FAQautism

How can families help youngsters with autism join the fun of summer sleepovers with friends or campouts? How can a pre-teen girl with autism enjoy slumber parties with her peers if she is extremely averse to sleeping any place other than her own bed?

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Some of my friends with autism are very connected to their own familiar bed and extremely resistant to sleeping in a different space. This makes it difficult for a youngster to participate in sleepovers or campouts. And it really stands in the way of kids joining in traditional events like slumber parties with their peers during summer vacation.

Of course, not all individuals with autism are interested in parties or other social gatherings. Some are not interested in spending time or connecting with other people. But some youngsters with autism ask about sleepovers and slumber parties and express interest in spending time with their peers. In many cases, they want to participate, but they are not interested in sleeping overnight at a strange house or in sharing their sleep space with other people.

One particularly effective strategy that has worked for some kids with autism is to invite friends to their house for a nighttime party. Just schedule the party to end at 10 or even at midnight if they are old enough. That allows all the fun of a sleepover or slumber party without the issues related to actual sleeping.

Your youngster can invite family and friends to come for a summer adventure that includes his favorite foods and activities. When it gets late, the group might gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows or might gather around the television with popcorn or ice cream sundaes while wathching a classic movie. Then send everyone home at the end of a fun evening with a wave and a smile. Your youngster can then snuggle comfortably in his own bed as usual.

We welcome your ideas and your experiences with your friend with autism, good or bad. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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