Twin brother with autism

[Speedos]

I am inviting the autistic twin brother of DS's school friend to his 5th birthday party. The boy goes to a different school however being a twin is the same age as the other kids I thought it may be nice to invite him if we had space which we do, the twin at our school is a good friend of DS.

I don't know the parents very well so just wanted to ask on here something. We are having party at local soft play where they run it all for you, do I need to tell the party hosts in advance that there will be an autistic child or is it better to just let them get on with it? Do I need to do anything at all for him?

I have no previous experience with this kind of thing and do not want to be offensive to the parents, just want to do the correct thing.

TIA

You can't be talking about me - not had any invites!

Mum of twin boys here, one who has autism (soon to be 5.)

We have recenty been to a party at soft play, and although some parents dropped their children there and picked up towards the end, I stopped with ds, and IMO this boys parents will too. Have a chat with the boys parents they will appreciate that you care enough to enquire about his needs.

Have a great party...

Yes I'm a mum of twins too boy/girl ones - I would stay as well just because I would be concerned that if something upset him the hosts wouldn't know what to do and as so many things could trigger him that I would want to stay 'just in case' and also it's nice to meet the other parents as well. Don't think ive ever let the boy twin stay at a birthday party without me and he's 9 now although he rarely got any invites so I think it's fantastic that you have taken the time to invite him.mtrust me, it will mean the world to the parents.

Agree with everything zzzz has said. ds3 now 14.5 has only ever had 3 party invitations despite going to a mainstream school. Soft play centres can be very loud and over stimulating so I would definitely check with the parent on how the twin is likely to manage and what you can do to help. Good on you though and I hope its a great party

Hi depending on the child, soft play is quite good party to invite him to. My little man would cope okay with this and sitting down after. It's the parties with entertainers that I avoid like the plague! I am sure he will be fine and like other posters said, I bet the parents will stop with him. Also having his brother there will help. My 9 year old is a fabulous interpreter for his little brother.

Well done for inviting the little chap and I'm sure his mum will probably stay or give you the low down on things he might find difficult :)

Well done op your post made me smile what a nice caring person you must be.

Wow, what lovely messages. I didn't think anything of inviting him TBH, they are boy/girl twins actually and the girl is my DS's best 'girlfriend' My DS is very excited that his friends brother is coming.

I expect the parents will stay as they all seem to around here, I personally haven't left my DS at any party yet either.

Got 32 kids coming so will need lots of wine afterwards I think!