Grandparent Autism Network

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Holiday Tips

The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, but it also can be stressful for kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Here are a few tips from our Behavior Intervention team!

Provide Concrete Information & Clear Expectations for your Child

  • Create a calendar of events. Include beginning and end times of activities.
  • Explain to your child what behaviors are and are not expected.
  • Provide opportunities to “reward” your child for expected behavior through verbal praise, stickers, high-fives, etc.
  • Roleplay and practice new social situations. Work together to create a “social story” that incorporates all elements of an upcoming event or visit to better prepare them for that situation. Social stories: Click here

Provide Information Visually

  • Take pictures of relatives and friends you will visit and practice names.
  • Video modeling is considered an evidence-based way to teach your child. Take videos of how to unwrap a gift the right way, or thank a family member, or greet new people. Role play with your child and practice ahead of time.
  • Use pictures to help your child communicate or make choices of what they would like to have or say.

Reduce Anxiety

  • Plan ahead when possible. Create a list of activities that can help your child during downtime.
  • Provide a quiet place for your child to retreat and relax when needed.
  • Relax and have a good time. If you are tense your child may sense that something isn’t right.
  • Don’t shield your child from the extended family. Family members need to understand the challenges you face.

Provided by The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

2023 Holiday Newsletter

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

Chanukah Activities

Craft Activities

Baking Recipes

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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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 captivating spaces offer enjoyment to a diverse audience.

Read full article

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 visitor complex.

Read full article

Missouri City Parks and Recreation Certified Autism Center™

The Missouri City Parks and Recreation Certified Autism Center™ achievement marks the first parks & recreation department in Texas to attain this designation. Along with its certification, the department offers diverse adaptive recreation programs that provide opportunities for active participation for individuals of varying abilities. It also offers specialized classes such as archery, gardening, kayaking, and drumming.

Watch video

Hyland Hills Water World

Since being awarded the Certified Autism Center™ accolade in 2020, Hyland Hills Water World has expanded its accessibility efforts to ensure all guests can enjoy the water park.

Click for details

Knoebels Amusement Resort

The park first achieved this certification in 2019 and has been committed to continuing its efforts to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.

Click for details

Splish Splash Water Park

Since initial autism certification in 2019, Splish Splash has offered Sensory Guides developed in partnership with IBCCES. These guides provide valuable information about the impact on the five senses for each attraction to allow guests to better choose their own adventure throughout their park visit.

Click for details

AutismTravel

Taking a vacation together as a family can be challenging. We created Autism Travel to provide families and individuals with easy access to destinations and attractions that are trained and certified in autism and special needs care.

Click for details

Fall 2023 Newsletter

There are many ways grandparents can help to ensure a great start for the new school year for their grandchildren

Back to School Tips

You can help to reinforce good life skills to increase your grandchild’s independence at home, at school and in the community. Using checklists with words and pictures to post throughout the house may be helpful to remind them to complete tasks. These brief videos may also be useful for teaching some skills.

If You Live Nearby

  • Walk or drive with your grandchild to their school to acclimate them to the route.
  • If possible, offer to bring your grandchildren to school or to take them to after school activities.
  • Tour the school and familiarize your grandchild with the new setting (gym, library, bathrooms, cafeteria). You can even create a social story by taking pictures throughout the tour.
  • Offer to volunteer or support the school’s fundraising effort

Grandparents who are not local can use FaceTime or Zoom to learn about their grandchildren’s school experiences and to encourage their efforts.

School Supplies are Always Welcome

Grandparents can help by shopping for or “gifting” school supplies now and throughout the school year. Placing orders online is particularly convenient. Resources like Amazon and school or office supply sites are competitive in pricing. You can find discounted school supplies at dollar stores, Walmart and Target. USA Today featured this article 12 Awesome School Supplies for Kids with Autism.

Clothing

As the school year begins, grandchildren will likely need new clothing.

  1. 16 Sensory-Smart Clothing Brands without Tags or Seams
  2. Target: the Cat & Jack  brand
  3. ShopThuasne for seamless garments
  4. Sensory-Friendly Kids Clothing: Collections – Sense-ational You (shopsenseationalyou.com)
  5. Adaptive Denim Brand: Adaptive (seven7jeans.com)
  6. Shoe Options: Zappos Adaptive | Zappos.com
  7. Search Google for additional  “adaptive clothing” options

Preparing Meals and Snacks Together

Always check with your grandchild’s parents before offering any food to ensure that there are no dietary restrictions. When planning, shopping and preparing meals together, try to include at least one of their favorite foods in every meal. Introduce new foods slowly. Your grandchild may look at, smell or just lick the food before they are comfortable tasting it. Be patient and let them see you enjoying eating the food, too.

Here are some healthy options.

  • Fresh apple or banana slices with peanut butter dip
  • Fruit smoothies
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Applesauce
  • Dried fruit
  • Crackers or chips with Hummus
  • Fresh vegetables cut in sticks
  • String cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Popcorn

Additional snack ideas and recipes to prepare together can be found here.

Care Notebook

Offer to make and update a Care Notebook to organize emergency, medical, school and therapy records. By having updated information available, your family will be better prepared for emergencies, doctor appointments, school conferences and insurance claims. It makes a great personal gift for the upcoming holidays!

Recommended TV Shows

Atypical

Atypical is a mature, uplifting TV show that follows Sam, an 18-year-old man with autism. Viewers watch as Sam progresses through new independence and life’s challenges throughout the season. This show can be found on Netflix.

Young Sheldon

Young Sheldon is a heartwarming and humorous prequel to the TV show, The Big Bang Theory. Viewers watch nine-year-old Sheldon progress through life from early childhood to high school. The show focuses on friendships, family, and school. It can be viewed on Netflix.

Loop

Loop is Pixar’s newest wholesome, animated short that focuses on a young boy and girl. The young boy is neurotypical, while the girl has autism. Both characters develop a friendship while canoeing around a city lake throughout the story. It can be viewed on Disney Plus.

Post-Secondary Education

After high school, finding an appropriate program or college may be challenging. The following sites have helpful information.

Think College: This outlet offers resources for families and students to understand the different aspects of college, such as preparing for college, program development, and how to find peer mentors. The website also includes a databaseto help students find what college will help support their intellectual disability. LEARN MORE

Educational Opportunities Guide: Autism Speaks offers an in-depth guide to assist families on how to navigate the different paths following high school, such as community colleges, life skills programs, and four-year universities. LEARN MORE

Employment Opportunities

Employment Tool Kit: Autism Speaks provides a guide that includes tips, information and job-related stories for autistic adults seeking employment. The guide offers sample applications, resumes and details about job interviews. LEARN MORE

Prepare Now for the Upcoming Holidays

It’s not too soon to begin preparing for the holiday season. You will find some suggestions on our website here.

The members of GAN’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board wish you a safe and enjoyable summer!

Summer 2023 Newsletter

Summer Activity Suggestions

  • Plant flowers or vegetables in your garden: Grandchildren will gain a sense of responsibility as they care for and water their plants.

  • Cook together: Follow a recipe that your grandchild enjoys! Go here for some “grandkid approved recipes.”
  • Visit the library: Check out your local library. Enroll your grandchild in a library membership. Locate books and colorful magazines that cater to their special interests while having some quiet time. Choose some books to read together at home. Many libraries have storytelling times that might also be appropriate for you and your grandchild to attend.

  • Visit a gym: Exercise together.
  • Go on a picnic: Pack a lunch or dinner and enjoy a picnic at your local park or even in your backyard.
  • Take a walk or ride bikes to a local park
  • Visit a local aquarium, museum, zoo or another local attraction.

  • Shop together for a simple craft or hobby you can share together at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or search online for one.
  • Enroll your grandchild in a swim class for special needs individuals and encourage their progress.
  • Horseback riding can calm those with autism. Check out local riding schools or programs for therapeutic horseback riding.

Find additional activities HERE

If you do not have an opportunity to be with your grandchild in-person, try to stay in touch with Facetime, Zoom, letters, photographs texts, emails or phone calls.

Summer Programs

Research online for programs and local summer disability inclusion activities.

Special Needs Summer Camps in California and Other States. Click HERE for a list of camps that accommodate children and adults with  disabilities.

These links are for Orange County, California but you can search Google to find local programs in most communities:

Travel Opportunities

If you are traveling with your grandchild, refer to our Summer Tips to plan ahead for safe travel. For security, when you are out together, you can simply pin a note with their identification and your contact information to their clothing. You might also research for a simple tracking device that your grandchild can wear on their wrist or attach inside a pocket or a shoe.

Consider visiting attractions like these that provide special accommodations for families. A letter verifying your grandchild’s diagnosis of autism may be required to qualify for them. Call ahead to learn how best to plan for a visit (food available, recommended attractions, rest areas).

  • LEGOLAND Resorts: All LEGOLAND Resorts within North America are now certified autism centers. The resorts are fully prepared to help families create a fun and exciting trip with their sensory guides and specialized training.
  • Sesame Place San Diego and Philadelphia: These are Certified Autism Centers. offering sensory guides, quiet rooms, and noise-canceling headphones.
  • SeaWorld San Diego: At SeaWorld San Diego you can enroll in the Guest Accessibility program, in which you will receive a Ride Accessibility Program sheet. The sheet allows one to book a specific time for attractions and rides.

  • Balboa Park Museums San Diego: The Balboa Park, Museum of Us, San Diego Museum of Art, and the Museum of Photographic Arts offers Social Stories that families can download beforehand. These visual previews cater to high-functioning adults with autism.
  • Fleet Science Center San Diego: On the third Saturday of each month, the center offers Autism Accessibility Mornings. The day allows for quieter explorations and a cooling-off space.
  • MOXI Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation Santa Barbara: 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. Visitors can also borrow a sensory backpack kit.
  • 12 Best Special Needs Family Vacation: You’ll find suggestions for destinations that provide special accommodations for families on this site.
  • DisabledHolidays.com: This website offers a series of hotels and cruises that best accommodate any disability. World-wide locations are listed.
  • Autism on the Seas: This organization collaborates with Royal Caribbean Cruises. They include autism-friendly services and products such as dietary accommodations, phones/pagers for families, autism-friendly toys, Social Stories, and an adjusted environment for film watching.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers an autism-friendly environment with sensory-friendly films, dietary menu options, and toys.
  • The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: This location is a Certified Autism Center with the attraction providing fidget tools, sensory guides, and noise-canceling headphones.

Visit Visalia: This City was the first to be designated as a Certified Autism Destination. You’ll find a list of hotels and attractions on this site with accommodations for those with sensory needs.

Improve Communication with Your Grandchild

Assistive Technology has many new easy to use devices that will help you to enhance communication with your grandchild. Autism Speaks.

The members of GAN’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board wish you a safe and enjoyable summer!

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Begin Now to Prepare for Easter and Passover

If you are hosting family gatherings for the holiday, you can plan ahead to ensure all of your guests will feel welcome in a safe environment. Deciding on menus and activities ahead of time will help to make your time together more fun. Additional tips on how to prepare your home and plan activities can be found HERE.

Here are some activities to try when interacting with your grandchild:

Social Skills

1. Board Games with a Twist

Boost children’s social skills and manners through this compelling twist of checkers, mandala and chess. Children will learn to respectfully communicate with their opponents, wishing “good luck” or “good game.”

2. What Would You Do?

Build and enforce your children’s social skills through your rendition of “What would you do?” Families can create scenarios and discuss the appropriate responses to the situations.

Sensory Activities

1. Sort the Snacks

Make math fun! Give your grandchild multicolored snacks to sort by characteristics and colors. Teach counting, subtraction and addition by rearranging the food.

 2. Vegetable Paint Stamps

Engage in your grandchild’s touch and sight through these homemade stamps. Cut some vegetables and provide them with a cup of paint. They can dip the vegetable slice into the color and press it on the paper.

Calming Activities

1. Calm Down Drawer

Fill a drawer with toys that can neutralize overwhelming emotions. If your children are stressed, give them sensory toys to make them feel at ease.

2. Calm Down Cards

If your children struggle with strong emotions, create these calming cards to help them self-regulate.

For more activities please visit: Waterford.org

Autism Advocacy

The purpose of National Autism Awareness month is to raise awareness for the autism community. Many organizations sponsor events during April to increase

understanding and support for families affected by autism. On April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities will light up their buildings and businesses blue.

Check to see if there are any local events in which you can participate to increase advocacy and support in your community.

Family Guidebooks Available Online

The Organization for Autism Research has excellent guidebooks, manuals and booklets for families that are written by experts and supported by research to help families. The following guides are available for downloading:

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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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