Autism and birthdays

[lollipoprainbow]

Feel like crying. It's my dd 9th birthday tomorrow, I've decorated for her and tried to make everything nice. She has been anxious since yesterday and very unhappy. Her friend is here for a sleepover and we are off to Lego land tomorrow but I'm worried this will tip her over the edge. My heart could break. Damn autism !!!

Its so tough. I find my sin wants a party of sime sort as he knows its the done thing - then cant cope with what he wants . His lockdown birthday was the best!

Is there anything to make lego land more copeable? Keep it short? Plan a route or something.

Does she know what presents she is getting? The biggest cause of anxiety for my two was not knowing what their presents were (even though they've never had a present they didn't like!) They just don't like surprises, so every Christmas and birthday was horrifically stressful.
Once we'd realised that, and told them ahead of time, they had no problem waiting for the big day, and were chilled.

I hope she has a lovely, lovely time- Legoland can be so much fun!

LEGOLAND was a living nightmare!! So many queues etc. she was exhausted by it all. This morning she gets to wear what she likes as it's her birthday and she was upset by that too. Arghhh !!

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that

Low key all the way is my advice, it's all my children can manage.
Hope your day improves.

Thanks @haba I've finally realised that she doesn't cope well with lots of fuss and me making such a thing of her birthday was wrong. Hopefully she'll be a lot happier when I pick her up from school.

I am so sorry I have only just seen your post. Were you able to get a ride access pass and access the sensory room?

www.legoland.co.uk/media/uuud3n3f/llw-2021-accessibility-guide.pdf

www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/accessibility/theme-park-accessibility/ride-access-pass/

Your daughter seems very anxious. Does she get any kind of therapy?

And yes just because in the neurotypical world we make a big deal about birthdays and other events, those with autism would much prefer we didn't!

@Ellie56 thanks no I didn't access this as didn't realise I could ! She is very anxious I want to look into therapy but not sure where to start ! Any ideas ?

My DD had therapy (mainly art therapy) through CAMHS, that we got via the GPs for her anxiety. Hopefully your GP could signpost? Or maybe the SENCO at her school?

@haba the senco team are useless !! Don't want to know. She was supposed to start play therapy and they cancelled the day before because I said something in a meeting which they disagreed with.

For future reference it's always worth looking to see what facilities are available for disabled children. We got to jump the queue on the London Eye for example.

Also you can often get a carer's ticket for free at theme parks and other attractions, which are often a good saving.

I second asking the GP for referral. Also this charity is quite good from all accounts. They have a parents' helpline and I have heard some parents have been able to access counselling for their children.

youngminds.org.uk/