Tips & Suggestions

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Sensory Friendly Films” program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Contact your local AMC theatre for current schedules and costs.

The San Diego Zoo has a new guide for guests with disabilities to help make your visit there comfortable. Plan ahead and take advantage of the many special accommodations they can provide for your family. Refer to the the Guide for Guests with Disabilities at the link below.

Round trip train rides can be lots of fun for grandchildren. If you are accompanying a child with disabilities, Amtrak will allow a caregiver or shadow to travel free of cost. Take Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano, Los Angeles or other local destinations. Have lunch or just visit the near-by attractions. Amtrak goes to San Diego where you can visit the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World or other attractions. Annual passes are relatively inexpensive. Call ahead to ask about policies in effect for special needs individuals.

Post photographs or pictures of local places to visit or shop on the refrigerator or on a piece of paper and ask grandchildren to choose where they would like to go. Prepare a day schedule using the pictures in sequential order so children can anticipate the timelines for activities. If your grandchild is sensitive to being in crowds, plan to go early or on days when you can predict that fewer people will be there.

Start when the grandchildren can move around independently and never stop. You will always be older than your grandchildren and will always need to teach and re-teach new things.