1. Five Tips for A Successful Family Outing with your Child with Autism
By Amy Kelly, Director of Family & Community Services
For any parent, coordinating a recreational family activity can be a difficult task. When one or all of your children fall
somewhere on the autism spectrum, the challenges often become overwhelming, and can prevent families from
spending much needed quality time together. Devereux, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of mental and
behavioral health services, offers a wide array of programs for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their
families ranging from residential care to community based-supports. Amy Kelly is the Director of Family Supports &
Services at Devereux, and is also a mother to three children, one with autism. To share her experience and expertise
with all families, Amy offers these five essential tips for parents to enjoy a recreational activity as a family:
1. Have a plan – It is imperative to prepare all members of your family with a plan of what your day’s activities
will include, particularly the child with an ASD. This plan should be explained both verbally and through visuals
like pictures, social stories, maps and schedules, to plot the day out ahead of time. If you are visiting a museum,
ask for a brochure to be sent to you before your trip so you can walk your child through the day before you
leave the house. The more your child knows what to expect, the more likely you will have a successful time.
Back up plans are very helpful too, should your child become uncomfortable while you are out.
2. Make a tool-kit – Before you go anywhere, pack a bag with necessary “tools” that you know your child with an
ASD needs… this should include communication devices, an iPad, a DS, sensory/fidget toys or any other
comforting items that soothe your child. Don’t forget to include things like a change of clothes or special foods
or treats your child needs to remain calm. Having these tools on hand will help you address any discomfort on
the spot, and can help prevent tantrum behavior.
3. Be prepared to leave – Any parent of a child with autism will tell you that sometimes even the best plans fail,
as there are many unforeseen triggers that may upset your child. If it truly is a day of leisure, be accepting of
the fact that you may need to go home early. Having this discussion with all members of your family will set
expectations and prevent emotions from running high if you need to make an early exit.
4. Have an extra set of eyes – Don’t try to do it all yourself. Be prepared with additional adult supervision and
assistance to manage the day, especially if you have multiple children. This can be anyone from a therapist who
can address the needs of the child with autism, or a grandparent who can help attend to the other siblings when
your full attention is required elsewhere. If someone like this is not available, the peace of mind that comes
with the support of a paid babysitter can be invaluable.
5. Safety First– Always research the venue before you go, and understand the risk factors. Whether it’s a park, a
pool, a museum, or your own backyard, know where you are going and what can you do to prepare. If the
space is out in the open and you know your child tends to wander, supply nametags on their shirt with your
contact information just in case. If it’s going to be a crowded pace that is busy with a lot of other people, like a
sporting event, you want to make sure you have extra sets of eyes with you to monitor the situation.
For more information on Devereux’s autism spectrum disorder programs and resources, please visit
http://devereux.org/autism.