Throwing an Autism-Friendly Birthday Party

1. Create a safe and comfortable environment. Make sure the space is quiet, with minimal distractions and no loud music or bright lights. It is also important to provide plenty of seating options to accommodate any guests who may need a break. We had finally started just having Justin’s parties at home when he was about 7 that way if he needed a break he could have one.

2. Use sensory-friendly activities. Avoid activities that are too loud or require too much interaction. Instead, opt for activities that involve minimal movement, such as arts and crafts, puzzles, or board games. We always have outside games luckily Chef Justin’s birthday is in the fall. We also rent an inflatable jumpy house for the more adventurous souls.

3. Offer a variety of food options. Take into consideration any dietary restrictions the child and their family might have. Provide a variety of snacks and drinks, as well as some healthier options. McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries seems to be the birthday boys choice of foods but we always have other things available too. We always inquire about others food allergies as he has a terrible peanut allergy.

4. Invite friends and family. Invite close friends and family members that the child is comfortable with. Avoid having too many guests, as this can be overwhelming for the child. We invited Justin’s entire class one year only 3 came but he still had a great time. When you have 4 brothers your family is like a party all their own.

5. Have a backup plan. Be prepared for any potential sensory overload or other issues that may arise. Have a plan in place to help the child calm down if needed. We did have one party where he stayed in his room the entire time.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can create an autism-friendly birthday party that is both enjoyable and inclusive. With a little bit of preparation, you can make the event a fun and memorable experience for the entire family.Do not feel like you have to keep up with the Jones birthday parties. These days have become incredibly out of hand and outrageously expensive it doesn’t take that to make your child happy. We have learned to try to keep them as simple and peaceful as possible. It took me a few years to get over trying to plan the perfect huge party and finally get to the point where I realized it is his birthday and it should be how he wants it not how I think it should be now we are both a lot happier and I save about $600 a year.