another great resource for families of rising juniors and seniors which provides a clear path for students with disabilities to thrive in college.
For college students or recent graduates
1.Networking for People Who Hate Networking: For those of us with introverted personalities, networking can be a nightmare. In this empowering book, author Devora Zack presents a useful guide to a different kind of networking that focuses on your personality strengths.
2. Field Guide to Grad School: This book is a miracle for anyone contemplating grad school or currently in a grad school program. There’s so many unwritten and unspoken rules and customs in academia – this book helps you learn the ropes.
3. Skills for Scholars Series: This set of 10 books serves as as an excellent tool for aspiring or current professors or lecturers in the academic world.
Gifts for the low-tech person in your life
1. A new planner: A new year calls for a fresh, new planner to set goals and make plans for the future. This list includes many of our favorites. Any planner will work – the key is to use it consistently.
2. A blank journal: Writing things down has become a lost art in our digital world. However, there is still something magical about putting pen to paper.
3. Sensory Stimulation Products: Used by all ages, sensory stimulation products can help those with ASD, ADD, or ADHD increase their ability to focus on the task at hand.
Gifts for the high-tech person in your life
1. New alarm clock – for heavy sleepers: We all know we shouldn’t sleep with our phone right next to us, but in reality, it’s a hard habit to break. Using an alarm clock can help you put your phone across the room and wake up more peacefully.
2. Noise cancelling earbuds: Earbuds are a great way to minimize background noise to help you focus, whether you are working in a coffee shop, at home, or at the office.
3. Free mindfulness apps: It’s so easy to move through your day on autopilot. These mindfulness apps help cultivate a sense of thoughtfulness in your daily life.
4. Meditation apps: Stop your scroll with a free meditation app. Set a timer for your desired length and let the app do the rest. Meditation takes consistency and practice, both of which are easier with an app.
Books for parents and those seeking to understand autism
1. Neurotribes: This book presents a new way to think about autism. Author Steve Silberman “considers the idea that neurological differences such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD are not errors of nature or products of the toxic modern world, but the result of natural variations in the human genome.” It’s a fascinating and impactful book for anyone in the Autism community.
2. Uniquely Human: With uplifting stories and real-world advice, this book is a must-have for parents of autistic children.
3. We’re Not Broken: Author Eric Garcia uses his own experience as an autistic professional to expand the narrative on autism in today’s society.
4. What Do You Say?: Parenting is full of difficult conversations and this book provides a guide to make them easier. Read my full review here.
Group games for families and dorm dwellers
1. Exploding Kittens: A family favorite at our house. Pack it for your next vacation for an entertaining and light-hearted evening of fun.
2. Code Names: Perfect for the James Bond fan in your family. This creative word game keeps everyone guessing until the end.
3. 5 Second Rule: You fast-talking teenager has an advantage in this game based on creativity under pressure.
4. Ruckus: Ruckus is great for all ages, 5 and up. This silly, lively, and fast-paced game keeps everyone on their toes.