Creating Special Times for Everyone
Create an inclusive atmosphere.
- Introduce the Provider Guide. Walk through the guide, giving an overview of its components:
- Tips for creating autism-friendly spaces and events.
- Ideas for planning activities that help celebrate each child’s uniqueness and showcase each child’s strengths.
- A tip sheet with suggestions for explaining autism to young children.
- Templates for invitations, name tags, drawing activities, and a certificate of participation.
- Break into groups. Invite providers to discuss challenges they have faced with the children they care for, and how they met them—or didn’t meet them. Share ideas for possible solutions.
- If there is time, brainstorm additional activities, community-event ideas, and other ways to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for families with and without autistic children. Discuss ways to encourage volunteers and wider community participation.
Where Should We Go?
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood can offer opportunities for autistic children to make choices—and have fun!
Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals.
Time for a Treat
Sometimes autistic children—and all children—need a little help from others to reach their goals.
Teaching Self-Determination Skills
Try these playful activities to help your child develop important self-determination skills.
Setting and Achieving Goals
With support from a caring grown-up, autistic children can set goals, make a plan, and accomplish big things!
Julia and Rose – Best Friends Fur-Ever
When Julia has an idea, she sees it through… with a little help from her family. This social story for autistic children models what’s possible!
Forging Furry Friendships: How Human-Animal Interventions Can Support Autistic Children’s Well-Being
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the science of human-animal bonds and specifically how animal interventions can support autistic children’s well-being.
