Creating Special Times for Everyone
A complete guide with expert advice for helping providers host successful autism-friendly events.
- Introduce the Provider Guide. Walk through the guide, giving an overview of its components:
- Tips and suggestions on making a welcoming space
- Ideas for activities for all children, including autistic children
- Suggestions for explaining autism to neurotypical and autistic children
- Simple crafts for autistic children
- Autism-friendly coloring activities
- Break into groups. Invite providers to discuss challenges they have faced with the children they care for, and how they met them—or didn’t meet them. Share ideas for possible solutions.
- If there is time, brainstorm additional autism-friendly activities, community-event ideas, and other ways to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for families with and without autistic children. Discuss ways to encourage volunteers and wider community participation.
Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals. Download and share this autism-friendly coloring activity.
Time for a Treat
Sometimes autistic children—and all children—need a little help from others to reach their goals. Download this printable for an autism-friendly coloring activity to help explore focus and persistence.
Where Should We Go?
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood can offer opportunities for autistic children to make choices—and have fun! Use this autism-friendly coloring activity to help kids develop their decision-making.
Julia and Rose – Best Friends Fur-Ever
When Sesame Street's Julia has an idea, she sees it through… with a little help from her family. This social storybook for autistic children models what’s possible!
Teaching Self-Determination Skills
Try these playful, autism-friendly activities to help your child develop important self-determination skills.
Setting and Achieving Goals
With support from a caring grown-up, autistic children can set goals, make a plan, and accomplish big things! Read on for expert parenting advice for parents of autistic kids.
Forging Furry Friendships: How Human-Animal Interventions Can Support Autistic Children’s Well-Being
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the science of human-animal bonds and specifically how animal interventions can support autistic children’s well-being.
