Autism Birthday Party ideas
Most kids expect a birthday party with music, games, and lots of friends from school. However, this might not be the case if your child has autism. Too much noise and vigor can cause them a sensory overload leading to distress or anger outbursts.
Even small discomforts might trigger different types of behavioral changes, such as an anxiety attack that can adversely affect your child’s health. No need to worry, though. Here are 5 tips for throwing a fun birthday party for your child with autism.
Keep It Simple
The best way to minimize the noise and movement is by planning a small occasion. Obviously, kids would want to invite and have all of their friends from school and the neighborhood.
Nonetheless, you need to find ways to keep them calm and make them understand why everyone can’t come. Or maybe you can arrange something special like a picnic or other autism-friendly birthday party ideas.
Choose a Suitable Location
While some people arrange a party at home, others might choose a kid’s restaurant like McDonald’s. Remember when McDonald’s used to have all their mascots, including the Clown, Birdie, and Grimace? It used to be a birthday party hit.
As much as these locations might be fun, you should consider a few factors while choosing birthday party locations for your child with autism. Your child’s comfort is of top priority here.
It is better to host something at home or in your backyard that would be comfortable for your kid. Autistic people fare best when they’re familiar with the people and places around them.
However, if you want to take your child to a new place, it would be a good idea to take them there a few times before the party so that they feel more familiar with it.
Keep It Interesting & Mellow
The activities meant to entertain guests can either make a party successful or break it. When it’s a kid’s party, you need to be extra cautious to keep up with the kid’s world and its trends to ensure they enjoy the party.
Now if your birthday boy or girl is autistic, try to come up with activities that don’t involve much noise or a lot of rules. Let them free flow and deviate from conventional birthday party practices.
The objective here is to loosen them up by avoiding scenarios that require them to think hard.
Gift Ideas
Getting gifts is the best part of a birthday party or as a matter of fact any party. However, sometimes gift-giving or openings can become a ceremony-style activity. While it’s fun and exciting in the case of a neurotypical child, autistic children might not do well if they become the center of attraction. This can be an overwhelming experience for them. You must ask guests to avoid gifts or arrange the gift opening at a later time with just the immediate family.
Food Alternatives
Now it is customary to have fast food at birthday parties. However, with an autistic child or person around, it is best to avoid too many sugary foods and drinks. It is essential for people with autism to maintain a balanced sugar level to avoid problems such as overstimulation of the brain that can cause hyperactivity. Instead, you could have fruit as a snack instead of candy.
Summary
Furthermore, you can consult your kid's doctor or therapist for professional guidance before planning a party for your autistic child. They can assist you with autism-friendly birthday party ideas so you can make changes or additions that would help your child enjoy the party.
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