Birthday gift for 2 year old with a developmental delay

[JKL]

Hi!  I have a friend whose son will be turning 2 in a few weeks.  He has a seizure disorder and an apparent developmental delay.  He has no expressive language (does not talk or sign, etc), and does not play appropriately or seem to enjoy toys meant for his age level.  He does not enjoy books, building things, stuffed animals...mostly he mouths any object given to him.  He does not seem to especially enjoy music or movies.  I'm struggling with what to give him as a gift.  I don't want to give him anything meant for babies, as I'm certain Mom would not react well to this, and they already have lots of infant toys already.  (What I'd really like to give him is my expertise in teaching him to communicate, since that is what my training is in, but Mom has not asked for my help, and I don't feel it is my place to step in uninvited).  Anyway, I'm looking for any suggestions for birthday present anyone might have.  They take alot of 2 hour trips to see a specialist in another city, so I'm thinking something he may be able to use in the car....  I'd like to maybe make up a "sensory box" for him, full of objects safe for him to use to get the oral input he likes, but I feel like this would be sort of a weird gift to give and for him to open at a birthday party full of kids.....

[RachelC]

Could you ask mom what he might like?  Sorry for the tough spot you are in 

[maggieruth]

weird, maybe but an awesome idea!  maybe you could find a way of decorating the box and call it the car rides box and explain the rest later when the other guests have gone?
can he do cause and effect games?
would he love some kind of snuggly toy with a lovely soft texture?
what are his hand skills like? (i am thinking water table, pouring cups for the bath etc)
for that matter what are his gross motor skills like?
playing to whatever strengths he has might help too.
HTH!

[JKL]

LOL, yeah, I guess asking Mom would be the logical thing to do.  I just feel sorta pitiful doing that, since she always comes up with great gifts for my kids!
Oh, I love the idea of decorating the box--I think I'll have ds do it! This little boy has delayed gross motor and fine motor skills (due to either his medical condition or the meds he's on for it, poor angel).  I think I am going to fill the car ride box (thanks! with a favorite CD that ds loves and that I listened to as a kid (uh, not the same copy ), a nice thick piece of "chewelry" (a boy-type necklace made for chewing), and a few books with either sound or big textured pages.  Thanks guys!

[mum101]

Your idea of the box and the contents does sound really good.   

[maggieruth]

i bet that both the wee lad and his mom will love it!  and i bet its a relief to have someone "get" him and find a great present too!