{"id":4438,"date":"2012-04-24T09:33:00","date_gmt":"2012-04-24T09:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/index.php\/2012\/04\/24\/special-parties-for-special-needs\/"},"modified":"2023-08-16T19:53:48","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T19:53:48","slug":"special-parties-for-special-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/special-parties-for-special-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Parties for Special Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a birthday party for kids with special needs can pose extra challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are ideas to help make your child’s big day a happy one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hosting the Party<\/h3>\n
\u25ba<\/a> See our searchable list of entertainment and recreation providers <\/a>who serve kids with special needs.<\/div>\n

If possible, involve your child in planning,<\/span><\/strong> suggests MetroKids MomSpeak<\/a> blogger Trish Adkins, whose oldest daughter had a brain tumor. “She plans the party with me and a lot of it is left up to her,” says Adkins.<\/p>\n

Have a short guest list. <\/strong>“<\/span>Never feel pressured to invite everyone” in your child’s class, says Adkins.<\/p>\n

Related Articles<\/p>\n

T<\/a>he Snub<\/a><\/p>\n

The Birthday Trip<\/a><\/div>\n

Make sure the party is well organized and includes a quiet activity, <\/strong><\/span>advises Deirdre Wright, founder of the Asperger syndrome group ASCEND.<\/a> “Review the party structure with the child in advance,” she says. “This can lessen anxiety during transition from one activity to the next.” Limit the time to 2 hours or less, depending on your child’s tolerance for social stimuli. Extra supervision can help maintain calm, so invite your guests’ parents to stay as well.<\/p>\n

“Another alternative is to hire a neighborhood teen or two<\/strong> <\/span>to corral the kids. That can make a huge difference for the parent!” says Wright.<\/p>\n

If your child’s guests have special needs, <\/strong><\/span>ask their parents if you need to make accommodations.  Check for issues such as food allergies.<\/p>\n

Entertainers<\/h3>\n

Some entertainers have worked with children who have special needs. For example, Robert “Professor Bob” <\/a>Matcovich provides a “Hands-on Science” show that focuses on the senses. “I adapt the presentation and adjust my experiments to match children’s needs,” he says.<\/p>\n

The father of a child with special needs, Matcovich frequently works with kids at special needs schools. “An entertainer with experience can free parents to focus on other aspects of the party,” he says.<\/p>\n

“Mr. David”<\/a> Perry provides a variety show centering on drawings, songs and silliness. “I recommend a consultation in advance so I can get a sense of what the kids will respond to and what stimuli they’re most comfortable with,” says Perry, who has frequently worked with the Easter Seals organization.<\/p>\n

 “When parents have to take time out for crowd management and other aspects of the party, it’s a lot more stress than when a professional can keep them amused and hold their attention,” he says.<\/p>\n

\""Professor<\/p>\n

Parties Outside The Home<\/h3>\n

Some arts centers, such as Acting Antics <\/a>in Malvern, PA; The Center on Central in Paoli, PA; and Jubili Beads & Yarns <\/a>in Collingswood, NJ have experience working with special needs.<\/p>\n

Some  entertainment venues offer  special needs programs that can accommodate a small group. For example, AMC Cinemas partners with the Autism Society to present monthly “Sensory Friendly Films” <\/a>for kids with autism. The lights remain on, the sound is turned down and audience members are invited to move as they please.<\/p>\n

If you are considering a party outside your home, visit the location ahead of time. If possible, your child can try out the party activity while you observe.<\/p>\n

“The more the child knows in advance, the better. Some kids just hate surprises or get frustrated when a highly anticipated activity doesn’t go as planned,” says Wright.<\/p>\n

Mark Lauterbach is a MetroKids intern and Temple University journalism student.<\/em><\/p>\n