Take a photo of your grandchild before you leave for an outing. If he gets lost or has a tendency to “elope,” the picture will be a valuable tool for law enforcement officers or others to identify him. Take pictures frequently with your phone and forward them to your grandchild’s parents to reassure them that you are safe and enjoying yourselves. This is also a great way to record your time together.

Make sure your grandchild is wearing identification. Attach it to the back of his shirt with a pin, clip it on shoelaces or write it on his arm with a marker. Include the child’s name, diagnosis and your cell number. Indicate what the child may need to keep him safe and calm until you are reunited. Be sure you have your own identification information to show police.

Call ahead to restaurants to place orders for food if you anticipate a long or difficult wait for meals to be served. This is also helpful if your grandchildren’s diets require substitutions or modifications.

If you are dreading dining with family in upscale restaurants, reconsider and go to restaurants that do not require long waits or structured table behavior. Everyone will enjoy the experience more.

When out in public with a grandchild who may behave unconventionally, you may find it helpful to wear a hat, t-shirt, button or other article that indicates you support an autism cause.  You can order a cap with the Grandparent Autism Network’s logo on this website. This may help to eliminate critical comments from others who misinterpret the behavior and feel that you can control the child’s conduct.

Grandparents can help to eliminate social stigmas associated with autism. Disclosing that you have a family member with autism typically encourages other people to  offer assistance, ask questions, and support autism causes.

You can request a Disabled Person Placard from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to use when transporting your grandchild by car, if the child has impaired mobility and is at risk when walking to or from public parking areas. This is the procedure for filing an application:

• Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195).
• Have a licensed physician, surgeon, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or a certified midwife sign the Doctor’s Certification of Disability portion of the application.
• Mail the original application to the address on the form. You will receive your parking placard approximately two weeks after you submit the completed form

If your grandchild is not the same sex as you, plan ahead to be near facilities with family style restrooms. This may avoid embarrassment for everyone.