Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum: How to Avoid Meltdowns and Have Fun!

Kate E Reynolds

Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Jun 15, 2012 - Psychology - 160 pages

Parties and celebrations can be highly challenging for children and teens on the autism spectrum and they can often feel reluctant to participate. This book shows that if parties embrace the differences intrinsic to autism, and are planned carefully, they can be inclusive events enjoyed by all.

Drawing on personal experience with her son, the author highlights aspects of conventional parties that can heighten the anxieties of those on the spectrum and outlines practical solutions to these issues. The book covers considerations for party invitations, prizes, food and venues and includes chapters suggesting activities for age groups 2-8, 9-12 and teenagers.

This book will empower parents and caregivers to plan stress-free parties with ease, enabling those on the autism spectrum to develop social skills and self-confidence – and most importantly, have fun!

Contents

• Acknowledgements: 9
• Introduction: 13
• Chapter 1 Difficult Aspects of Conventional Parties: 24
• Chapter 2 Home Versus Public Venues: 35
• Chapter 3 Using Party Invitations as Visual Aids: 46
• Chapter 4 Party Plans: 49
• Chapter 5 Considering Sensory Issues and Developmental Level at Parties: 57
• Chapter 6 Challenging Aspects of Party Food: 65
• Chapter 7 Party Bags Favours and Prizes: 73
• Chapter 8 Party Activities for 28YearOlds: 81
• Chapter 9 Party Activities for 912YearOlds: 106
• Chapter 10 Parties for Teenagers: 119
• Chapter 11 What to Do When Things Go Wrong: 132
• Chapter 12 Conclusions Further Advice and Support: 144
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders: 147
• Communication Methods: 150
• References: 153
• Index: 156

About the author

Kate E. Reynolds worked for 18 years in various locations in the UK for the National Health Service, and worked in HIV/Aids and sexual health for 7 years with the NHS as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Senior Counsellor, which involved training other staff. Her son was diagnosed with severe autism disorder in 2005 and she is passionate about supporting parents and caregivers with practical information about autism spectrum disorders. She has returned to the University of Bristol to do her MSc in Disability Studies, with a view to extending her original research in future. Kate lives in Wiltshire, UK, with her two children, Francesca and Jude.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum: How to Avoid Meltdowns and Have Fun!
• Author: Kate E Reynolds
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012
• ISBN: 0857006142, 9780857006141
• Length: 160 pages
• Subjects: Cooking / Entertaining; Family & Relationships / Parenting / General; Health & Fitness / Physical Impairments; Psychology / Psychopathology / Autism Spectrum Disorders; Psychology / Reference; Social Science / People with Disabilities