Grandparent Autism Network

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As Grandparents, become involved with your grandchild

By Pat and Terry Mercier, Co-Chairs

As grandparents of an eleven year old grandson with autism, we realize the value of being involved in his life. Because we see him every week, we have developed a close relationship and have become more knowledgeable about his needs. He feels comfortable with us and looks forward to seeing us. Grandparents relate to their grandchildren in a very special way.

We want to encourage you to become involved with your grandchild. It is a joyful challenge that will reward all of you. The more time you spend getting to know your grandchild, the more you will feel comfortable. You are truly valuable to this child. If you are concerned about taking full responsibility for your grandchild when you are together, ask a friend or hire someone to help you. We suggest that you plan an activity or outing that you can share. You can get good suggestions of places to go and things to do from other GAN grandparents.

Our upcoming meetings in June and July will be focused on activities with our grandchildren. In June you will learn about summer programs and local resources available all year that are particularly suitable for our grandchildren. In July we will have a family picnic in a local park that provides a playground, supervised swimming, basketball and other activities. You will have the opportunity to meet other grandparents, parents and grandchildren. We encourage you to identify other families that live in your local community so that you can arrange for play dates or outings with them. Please let us know if you would like to help us plan for our July family event. More details will be available soon.

We have learned valuable information at the GAN meetings that we share with our children. They realize more and more that they are not alone in this struggle. Grandparent support, and giving our children well deserved respite time, can only make it better.
We all benefit. We look forward to meeting you soon at GAN events.

Grandchildren Activities Committee

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Upcoming Events

May 21
10:00 am - 11:30 am

OCASG Partner Support Group

May 25
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Assistive Technology for Sensory Difficulties

May 25
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Assistive Technology for Sensory Difficulties

May 26
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Tecnología de Asistencia para Dificultades Sensoriales

May 31
All day

Santa Ana Housing Authority Is Opening Its Waiting List

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More Announcements

2022: Spring News

Posted: April 5, 2022

Support Autism Awareness in April as Part of National Autism Awareness Month Share Resources Share autism stories and information (yours or others) in April and use hashtags like #CelebrateDifferences, #KindnessCounts, […]

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GAN’s Volunteer Care Notebook Project

Posted: March 26, 2022

GAN collaborates with the Regional Center of Orange County’s Comfort Connection in providing the Care Notebook Project for families that have children with all disabilities.  Volunteers work one-on-one, helping parents […]

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How to Support Parents

Posted: March 22, 2022

You can provide emotional support for the parents of your grandchild with autism. Most families find that facing this challenge together, with acceptance and optimism, brings the family closer. Many parents […]

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Contact Us

Grandparent Autism Network
360 E. First Street #202
Tustin, CA 92780-3211
Tel: 714.573.1500
E: info@ganinfo.org

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Tax ID# 20-5230144

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