How To Help Your Family
- Research online at autismspeaks.org and use a search engine like google.com to find resources and learn more about autism
- Compliment and encourage your grandchild’s parents and do not question the treatments they choose
- Adapt your home to make it more comfortable for visits and provide a quiet personal space for your grandchild
- Duplicate some of your grandchild’s favorite items to keep in your home
- Be compassionate and offer help if your grandchild is having a meltdown
- Bring meals or send gift certificates for meals to the family
- Offer overnight stays for grandchildren to provide respite time for parents
- Increase support by listening and encouraging your family by phone, Facetime, Zoom, Skype or email
Plan Ahead for Family Vacation Travel
Visit GAN’s website and the Autism Travel Directory for travel tips and autism friendly destinations that can make your trip more enjoyable. Call ahead to airports, airlines and hotels to learn if they offer special accommodations for children and adults with autism. Remember to place family contact information in your grandchild’s clothing to keep them safe if they wander off or get lost.
Autism Friendly Theaters
Some movie theaters schedule sensory-friendly environments for your grandchildren:
AMC Films: AMC currently partners with Autism Society to accommodate those with special needs. Their Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the Saturday of the second and fourth (family friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature).
Regal (My Way Matinee): Regal also provides a sensory friendly experience. Their website showcases upcoming films and available theaters.
Advocate: Some theaters on Broadway in New York City are now offering performances in environments for children and adults with sensitivity concerns. Contact local performing arts venues to ask about autism friendly performances. If none are available, request that they provide them.
Prepare for Spring Holidays
Easter Baskets
Practice Ahead of Time: Grandparents can help their grandchildren adjust to upcoming activities like an Easter egg hunt, by practicing ahead of time with a few eggs.
Natural Egg Dying Kits: eggs kits often include artificial food coloring that may cause some issues due to contaminants. We suggest purchasing more natural food coloring from locations such as:
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts
- Amazon
- Go to this article to use everyday ingredients
Basket Ideas: Grandparents can incorporate objects such as fidget toys, bouncy balls, veggie sidewalk chalk, or even iTunes gift cards. For outdoor themed Easter baskets, you can include bouncy balls, frisbees, and jump ropes. You can find baskets and more ideas here:
See more tips here.
Passover Resources
Grandparents can introduce Passover to their grandchildren in a number of ways through online interactive worksheets, books and fun learning activities:
- Passover Questions Worksheet
- Passover Sensory Poem Planning Sheet
- Passover Writing Paper
- Passover Journal Page
- Passover Celebrations Comprehension Worksheet
- Target Educational Books and Stickers
- MyJewishLearning
Passover Arts and Crafts
- Afikoman Bag Craft
- Decorate an Elijah Cup
- Moses in the Basket Coloring Page
- Moses Parting the Red Sea Coloring Page
- Moses Parting the Red Sea Card
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism Building The Puzzle Support Group Call: Autism Speaks will conduct an online event for families to interact and communicate with other families with children with Autism on April 26th at 8 PM.
Find Events Near You
Eventbrite: Eventbrite helps you locate specific events near you. You can search for local Autism Awareness Month celebrations by typing your location or country and “Autism Awareness Month Events.” The website will provide you with event details and tickets.
Proposed Bill: Credit for Caring Act 2024
According to the AARP, the average caregiver in the United States spends around $7,000 out-of-pocket for their loved ones. As of this month, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senators reintroduced the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide financial support for caregivers. Caregivers may be provided a $5,000 non-refundable federal tax credit, ultimately covering 30% of qualified expenses. Family caregivers would document their caregiving expenses to qualify for credit if passed. For more information CLICK HERE
