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.
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.
A free, lifetime pass – available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability – that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded … Read More »
Frequent phone calls, notes of encouragement or just simply listening can be really helpful to your child in helping them cope with their stress.
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 »
Multi-sensory appeal – Does the toy respond with lights, sounds or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture? Method of Activation – Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? 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 »
Schedules seem to be the best way to keep motivation and cooperation throughout the day. Kids on the spectrum learn sequentially, and retain information sequentially and love to stick to schedules of their own making. They also love to watch the same movies over and over again much later in … Read More »
Grandparents can teach self-care, housekeeping, traffic safety and essentials in interacting with the community. Below is a list of life skills topics. Morning routine – brushing teeth, brushing hair, washing hands Getting dressed independently Potty training Evening routine – brushing teeth, taking bath/ shower/ washing hair Setting the table Clearing … Read More »
If you raise the children to be served, they will grow up with that expectation, and will not learn how to make their own food. They will go into the kitchen and get their favorite foods, such a cookies or crackers, but they will not make dinner. For example, a … Read More »
Many parents and grandparents put off teaching feeding and serving oneself and pouring milk and drinks because it seems easier – with less mess to clean up. However, if you do not allow the child to do it, they will not develop the necessary hand eye coordination to execute these … Read More »
If left to their own devices, all children will eat with their fingers. Whether you are teaching to eat with a fork or chopsticks, use the same method at home and at grandma’s house. When the child is older, you can teach to cut with a knife. I use the … Read More »
