| ropriately | | | | information effectively, these elements of a birthday |
| | | | party can be overwhelming. By simplifying things and |
| Planning a birthday party for a child with special needs | | | | keeping the party elements to a minimum, you can help |
| can be a difficult thing to do. Here are some great | | | | to reduce your child’s anxiety and allow him or |
| tips to keep in mind when planning so you don’t | | | | her to enjoy the party more thoroughly. |
| overwhelm yourself or your child. It’s all about | | | | Be selective when choosing a party time. As you |
| keeping things simple and easy! | | | | think about when to hold your party, keep in mind your |
| Over the past few months, a few of my clients have | | | | child’s best time(s) of the day. Most children |
| asked how should we celebrate our child’s | | | | are more refreshed, relaxed, and less anxious overall in |
| birthday, taking into consideration his or her special | | | | the morning after a good night’s rest. We |
| needs. This is an important question on many | | | | don’t hear about parties being held in the |
| levels, since we all want to celebrate special occasions | | | | morning that often; but for many children with special |
| with family; however, this can sometimes be too much | | | | needs, this is their best time of the day. If you are |
| for many of our children with special needs. Here are | | | | going to have the party on a week night, then be sure |
| a few ideas and strategies to use so that you can | | | | to hold it after the dinner hour. This provides the child |
| celebrate your child’s birthday without making | | | | with an opportunity for some down time in between |
| the event too overwhelming for the child and yourself! | | | | school and the party, and it allows them to have a |
| Limit the guest list! All too often, we find ourselves | | | | healthy dinner to re-charge their batteries. |
| inviting to birthday parties family members whom we | | | | Decorate with the minimalist perspective. Balloons, |
| generally don’t see very often. Even though it | | | | streamers, tissue paper, and many other fun |
| may be uncomfortable for you not to invite them, think | | | | decorations are often used for parties. These types |
| about how overwhelmed your child may feel if there | | | | of decorations are not a problem for most individuals, |
| are several people around whom he or she may not | | | | but children with disabilities can become overwhelmed |
| know. If you feel the need to invite all of your family | | | | very easily. When having a party, there are already |
| and friends, then split the party up into a couple of | | | | many factors that will contribute to his or her feelings |
| different occasions. By limiting the number of guests, | | | | of anxiety, especially changes to the environment. |
| you can help to reduce the anxiety and fear of | | | | Keeping decorations to a minimum will help reduce the |
| uncertainty that your child may be facing. | | | | overwhelming feeling and anxiety that many children |
| Keep it simple! When we begin to plan a | | | | feel at parties. |
| child’s birthday, it is easy for us to get carried | | | | Celebrating your child’s special day can be a |
| away with the games, food, treat bags, gifts, and | | | | fun and anxiety-free experience. By keeping the |
| many other things that go into having a birthday | | | | environment calm and using a minimalist perspective, |
| party. All of these things are wonderful; but for | | | | you may find that you and your child both can enjoy |
| children who have a difficult time processing | | | | the occasion. Happy birthday party planning to you!!!!! |