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.
Tips & Suggestions
Networking together, we are a vital resource for each other. Please share information you feel will help grandparents to improve their understanding of autism, interactions with grandchildren and enhance their family relationships.
Tip categories are posted on the right. Choose a category by clicking on it. New information is added frequently and we encourage you to visit often.
Increase understanding in public situations
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.
Safe access to and from public parking areas
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
Pre-plan for unisex restrooms
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.
Introducing new places to your itinerary
If your grandchild only wishes to go to one place repetitively, try taking him there first for a few minutes. He may be more receptive about visiting other places after that.
Fun in the park
Take walks together in local parks. Feed ducks, explore gardens and enjoy other park features.
