Networking together, we are a vital resource for each other. Please share information you believe will help grandparents to improve their understanding of autism, interactions with grandchildren and enhance their family relationships.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning for Your Grandchildren with Special Needs Grandparents want the best for their children and grandchildren. They often give gifts while alive, or make provisions for their loved ones after they are deceased. Grandparents who are in a position to leave money to grandchildren often … Read More »
so they can be part of the support group. Plan family activities such as cookie decorating, Bingo, singing, sidewalk chalk play, bubbles, games or other activities where everyone, young and old, may participate together.
for the child who may seek respite time.
Shop by catalog or online with children so they can help to select and anticipate what gifts they will receive. Consider giving gifts one at a time, before and after the holiday, when there is less noise, fewer distractions and more time for the child to focus on the toys … Read More »
Volunteer your help or bring in treats to your grandchildren’s classrooms 
Help with housekeeping chores, i.e. laundry, cleaning, pet sitting Provide respite childcare so that parents can spend time together Take a grandchild to a regularly scheduled appointment or class Entertain siblings to enable more time for child with parents Freeze individual … Read More »
Host birthday parties at local sites or offer to rent inflatable equipment at home Give an annual family membership to a favorite museum, acquarium, etc. Certificates for manicures, pedicures, massages or other spa services Coupons for restaurants, fast foods or meals delivered at home Gift cards for hobby/craft stores or … Read More »
Multi-sensory appeal – Â Does the toy respond with lights, sounds or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Â Does it have a scent? Â Is there texture? Method of Activation – Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? Â What is the force required to activate? Â What are the … Read More »
All of the following information in black fonts was prepared for grandparents by Alexandra J. Rogers, Ph.D., a member of GAN. Grandma Sandy is a licensed clinical psychologist in Orange County, California. In addition to professionally helping grandparents and parents understand how their children with autism think and how to … Read More »
Children and adults on the autism spectrum learn differently than others and the learning does not necessarily carry over to other situations and settings. To put it simply, telling our grandchild or demonstrating a behavior once or twice will not necessarily help them learn the behaviors or remember them. This … Read More »
