Bright lights. Loud music. Teens and cake frosting. Birthday parties can be a headache for any parent. For parents of teens with autism, planning or attending a birthday party can present a unique set of challenges. From limited menu options to sensory overload, these uncertainties can make an invitation feel overwhelming. Not to worry! Whether you are planning a birthday party for your teen with autism or have a teen with autism on the guest list, here is everything you need to know about hosting an autism-friendly event.

Plan Ahead

Though birthday party invites may be stressful for some  parents of teens with autism, they also dread the day their teen doesn’t receive one. Whether you’re hosting a party for your teen with autism or hosting an autism-friendly shindig, remember – a little bit of planning goes a long way. 

If you’re celebrating your teen with autism’s birthday, try to communicate with parents ahead of time and the day before the event to confirm the guest list. Let them know your teen is looking forward to seeing theirs! This will help get an accurate estimate of who will be in attendance.

It’s important to communicate the general expectations of the party in detail with your teen beforehand. Having an accurate estimate for the day will help you better prepare them. List the sequence of events, the foods that will be there, and the activities. If your teen shares concerns with you, do your best to answer their questions and calm their anxieties. This will help them feel comfortable so they can make room for excitement.

If you’re inviting a teen with autism to a party, open the lines of communication and give their parents a call. Discuss the plans for the day so they can best prepare their teen. Letting them know the foods and snacks that will be served can help them know what options to expect when it comes to mealtime. Ask if there is anything you need to know to make the fun more accessible and inclusive for them. Small acts make a big difference!

Location Matters 

The venue you choose plays an important role in making your event accessible and comfortable for guests with autism. Popular venues like laser tag, ice skating rinks, or restaurants may not be the ideal option for a teen that has sensory sensitivities or feels overwhelmed in large crowds.  If you’re planning a party for your teen with autism, consider hosting the event in a familiar place, such as at home or in the backyard. If your teen wants to host a birthday party somewhere else or wants to attend another party, see if you can visit the venue a few times beforehand and help them get acquainted before the big day.

Sensory-Friendly Entertainment

One of the best ways to make a birthday party more autism-friendly is to provide sensory-friendly activities that everyone can participate in. Sensory play can encourage socialization, decrease stress, and it’s fun! Group activities like arts & crafts are a creative, expressive way to entertain a room full of young ones, without the risk of overstimulating neurodivergent guests. Check out this list of 10 budget-friendly sensory activities for inspiration.

Reserve a Space

Whether you are planning a birthday party for your teen with autism or looking to make your teen’s party more autism-friendly, having options is key. It may be helpful to organize your teen’s party into stations, where teens can explore at their own pace. Having separate stations for crafts, eating, or games gives each teen the option to choose what they are comfortable with. You may also want to have a separate area designed for quiet time or put on a movie with low sound and subtitles for teens who need a safe space to retreat to during the festivities. 

Make Room for Breaks 

One last reminder – breaks are encouraged! If your teen needs to take a few minutes or leave the party, that’s okay. Forcing them to be uncomfortable out of politeness or fear they will miss out may cause further distress. You can try scheduling breaks during the party as well. Traditions like opening gifts or blowing out candles may be better reserved for after the party after the guests have left. Next time there’s a birthday on the calendar, remember – take a deep breath, meet your teen with an open mind, and don’t forget to celebrate! 

Check out the rest of the PS Academy blog for more free autism resources and guides.