Timer app, FREE for today only!
Visual timers are great for kids with autism. There are many timer apps to choose from, this is an example..and it’s free today only. This one is only for the iPad. Please check price before you download, only free for a limited time!
We use an app called Pictello to make stories for Abbey using pictures of her, her family and her world. These stories help her to look back on things she enjoyed in the hope she will remember from her experiences, help her learn about things that are hard for her and help her to learn about things she cannot do in a very non-threatening way. She loves them and looks at them almost every day…even the Going to the Dentist one! This picture is just one page from her story called, “Abbey’s Christmas” which had learning pages like this and pages about things she enjoyed, like candy canes.:) Abbey’s story about her trip to Disneyland is entered into a contest right now, please vote for her by picking how many stars you would like to give it, http://www.assistiveware.com/disneyland …Thank you! The contest is a great way to check out all the stories people have entered, you can get some great ideas! And, Picetllo is on sale, last day is TODAY!
So, yes, it’s hard every year to pick out presents for Abbey. She can’t go on Amazon and make a wish list like my other kids…yet. So, sometimes we pick winners and sometimes we don’t. Here are some great things that were definite winners this year!
First is a little hand massager. We put this on her communicating app, as an option and she asks for this at bedtime. It helps her relax. 
Next are see through blocks that nest and stack. The ability to pick which size fits in which is an early math skill that Abbey still needs help with and she LOVES to look through transparent things with different colors, so 2 awesome features in one. Transparent Stacking Tower
And finally, Abbey loves squishies, I mean really loves squishy toys. Our problem is, we go through them quickly as they pop and sometimes quite messily if they are filled with goo! Here is a totally cool one that Abbey loves that will hold up!! 
Hope this gives you guys some ideas! Great to offer the pictures of these objects and have them ask for them, to work on communication too!
Yes, our little girl has discovered the magic of Christmas! How many years did this take? MANY! Boy, is it worth it though, look at that huge grin!
abbeysvoice 