ASD kids/autograph books

[irish_trip_mom]

I have two sons with autism. One is extremely social and outgoing (more so than his typically developing sister!) Today I had DS#1 and DD at a children's play, and they both surprised me by wanting to wait in lines for autographs.

My original thought was to have on autograph book for our family, since I though DS#2 would not be interested in them (and I still don't know if he'd care.) Any experiences with ASD kids and autograph books? Also, what about pin trading? (Can I work it in as a social skill for #1 that week! Any opportunity for socialization!!)

 

[1stluvispooh]

I did the autograph books with both my kids. DS nt and DD as. This was 3 years ago before DD was diagnosed. Anyway both the kids love there book, still to this day. I had the charater sign on one side and on the other after we got home I put the picture of the kids with that charater. DD will look through it and and name all the charaters. So I guess what I am saying I would give them each there own book just to avoid a fight. As for the pin trading I haven't tried it I have heard some people use it to help with socail skill but DD is also OCD and I'm afraid it would just give her something else to obsess on!

 

[mamaminnie]

We do autograph books too, I usually have DH and DD (typically developing) wait on line while DS (PDD-NOS and ADHD) and I walk around or get a drink.

When they get to the front of the line, if DS is in the mood we join them for autographs/pictures. If not, DD gets to go alone.

 

[Forevryoung]

As for the pin trading I haven't tried it I have heard some people use it to help with socail skill but DD is also OCD and I'm afraid it would just give her something else to obsess on!

I'm not on the spectrum but I have social anxiety issues and OCD. I did pin trading to work on my own skills and force myself to put myself in a position that I was safe but definitely not comfortable.

The first few days of the trip I had two little kids as models (yep, an adult using children as a model ) and then I tried it on my own a few times.

If you want to try pin trading with your special needs children, PM me, I have a few tips from experience.

 

[stampin_fool]

We got our son (high functioning autism) an autograph book (first trip to Disney age 5) and were not sure if he would use it since he was scared to death of Santa and the Easter Bunny. It ended up being his favorite part of our trip. He would have stood in line all day to get their autographs which is not typical for him to have any patience or tolerance for standing in a line with loads of people. Our next trip was not as successful in this area but he was sick at the time so that added to the sensory issues and overall attitude of your little guy. This time he is asking for an autograph book and again can not wait to get up close and personal. He would like me to make his autograph/scrapbook again since he loves looking at the other one I made (autograph on one side and photo of him and character on the other).

Go for it, just don't force the issue if there is resistance.

Ronda

 

[DIS-NH]

I am the father of 2 Autisitic sons that sound similar to yours. One is very outgoing, and the other can't wait in the lines.

My wife generealy waits in line with my oldest while I take a short walk with my yougest. We are getting good at retruning just in time to step into the
picture, and getiing the autograph as my oldest gets to the head of the line.

 

[hookedup]

My son liked to get autographs until about a year ago - mainly because he has "outgrown" it I guess. Now he obsesses about the rides and that is all he focuses on. The characters are not interesting anymore.
I still always bring it with me in case he will try again. I think it is good social pratice and so is pin trading. Unfortunately he has freaked out about having to give up his pins so we have stopped that too.
I guess my point is to try it and see how they do as with most experiences you will have to see how they react at that momment. Hope you have a great trip and a wonderful time with your family!