As the parents of special needs children, we all want our kiddos to have happy and memorable childhoods. For many children, a large portion of that equation is the development of social skills and friendships with both their typical (and not so typical) peers. Along with play dates, activities, and sports clubs, part of the unwritten social contract entrenched within these friendships is attending and participating in each other’s birthday parties. For the parents of autistic children, this prospect can be bittersweet. The thrill of finding a birthday party invite in our child’s backpack can quickly turn to sheer panic as you envision the chaos and sheer pandemonium playing as a continuous movie loop in your minds eye. As much as you know the importance of participation and peer interaction social skills, the thought of your movie playing out in real time in front of others is way too daunting; so you reluctantly check the “respectfully decline” box.
Read more on Oh No – Another Birthday Party Invitation….