Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Attending a birthday party can be extremely difficult for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many unknowns. Who will be there? Where is it? What is the theme? Will there be food served? A lot of new things can be hard for anyone to adjust to, but for someone with ASD, it can be too much. Here are a few ideas that may help lessen these difficulties and make the birthday party more enjoyable for all.
Arriving a few minutes early may help the individual adjust to the new environment.
Stay with the individual during the party. Give praise and keep the time spent at the party short.
Reward your child when it is time to leave the party; promise a favorite food or activity. This may help with the individual’s anxiety about leaving a party early.
Talk with the people who will be hosting the party. Ask if there will be a quiet place available to go if the individual feels overwhelmed.
Bring sensory toys.
Ask about food. Consider any sensory or dietary needs when it comes to birthday treats. Bring your own food if necessary.
What will be taking place at the party? Consider what activities they may want to take part in and what activities they may not. Bring activities that they individual enjoys doing as other options during those times.
Bring support. Bring a favorite babysitter or classroom aide to support you.
Create a social story to prepare for the birthday party. Try using actual photos of the people who will be at the party.
CAR Autism Roadmap: Suggestions for a Birthday Party Social Story
CAR Autism Roadmap: Planning a Birthday Party
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.