Parties and SPD/ADHD

[JanetBalloonist]

Not in DC, but in me!

Earlier this week I attended my first birthday party with DC (who is

Why can't you 'not go' ?

At this age / stage, your dc won't be missing out, and, if t isn't something you want to be at, then why go ?

Yes, in their first year at school, it will become more important for your dc to go to some parties, and, at that point, hopefully you will have someone that you can explain to about the sensory overload and they will be able to keep an eye on your dc, and you can do them a favour in some other way. But there really is no benefit to a baby to be taken to parties.

Think that there might be a section on here somewhere for parents with SN which might be more helpful.

A few things that might help are exercise and mediation before you go. It doesn't have to be immediately before, you could mediate for 10 mins before they wake or whilst they nap.

Have you got a fairly quiet friend that you could sit with at the parties too? This helps to get you out of the melee sometimes.

I find parties very overwhelming, but also invaluable for getting to know parents so this is how I cope- I am autistic and have many adhd traits as well. I have as calm a time beforehand as possible, the day before even, so I have more tolerance, and then having simple things ready for when we get home, takeaway for dinner/ microwave some soup etc. And if dh is around then as soon as I get in from the party, I hand the responsibility for the kids straight over to him and go have some quiet time on my own. I also make sure my clothes and shoes are really comfortable and that I have a snack in my handbag for me, and I tend to have a sugary coffee or can of coke while I'm at the party to keep me going. Ready meals, jars of baby food, cereal bars all exist for a reason and this is the kind of time they are really useful!

All great advice Dinosaur