Grandparent Autism Network

a vital resource for autism...and each other!

Donate Today

Supporting Parents Of Children with Autism

1. Be there – sometimes parents just need someone to listen
2. Be Inclusive – include parents with their autistic children in activities you plan
3. Try not to be judgemental – it’s hard to put ourselves in their shoes with all that they need to deal with
4. Help provide respite care – everyone needs a break and parents of children with autism may not have as many opportunities to take care of themselves.
5. Learn more about autism – find out what you can about autism from reputable resources (visit our site www.ganinfo.org)
6. Keep things confidential – everyone will be different about what they want others to know but it’s just safer to keep everything confidential!
7. Become an advocate – advocate for the rights of people with autism for inclusion and understanding and against discrimination.

30 Things Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum Want You to Know

(an article from Applied Behavior Analysis)

Sometimes our children find it difficult to communicate their challenges to us. This article addresses some of the universal issues they may experience but may not personally share with you.

t is estimated that one in 68 children are now diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder, and yet, this diagnosis remains as misunderstood as ever. We simply do not live in a society that is accommodating or even accepting of those who are not “neurotypical.” Fortunately, parents of autistic children are wonderful at communicating who their children are and why. Below are 30 things those parents of children on the Autism Spectrum want you to know.
Not all autism is the same, and neither is every child with autism.
It’s called the Autism Spectrum because autism actually covers a wide scope of complex disorders in brain development. Included are Asperger’s Syndrome, “classic” autism and  Pervasive Developmental Disorder, among others.  The types of autism range in everything from communication skills, anxiety, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, among other things. As with any kid, a child with autism should be treated as an individual with his or her own set of abilities and preferences.
Just because my kid doesn’t look like another kid with autism doesn’t mean he’s not on the Autism Spectrum.
As one parent wrote on the popular Autism Speaks blog, “Knowing one child with autism doesn’t mean anything really – they’re all so different. Please don’t tell me my son doesn’t have [autism] because he looks so different from the other kid you know on the Spectrum.”

What Is Take Me Home?

Designed to assist in the timely reunification of loved ones who may become displaced from their homes, the program can provide law enforcement crucial information about the registered person even before we arrive at their residence. Individuals with Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome are examples of members of our community who might benefit from this registry.

Take Me Home assists law enforcement personnel by providing critical information including emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions and photographs. An individual’s communication abilities, routines, behaviors and other helpful information also may be entered to assist law enforcement.

Take Me Home is available to residents who live in the Sheriff’s Department 13 contract cities and unincorporated Orange County. The City of Irvine has their own program called Return Registry Program.

If you live elsewhere, contact your local law enforcement agency to see if they have a comparable program in place.

How to Get Started

To Register a loved one you’ll need an Account.

Don’t have an Account? Register Now.

Once you Register you’ll receive an email at the address provided. Click the link in the email to set a password and confirm your account.

Participating Cities

Take Me Home is available to residents who live in the Sheriff’s Department 13 contract cities and unincorporated Orange County. If you live in  other areas, contact your local law enforcement agencies to see if they have a comparable program in place.

The Enrollment Process is Quick & Easy. Get Started Today

https://apps.ocsd.org/Info/TakeMeHome

Easter Tips

Go Beyond the Chocolate
For Easter baskets think about replacing candy with other items or having a mix of candy and non-candy items like stickers, balloons, squish balls, blueberries, organic fruit snacks, or money!

Practice Ahead of Time
If you are going to participate in any traditional activities like an Easter egg hunt, practice ahead of time with just a few eggs.

Bunny Talk
If costumed bunnies will be involved in any of your activities, talk about it ahead of time.

A Safe Place
Whether you’re celebrating at home or away, designate a safe space ahead of time where your child can go if they are feeling overwhelmed. Be sure to include familiar toys, games, and lovies as well as music or movie players with headphones to help calm your kiddo.

Go Natural
Skip the chemical-laden food coloring and use all natural options instead if you plan on coloring eggs. Check out this article on how to dye eggs with everyday ingredients: https://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-dye-easter-eggs-naturally-with-everyday-ingredients/

Contact Us

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

Support GAN

GAN

About GAN

Our Mission: To promote awareness and understanding of autism and to enhance the resources essential to community responsiveness.

GAN is a registered 501(c)(3): Tax ID# 20-5230144