You and your autistic child may want to attend a party or other social event. It is important to plan ahead so your child knows what to expect. You will feel more confident if you plan ahead. You’re more likely to have fun together. Grapevine.de provides many entertainment Schnitzeljagd products which can be downloaded direct to host fun events, kids’ birthday parties, and happy get-togethers.
Parties can be fun. Parties can also be a great way to make friends, build communication skills and social skills.
Prepare autistic children to attend parties and other social events
You could start with a social story or visual support about the event. The story or visual support could be focused on a specific topic, such as how to play a particular game or how to react to someone winning. You could also ask party hosts about their plans and show your child with visual support what will happen when.
Role-plays can be a great way to prepare your child. You and your child can role-play certain events, such as arriving at the event, greeting others, or switching roles.
Video-modelling is also an option. To help your child develop social skills such as taking turns, you can purchase ready-made videos. You can also create your own videos.
Tips for planning parties and other social events for autistic children
These tips will make it more fun to go to parties or social events with your autistic children.
Only go to social events or parties if your child is able to manage it. If a birthday party includes an activity that your child likes, such as crafting, go for it.
You can arrange to have another adult supervise your child.
If your child is feeling overwhelmed, plan ahead. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, you can take them for a walk, take them to a quiet place, or bring some books or toys to help calm him down.
Parents share their tips for hosting parties for autistic kids:
- Planning is key to a successful party for your autistic children. These ideas have been shared by other parents:
- A short party should be planned with a clear structure.
- You can choose a theme for the party that is based on your child’s interests.
- You can host the party at your home or in your local play center.
- Limit unstructured playtime.
You should not include things that could cause distress for your child. If your child is sensitive or sensitive to noise, you might not sing ‘Happy Birthday’.
Make sure your child has someone to help him or her whenever possible. All adults should be aware of what they can do for your child.
Skills to assist autistic children with managing parties and other social events
You can teach your autistic child skills such as sharing, taking turns, participating in activities, and calming down. These skills can be useful at parties and other social events but also in the classroom and when your child is playing with friends.
You might be aware that your child can get upset if they lose a game. You could learn to lose gracefully. This area could be a place where you can develop your skills:
- Use a social story to show that it’s okay to lose
- Practising losing in games of chance such as’snap’ or’snakes & ladders’
- Teach your child how to say “Well done, you win!”
You can reward your child with a 10 minute time slot for a favorite activity every time they use the script. The reward might be necessary at birthday parties.
Playing with children with disabilities
Through your daily play and communication, you can teach your child skills to be a good friend. These skills include listening, sharing, and being sensitive to the feelings of other children.
This can be done by being a role model for your child’s behaviour. You can show your child positive interactions with others by listening, sharing, compromising and showing empathy. You can, for example, say, “Yes, let’s do this that way” or, “I don’t get what you’re saying.”
You can help your child learn how to share, cooperate, and take turns by playing board games or interactive games. If your child is having trouble waiting for their turn, you can remind them to do so by holding your hand up or using a waitcard. You can reduce the number of prompts as your child becomes more proficient at waiting for their turn by using a raised fingers instead of a raised arm.