on the spectrum...
I've worked one-on-one with autistic 7 y/o boys in my day job and also been around them in-clown for volunteer events at their school.
They were both sketched out by me in makeup. I think they knew instinctively that my clown would not follow the same school rules as my person.
They may be triggered by a popping balloon... so you might want to skip that section.
They may be reassured by a visual schedule so you might want to whip one up.
Although it would ruin the surprise for a neurotypical child, for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it would let them know that 'this too shall pass'. Eventually, the clown will move on and life will go back to 'normal'.
You could do dry wipe board, card stock, chalk board or some other visual cue. Maybe it would include what happens afterwards like cake/ ice cream & presents.
At school we use a 2" x 2" card with velcro on a strip of paper. After an activity the card goes in the 'Finished' envelope.
For that matter, this makes sense for just working up routines and swapping gags around... hmmm... I gotta get me some velcro!
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