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Summer has finally arrived and that means a season with more opportunities to explore new hobbies and outdoor activities or to just relax with family. Grandparents may enjoy this summer with grandchildren by visiting new sites, attending local fairs or planning activities at home. This newsletter has some suggestions and entertainment opportunities we hope you will enjoy.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

For grandparents planning to travel this summer, here are some tips to make your travel plans more manageable for you and your grandchild.

• Take a picture on your phone before you leave so if lost, it will be easier to identify your grandchild that day.
• Pin identification information with your cell phone number on the back of your grandchild’s shirt or inside of their pocket.
• Consider attaching an Air Tag to their clothing to locate them if they wander off.
• Check the airport layout and find out how far you will have to go… and plan ahead how to accommodate to get there on time.
• Check to see if you have airline or cardholder rewards to get lounge access or any other travel perks.
• Download your grandchild’s favorite calming music or pack games to play while you’re waiting for your flight at the airport… and on the plane.

Autism Friendly Travel Destinations

Meow Wolf: Collaborating with IBCCES, Meow Wolf’s Santa Fe, Denver, Dallas, and Las Vegas locations have completed staff training and onsite reviews, enhancing their immersive art experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. This accomplishment underscores Meow Wolf’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that their spaces offer enjoyment to a diverse audience.

Kennedy Space Center: The space center’s team has completed specialized training and certification processes through IBCCES to better understand and cater to the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and offer more accessibility tools and resources such as sensory ratings for all areas of the complex.

Summer Activities

Home Based Water Games

• Water Bottle Freeze Tag: It’s as simple as grabbing and filling a spray bottle with water. Grandchildren will enjoy this activity, especially on those hot afternoons.You can replace the spray bottle with water blasters for older grandchildren.
• Duck, Duck, Splash!: This rendition of the popular game, “Duck, Duck, Goose,” calls for everyone to sit in a circle, and the “goose” walking around the circle will dump a bucket of water on their next goose.
• Kiddie Pool Kickball: Get some heavy-duty plastic sheeting and four middle sized pools to form bases for a diamond-shaped playing field for teens. They can enjoy a refreshing, cool kickball game during the summer heat.
• Water Balloon Baseball: For grandchildren who love baseball, replace a baseball with water balloons! It’s a great way to practice batting with a new twist.

Gardening

• Garden Together: Shop for seeds or plants to add to a garden. Some fast growing vegetable seeds include radishes, spinach carrots, lettuce, cucumber and beets.
• Make Markers: Place homemade pictures or markers where the vegetables or flowers are planted.
• Mini-Terrarium: Glass jar gardens and terrariums can be found at a local garden center or stores like Home Depot. Just place gravel at the bottom of the jar and arrange your chosen plant and firm the gravel with your fingers or pencil.
• Tin-Can Pots: Grandparents can punch a hole at the bottom and top of a recycled tin can. Grandchildren can paint the can and choose what plant they want to grow.

Parks and Recreation

• Parks: This website will help you to locate and learn about special features at a nearby park.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: If you want to exercise this summer, this site has a list of great spots that you and your grandchildren might enjoy.
• Click HERE for a list of camps that accommodate children and adults with disabilities in Orange County, California. Search Google to find local programs in most other communities
• Parks and Recreation
• YMCA Program
• Boys and Girls Club

Additional Outdoor Activities

• Horseback Riding: Guided Animal Intervention Therapy in Orange County, CA is located in Anaheim Hills at Seneca Ranch. The program is designed to support children, allowing them to gain coping skills and build positive self-esteem. The program offers a group and private sessions.
• SwimLabs: At SwimLabs, the Adaptive Aquatics Instructors are specialized in teaching those with special abilities, such as ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, and more. The programs offered are their T.A.P (Therapeutic Aquatic Program) and Adapted Swim Levels. The lesson plans are structured to accommodate to the swimmer’s needs.
• Take A Swim!: Pearson Park Pool in Anaheim CA offers a free public swim. Reservations are required and times are available from Friday to Sunday. Lifeguards are also on duty during the times provided.
• Public Swimming Pools: Canyon and Anaheim High School also offer a free public swim for families. The available days are Fridays through Sunday.

Upcoming Local Concerts and Fairs

• Fancy Nancy, The Musical: Bring the family to watch Fancy Nancy as she and her friends prepare for their first show, “Deep Sea Dances!” The Chance Theater presents it from May 25th- June 9th.
• Pearson Park Summer Nights Under the Stars [Hosted by Disneyland]: The Pearson Park Amphitheater will host family and cultural shows and free concerts on Fridays and Saturdays from June 14 to August 24.
• Kids Fun Zone (Pirate Day): The Anaheim Town Square will host a free family fun day of pirate paradise. Some activists include a pirate show, a magician, face painting and pirate arts and crafts. It is scheduled on June 8th from 11 am-2 pm.
• Fourth of July Celebration: Peralta Canyon Park and Canyon High School will host an all-day Fourth of July celebration with various entertainment, including the Yankee Doodle Dog Show, Fourth of July Parade and fireworks.
• Kids Fun Zone 2.0: End of Summer Pool Party: The Anaheim Town Square will host another fun day to celebrate the end of summer. It is scheduled on August 10th, from 11 am-2 pm.

Check online for additional local events and fairs.

Orange County CA Amusement Parks

• LEGOLAND Star-Spangled Celebration: The California Resort will provide fun dance parties, lawn activities, limited-time treats and Lego-themed fireworks.
• Disneyland: Season of the Force: Experience a galactic adventure through Disneyland’s limited-time Star Wars celebration. The event features unique food offerings and more.
• Knott’s Soak City Water Park: The Waterpark offers fun-filled water activities, tube and body slides, family raft rides, a wave pool, Sunset River, and more! The waterpark will be open until September 8th.
• Ghost Town Alive!: Throughout the summer, Knott’s Berry Farm will host an authentic Western adventure as guests unfold the story of the Wild West with planned tasks and activities.
• Knott’s Summer Nights: The Knott’s Berry Theme Park will host nighttime parties from June to September filled with unique summer food, live music, and family-friendly games.
• Accommodations: For grandchildren who may require accommodations for amusement parks such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, please refer to the following information on how to register: Disneyland DAS, Knott’s Berry Farm Accessibility, LEGOLAND Accessibility Guide and Accessibility Information

Sites to Visit

Museums

• The Children’s Museum of La Habra: This museum features an array of hands-on exhibits, an outdoor garden, a “Science Station,” and a “Nature Walk.” Every Tuesday, they provide a Sensory-Friendly experience from 2-4 pm. Check out their social story here.
• Pretend City Children’s Museum: This museum presents a miniature city where children can pretend to play in different careers. It’s an excellent location for children to improve their communication and teamwork. Additionally, the museum offers free monthly Neurodivergent Family Nights.
• Discovery Cube Orange County: The Discovery Cube is an interactive Santa Ana museum offering various engaging exhibits such as their “Planetary Research Station” and “Inspector Training Course.”
• Long Beach Firefighters Museum: Every Wednesday and second Saturday of every month, the museum is open to tours featuring vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Kidspace Children’s Museum (Butterfly Season): This is a non-profit museum aimed at helping children improve emotionally and intellectually. One of their main features is their Butterfly Season, where children have the opportunity to adopt a live caterpillar

Local Zoos

• Orange County Zoo: This zoo is located in Irvine Regional Park and homes several animals who were orphaned or injured. The OC Zoo will be having a Star Wars Day on June 29 from 10am to 3pm.
• Santa Ana Zoo: Santa Ana Zoo showcases more than 80 species of animals and includes a children’s farm, a train ride, a Ferris wheel, and a carrousel.

Autism Friendly Local Movie Theaters

• AMC Films: AMC currently partners with the Autism Society to accommodate those with special needs. Their Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth (family friendly) Saturdays of every month and on Wednesday evenings for mature audiences.
• Regal (My Way Matinee): Regal also provides sensory friendly experiences. Their website showcases upcoming films and available theaters.

Upcoming Events

• Summer Nights At the Nixon Library: Movie Night: The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum are hosting a free, outdoor movie night of the “Sandlot” on June 6 at 7pm.
• OC Parks Sunset Cinema: Starting Friday nights from June 7 to August 30, there will be 12 free movie screenings at Yorba Linda Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, and much more! Some movies include Wonka (2023), Frozen II (2019), and The Goonies (1985)

Not together over the summer?

We recommend families use the applications Zoom or Facetime for grandparents who cannot be in person with their grandkids. With Zoom, you can video chat, and call your family from your computer, phone, ipad or other tablet device. Learn how you can meet together on Apple devices with Facetime or how to access others from an Android or Windows device here.

The members of the GAN Board of Directors wish you and your family
good health and a fun filled summer!

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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:

• Amazon and Sensory Easter Eggs
• Target
• Walmart

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

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The members of GAN’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board wish you healthy, happy holidays – and good health and peace in the New Year! This holiday issue has suggestions to make family gatherings more comfortable and fun for everyone

Holiday Home Tips

1. Prior to hosting, explain to your guests (especially children) that you may need to change some traditions to accommodate to your grandchild’s special needs.
2. Ask your grandchild’s parents if there are special dietary needs and, if there are, ask them to bring your grandchild’s meal.
3. Ask parents if they have noise cancellation earphones or ear plugs in case they are needed.
4. Set up a quiet area for your grandchild with a favorite toy, in case they need to have some respite time.

Here are hints to make your home safe and inviting for your guests:

• Limit access to any potentially dangerous areas
• Avoid using scents, candles and flashing lights
• Consider installing safety locks on kitchen, laundry room and bathroom cabinets
• Cover electrical outlets and control access to electrical cords and appliances
• Install gates/barriers to prevent falling down stairs and move furniture away from shelves or where a child might climb
• If your grandchild has anxiety about receiving gifts, ask their parents for suggestions or shop together online before the holiday so they can anticipate what they will be receiving
• Wrap gifts very simply in bags with a little tissue paper. Noisy foil wraps and tape can increase frustration in opening gifts
• If there are many presents, save some to open at a later time to prevent overwhelming your grandchild
• If your grandchild is subject to “eloping” (wandering away), install alarms or locks on windows and exterior doors
• If you plan to leave home together, pin identification information and your contact information in their pocket or on their clothing
• Place a tracking device securely around your grandchild’s neck, in their pocket, or pinned on their clothing. (These devices make great gifts!)
• Take a picture of your grandchild before departing so you can describe their appearance if they get lost

How to Make the Holidays a More Joyful
for Children and Adults with Autism
by Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh

As the founders of My Best Social Life, we are friendship and dating coaches for autistic adults. We teach them strategies and social skills to make friends and even encourage them to start dating. Navigating holiday gatherings can be difficult for all family members. As a grandparent, you want to have your loved ones with you, and you want it to be a warm and positive experience for everyone. Understanding your grandchild’s sensory triggers can help you to avoid them. Here are some of the reasons why people with autism may struggle at family gatherings and what you can do to help them:

Problem: The Unknown

Many thrive on repetition and routine and holiday gatherings are the opposite of that! Lots of people, bright or flickering lights, loud sounds and unfamiliar smells may increase levels of stress and anxiety.

Solution: Share the Plan Ahead of Time

Let your grandchild know the plans before the gathering, so they know what to expect and can anticipate them. Start with the basics:

• Who will be there
• What sensory inputs: lights, sounds, fragrances, holiday foods
• When the gathering will be beginning and ending
• Where it will take place
• Why some traditions may be upsetting and how to avoid them

Problem: Social Expectations

Your grandchild may feel like they are expected to talk to people. That expectation may be self-imposed or it might be explicitly expressed by a loved one. Either way, they are going into the family gathering knowing that there’s a big gap between what they are comfortable with and what is expected of them – and that creates its own anxiety.

Solution: Express Support for Their Own Expectations

Prior to the event, explain to your guests that your grandchild has special needs that may require some changes to holiday traditions. Modify activities to accommodate to everyone’s comfort level.

It can be reassuring to your grandchild if you empathize with their social discomfort and let them know that you are supportive of them, regardless of how much they interact with other family members. Reducing that performance pressure can put them more at ease, which may make them more willing to be engaged.

Problem: Sensory Overload

Many autistic adults are sensitive to and may be overwhelmed by loud music and chatter. Bright lights and even strong smells can also trigger anxiety. When a person’s brain is overwhelmed, it will be difficult for them to relax.

Solution: Be Sensory Conscious – Provide a Quiet Space

if you know that your grandchild gets overwhelmed in a loud environment, keep the music volume low or avoid playing music. Set aside a quiet place for your grandchild to relax and recharge – and tell them in advance that it’s okay for them to use that space.

If you have questions about how to make your family gathering autism friendly or want to discuss how we can assist your grandchild in navigating social situations, email to Jeremy-at-MyBestSocialLife.com. Everyone deserves to feel a spark of connection – and we are happy to explore how we can help.

Holiday Gift Shopping

Walmart

• Special Needs Toys: Walmart provides 1000+ toy options for individuals with special needs such as toys for stress relief and crafts you can do together
• Adaptive clothing, backpacks, and accessories for children and adults are also available. You can search for different price ranges and order in store or online:
• Adaptive Apparel
• Adaptive Backpacks
• Adaptive Accessories

Target

• Cat & Jack: This clothing line is for children with sensory sensitivities and for those with medical devices. You can order them online or pick them up in-store.
• Sensory Toys: Target offers over 5000+ toy options for your grandchildren. You may choose the filter option to locate the appropriate age range for your grandchild. In addition, you may order online or pick up in-store.

Online Shopping

• If possible, shop online with your grandchild or ask for the list of gifts they would like to receive. Surprise gifts are not always well received.
• Fat Brain Toys: This company offers toys for individuals of all ages, from babies to seniors. It also provides a list of sensory friendly products depending on the specific special need here.
• Sensory Education Toys: This site offers indoor and outdoor toys for specific areas of development
• Jet Proof: Jet Proof has a clothing line that is smooth and calming for children and adults. The company also offers bedding and towels. They have 10+ years of experience and are multi-award winners.
• Adaptive Denim Brand: seven7jeans.com
• Adaptive Shoe Options: Zappos.com
• Search Google for additional “adaptive clothing” options

Go to GANinfo.org for gift suggestions for every budget, for children, teens and adults and gifts for all occasions

Whether it’s time spent on arts and crafts, baking or watching movies, here are some suggestions your family may enjoy doing together

Christmas Crafts and Activities to Share

Easy Kids Crafts and Games

90 Easy Christmas Craft Ideas to DIY for the Holidays Do it Yourself Ornaments

Holiday Baking Recipes

• Sprinkle Stocking Cookies
• Reindeer Brownies
• Reindeer Pops
• Santa Claus Cookies
• Snowflake Marshmallows
• Snowman Ornament Popcorn Ball

Chanukah Activities

Craft Activities

• Craft a Chanukah play date kit
• Make a DIY Chanukah sensory bin
• Assemble a Chanukah silhouette
• Create a Chanukah snowglobe

Baking Recipes

• Jelly Donuts
• Edible Dreidels
• Chanukah Lollipops
• Homemade Chanukah Gelt

For more craft activities and baking recipes for Chanukah, please refer to care.com

Sensory Friendly Movie Theaters

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.

Travel Destinations

Fleet Science Center, San Diego CA: On the third Saturday of each month, the center offers quieter explorations and a “cooling-off” space. Check to see if museums and centers in your community offer comparable days.

MOXI Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation, Santa Barbara CA: This museum presents a hands-on STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, and math) exhibit. They provide a sensory-friendly app so that visitors can preview the attraction and also borrow a sensory backpack kit.

DisabledHolidays.com: This website offers a series of hotels and cruises that best accommodate any disability. World-wide locations are listed.

Additional travel destination are found on GANinfo.org.

Not Together for the Holidays?

We recommend families use the applications Zoom or Facetime for grandparents who cannot be with their grandkids for the holiday season. With Zoom, you can video chat, and call your family from your computer, phone, ipad or other tablet device. Learn how you can meet together on Apple devices with Facetime or how to access others from an Android or Windows device here.

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