Birthday parties are happy, fun and potentially chaotic occasions. Nevertheless, for parents of children with autism, they can be cause for concern. Dozens of questions may run through your mind. What is the right number of children to invite? Will the music be too loud? What if a balloon pops? What happens if my child has a meltdown?

Fortunately, many parents of children with autism have already “been there, done that” and have figured out what works – and what does not. We have rounded up a list of tips for planning the perfect autism-friendly birthday party for your child.

Set the stage

For starters, consider what your child likes. What do they like to play with? What cartoons do they like? What sensory-friendly foods do they like to eat? Do they enjoy activities with a lot of movement or a little? Use these clues to set the stage for a great day!

Choose the right venue

Because children with autism often depend on routine and familiar places, choosing the right location is crucial. Home is likely where your child feels most comfortable, so consider that option first. If you go that route, be sure to stash toys your child may be possessive of before the party. Utilize pictures and a visual schedule to show your child what to expect ahead of time.

Considering an outside venue instead? Call ahead and ask if they are autism-friendly. Some children’s museums have sensory-friendly areas where children can pace themselves. Tip: Do a practice run first and visit the venue ahead of time with your child. Also, arrive at least an hour early for the party to limit stress.

Set expectations with your guests

Invitations to your child’s party will be crucial for planning. Invitations can help set expectations for your guests, include helpful information about the party and detail specifics about your child’s needs and preferences. Be sure to add tips like “this is an autism-friendly event” and “sensory-friendly gifts (fidget toys, books, calming toys, etc.) are encouraged.”

Avoid inviting too many guests. An old rule of thumb is to invite roughly the number of guests as the age of the child. Additionally, the younger the child, the shorter the party. Do not be afraid to have a party lasting only 1.5 hours for a 4-year-old. Appropriately select the time of day for the party, factoring in naps, alertness, medication, etc., while keeping in mind the age of your child and their guests.

Choose activities wisely

Choosing the right activities for your child’s autism-friendly birthday party is key.

  • Offer children a separate zone designated for quiet or alone time, complete with pillows, books and simple crafts, just in case a meltdown arises.
  • Physical activities that allow for a lot of movement and bounce, such as bounce houses, trampolines and obstacle courses, can be a good fit for kids with sensory challenges. However, as a word of caution, be sure to limit the number of kids participating at once so to avoid overstimulation. For example, use a timer to limit start and stop times, and station an adult at the entryway to add structure.
  • Water activities can be great for children with autism, including splash pads and water tables. Bubble fun is also an excellent option to include at your child’s party.
  • Scavenger hunts with clues can be great if you make them collaborative more than competitive. Give kids clues for how to work together, such as who is going to read which clue and when.
  • Finger painting is a good choice for kids with sensory issues, but can also make a mess, so pick a safe space like a garage or outdoors.

Tip: You may want to let children move between activities to keep them moving. For example, if you plan to have a music or dancing activity, keep a craft area available as well.

Sensory-friendly food

Again, consider what your child likes. If your child likes hot dogs, serve them. If they like pizza, serve that. If your child does not like cake, that’s okay too! It is your child’s party after all!

By focusing on your child’s needs, clear communication with guests and individualized activities, you can easily foster a safe and inclusive environment for your child while still celebrating them.

Maxim Healthcare Services recognizes the importance of providing individualized and inclusive care to children with autism. Maxim provides applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services to children around the country. We utilize an empathy-based approach to assist children with autism with adaptive skills, independence, socialization, language and play skills and more. To learn more, contact your local office to learn more about Maxim’s autism and ABA therapy services.