Clowning for Autistic Kids

[Bonkers #361]

I used to be the party manager for Toys R Us. All kids love loud music so I had the music going I also had my disco lights flashing in the room. I had a parent complain I used the comment " If it is to loud your to old ". When out of the blue this child went nuts screaming and crying. She then informed me that the child was autistic and that the Flashing lights and Loud music sets her off. From that day forward I asked every new party customer " Are there any special needs children that we need to be aware about." It was never my intention to harm a child I just wanted them to have fun.

[Pickles]

Bonkers: Yeah, you sure learn from those experiences, don't you? Several people have told me I need to be a calm and soothing clown for this event, so I plan to cut back on the caffeine that day! It will be really interesting to see how it goes. Like you, I just want everybody to have fun -- especially the birthday boy.

I'm confused about this Toys R Us party business. Do they do parties there at the store? Wow, I never knew!

[Bonkers #361]

My store in southern Indiana did and the 3 Louisville Ky did but they are expinsive my average party was $359 for 2 Hours we had a adventure, Pizza, Cake & of course Geoffrey

[Pickles]

Well, I had a long conversation with the birthday child's mom today. It looks like there will be 8 extremely autistic children at this party. She wants me there for two hours. And she probably doesn't want balloons there, because she's afraid that if one pops, some of the kids might really freak out. I asked her about face-painting, and she said that a lot of the kids don't like wet stuff on their skin, so I probably won't attempt that.

This mom is very nice and laid-back. She said she doesn't care what I do during the two hours -- that I can just sit around and eat! She just knows she wants a clown present for two hours. Well, I don't plan on sitting on my clown butt stuffing my clown face with hot dogs and birthday cake for two hours, but I am really going to have to brainstorm to come up with enough activities to occupy these kids for two hours.

I'm thinking I'll bring music, puppets, some simple and colorful magic, bubbles, kazoos or whizzers, stickers.... (she said her son loves to take stickers on and off his shirt.) I wonder if they'd take part in one of those parachutes with the handles.... Hmmm. This will definitely be an interesting party!

If you can think of any other activities for us to do at this party, please share!

[Pickles]

Also, I meant to ask those of you who have done balloons for autistic kids: Did you ever have "balloon poppage" when twisting for autistic kids, and did it cause any problems? It had occurred to me that this might be problematic -- even before the mom mentioned it.

Also, I was thinking that maybe those touchable bubbles might be a good thing to bring. Where do you get those, anyway? I haven't seen them for awhile.

[Jusbytheclown]

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!

[Jobee]

Thing you got to watch out for is there are many various forms of Autism. Some with extreme symptoms and some with very mild symptoms which don't get diagnosed. Can't just do a blanket act.

[MrsFix]

Pickles asked for some insight since seeing in another post that I have an autistic child. I'm more than happy to share!

My daughter is smack in the middle of the "spectrum" and is in a "cross categorical" class. One of her classmates is more severely autistic, and the others are high functioning. I've been around them for a couple field trips, to read a story, and just in general.

I'm trying to imagine how it would go to have a clown come in. I think most of them would enjoy it, and a couple might get anxious. There could be some keening, crying, or even screaming from kids who don't tolerate change/new events (I'm thinking of the one boy in particular). If this happens, reasonable adults-in-charge will take an upset child to a quiet room. It's not a punishment or bad thing. It is what it is.

For the most part, and I saw this mentioned in the other posts, many of these kids are VERY tactile. My daughter is one of them. They can be driven to touch new and interesting things, especially if there's obvious texture and wild color (in other words, a clown!!!!). Maybe you can bring little "sensory" toys you can hand out if the kids get too touchy-feely. If latex isn't an issue, those koosh balls are always a hit. My daughter also loves pin wheels, and you can get bunches of them cheap at Hobby Lobby or the like. Distractions like that are great--as long as you bring enough for everyone. Of course, you still risk losing their attention, so it's a balancing act.

Ask the parents about balloons. Also, make sure none of the kids has a latex allergy. It seems like there are more problems with allergies among special-needs kids than "regular" (I say "regular" with a block of salt) kids. I just had the idea last night of using non-latex balloons and putting some drawings with the child's name on the balloon. Since I'm allergic to latex, I'm trying to think of alternatives, and that's all I have so far on that count.

Face painting is tricky. My daughter has a horrid time sitting still, yet her friend let me paint a half face with bowling, and he held perfectly still. This blew me away because he also had ADHD, and I've NEVER seen this kid hold still before!

The biggest thing to remember is to BE FLEXIBLE--figuratively speaking, but it would be really funny if you could be literally flexible! There is no predictability, even if you're around these kids on a daily basis. Believe me, my daughter can be a different person in a flash. This isn't always a bad thing, but you have to be prepared to go with it.

Try to see if there will be music available. My daughter especially loves Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes. I HIGHLY recommend having at least one LB and/or DZ album in your collection if you are one to have music on hand. Check out "We Are the Dinosaurs" and "Victor Vitto"--most kids LOVE these songs, especially the cross-cat kids I know.

Finally, try to get an idea of the functioning level of the kids, and of some things they like. Do they love certain characters? Sports? Stories? If you can tie in something that they individually or as a group like, then this will also help.

Kudos, and I mean HUGE, BIG, WONDERFUL KUDOS to you for taking the time to prepare. I hope it goes well. Even if you run into bumpy moments, it'll be an experience you'll take to heart.

As I learn more about clowning (I really am a newbie!), I'll update what I've said. My only expertise is from being a mom and being around Zoe's class and friends.

Have a great time!
Christina

[Pickles]

The birthday child's mom called yesterday to see if we could reschedule the party for a week later, so I have seven additional days to prepare. Whew... Also, she said that all of the kids' parents will be there, too, so we will have a good kid-to-parent ratio.

Thanks to all who have offered advice for this event and insight into autism. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

[GaryLevine]

(Clown name MrDukintux) I have clowned for autistic children in the NYC are at least once a year for the last 10 years and have done a birthday party for them. So as Yogi Berra says 'Let me try to help experience you" with some of my observations and experiences.The most important thing ,when you speak with the parents ask not only what their triggers are but also what they may do which might be considered unusual. I would strongly suggest that you ask the same questions about all the autistic children who will also be there and also ask if there will be any siblings or other non-autistic children attending. You can't really script the party Just bring everything you own and you may be shocked at what they may respond too. I've found that they love puppets. Especially if you stroke them and let them touch them and even pretend to have the puppets talk with them I' ve found that they love music and dancing around with you. I wouldn't advise any magic unless there are non - autistic children attending. Balloons and face painting may be doable . I am sure you will have an intuitive feeling about whether or not you can face paint or make balloons. Some autistic children have a tendency to grab things and are very strong . Be careful not to leave your prop bag open and be especially careful of any buttons or horn you may be wearing. You can have your nose pulled of in the blink of an eye if you are not careful or face the wrong way. Be sure the parents are present. The parents appreciate the effort, so if you are doing something and they don't respond. It is not you, they can't help it. Good Luck !!!! (let us all know how it went