I’d also add that we’ve found over the years that teachers very much appreciate gift certificates from bookstores or general supply stores- oftentimes they have to top up their classroom supplies out of their own pockets, and they seems to be more appreciated than mugs or chocolate. And on the other hand, we’ve always found that aides and workers love a bottle of wine or a gift certificate for a manicure- so many of them spend a lot of time getting down and dirty with kids all day, so it’s sometimes nice for them to get a chance to relax and feel good.

Also we’ve reorganised our toys as suggested by her special ed. teacher. In anticipation of a flood of toys from her army of admirers I have also done a fair bit of culling.

But I think of all the gifts that Heidi will get this year her fav. is going to be the bottle of buttons my mum has been collecting

Leo’s social challenges are such that we split Thanksgiving this year, with my husband and girls doing the extended family visiting while Leo and I stayed at home and ate take out with a few choice friends. All of those friends made special efforts to connect with Leo, without even having read my social challenges post. It was a lovely Thanksgiving for everyone.

But, since not everyone — especially late-elementary school-aged children — is naturally socially intuitive with respect to children with social challenges, I do highly recommend reading the “helping peers understand our kids’ social challenges” post linked above.

Thanks again.