The Autism Blog

Enchant Sensory Friendly Holiday Light Maze and Market

Sunday, November 24^th from 4-6 pm

Warmly welcoming all families who might benefit from a sensory-friendly evening at Enchant- the worlds largest holiday light maze and market!  Our friends at Enchant heard feedback this in the past this event has been over-stimulating for families with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities so are proud to be opening up a sensory-friendly event on Sunday, November 24^th from 4-6 pm at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Attendance will be limited, and both sounds and lights will be reduced significantly, creating a more welcoming environment for families with special needs.  Open to kids and adults of all ages and all ability levels. 

Please spread the word to other groups and families who might want to participate in this festive, and friendly event.

Many thanks!

Tickets can be purchased here; https://enchantchristmas.com/pages/sensory-friendly-evening 

Our FAQ can be found here:https://help.enchantchristmas.com/en/

This month’s Autism 200 series class is Autism 210: A Panel Discussion: Perspectives from the Autism Community

Facilitator: Gary Stobbe, MD

Panelists include: Frederick Shic, Emily Neuhaus, Jennifer DiBona, Susan Sturms, Diana Blomster, and Jennifer Annable.

If you’ve met one person with autism… you’ve met one person with autism. The autism spectrum is wide and encompasses a vast array of unique, diverse and amazing individuals, each with their own distinct set of skills, challenges and abilities. Please join us for a panel discussion as we seek to understand and explore the many views, perspectives and lived experiences of autistics, advocates, parents and professionals who serve the autism community wit the hope of building continued respect, dignity and collaboration.

Class Schedule: This class will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Wright Auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please join us in person or watch on Facebook live. For more information see the  Autism 200 Series webpage.

This month’s Autism 200 series class is Autism 209, Autism Care Planning: Recommended Interventions, Resources and Support, a panel discussion.

Instructor: Karen Sporn, ARNP

Our goal as nurse practitioners is to support your child’s health and well-being, by being a partner with you in their autism care planning.

This month’s Autism 200 series presentation is Autism 209: Managing Autism, a panel discussion facilitated Karen Sporn, ARNP. In this presentation a panel from Seattle Children’s Autism Center will discuss what the role of nurse practitioner entails, including developmental monitoring; autism-related health assessment and treatment recommendations; medication consultation and management; and coordination of care and services.

Class Schedule: This class will be held Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Wright Auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please join us in person or watch on Facebook live. For more information see the  Autism 200 Series webpage.

Trick or Treat at the Autism Center!

Seattle Children’s Autism Center holds an annual Trick or Treat practice party in the welcoming halls of the Autism Center. A (very) autism-friendly event for the entire family. Bring friends! All welcome at this relaxed fun-filled event designed for your family. 

Come enjoy door-to-door trick or treating, costumes, treats, games, prizes, and our memorable sensory room.  Dr. Travis Nelson from The Center for Pediatric Dentistry will be on hand with toothbrushes and non sugar goodie bags.  Saturday October 26th from 10 am – noon.  Seattle Children’s Autism Center  4909 25^th Ave NE, Seattle 98105.  Plenty of parking in front.  Lots of volunteers to play with your goblins.  Come feel at home in the hallways of the Autism Center. 

8 tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween for your child with autism:

1. Let your child practice wearing their costume at home. This gives you time to make any last minute modifications and time for your child to get used to it.
2. Write a social story describing what your child will do on Halloween.  
3. Create a visual schedule. This might include a map of where you will go.
4. Practice trick or treating in a familiar environment. Visit friends and family, if possible, even neighbors.
5. Keep trick or treating short and comfortable. Consider letting siblings (that might want to go longer) go trick or treating with a friend.
6. Use role play to practice receiving and giving treats.
7. If your child has difficulty with change, you may want to decorate your home gradually.
8. Remember, Halloween looks different for every child on the spectrum and you know your child best. Use your intuition and if you only make it to three houses, that’s okay!

Hope to see you there!

Here are a couple links to helpful Halloween information:

Trick or Treat Social Story

2019 CAC Trick or Treat Flyer

All About Halloween – A Personalized Social Story

Hang this sign on your door or window to let visitors know that your home is autism friendly

5 Ways To Help Your Special Kid Love Halloween As Much As You Do!

Autism Speak: Happy Halloween – Making the holiday fun for everyone

Welcome to the October edition of Ask Dr. Emily!

We often receive questions that we want to share with all our readers. To help with this, Dr. Emily Neuhaus, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Autism Center, will share insights in a question and answer format. Read full post »