Sensory-Friendly Birthday Celebrations for Non-Verbal Autistic Children

As Robert nears his 11th (!) birthday, trying to plan a party for him is incredibly challenging and can be frustrating. Celebrating a birthday should be a joyous occasion for every child, including those with autism. For non-verbal autistic children, creating a sensory-friendly environment at a venue like a children’s museum, bouncy house, splash park, or trampoline park can ensure they fully enjoy their special day. This blog post provides practical tips for planning such a party and includes insights from various resources that cater to the unique needs of autistic children.

Choosing the Right Venue:

A children’s museum or an activity center with a bouncy house or trampoline park can be an excellent venue for hosting a sensory-friendly birthday party. These places often offer private event options which allow for controlled environments and can be set up to meet sensory needs:

• Children’s Museums typically have exhibits and activities that are already designed to be engaging and educational without overwhelming the senses.
• Bouncy Houses and Trampoline Parks can provide physical activities that are enjoyable and can be enjoyed in a sensory-friendly manner, with adjustments like reduced noise and controlled lighting.
• Splash Parks are one of Robert’s favorite places to go! The sound of the water is very soothing for him. It’s also a great time of the year to splash around and cool off!

Invitations and Expectations:

When sending out invitations, provide clear information about the sensory-friendly nature of the party and the venue. Include a brief explanation of what adjustments will be made to accommodate all children’s needs and any information about the venue that would be helpful for parents preparing their children for the event.

Decorations and Atmosphere:

Choose decorations that are visually pleasing without being overstimulating. If the party is at a venue like a children’s museum, you may not need much decoration at all, as the setting itself is engaging enough for the children.

Activities and Entertainment:

Choose activities appropriate for the venue that cater to various sensory needs and preferences. If the venue is a trampoline park or bouncy house, ensure there are times when noise is minimized and the number of participants is controlled.

Food and Dietary Considerations:

Provide a variety of simple, non-messy snacks that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Venues like children’s museums often have designated eating areas where food can be managed according to each child’s needs.

Give Kids A Voice is committed to supporting non-verbal autistic children by providing them with AAC devices to help them communicate effectively. These devices are crucial in settings like birthday parties, where clear communication can significantly enhance the child’s experience. To request an AAC device for your child or to support our mission with a donation, please visit our device request page or our donation page.

Conclusion:

Planning a sensory-friendly birthday party at a venue like a children’s museum or a trampoline park provides a fantastic opportunity for non-verbal autistic children to celebrate their special day in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable for them and their friends. By taking into account the unique needs of these children, you can create an inclusive celebration that will be remembered fondly by all attendees.

Feel free to leave a comment below about your experiences with your child’s birthdays!