Last weekend at the adaptive dance class one of the mothers of an ASD kid mentioned she wanted to have a birthday party and would any of us come? She said she looked into bowling because her son will engage in that activity. She said “it only costs $150.00.” I couldn’t believe she was going to spend that much on a birthday party. I gave her the following tips for a more budget conscience party.

For a Boy (Basketball Theme)
Set a date and time. I usually do Saturdays over lunch 11:30-1:30. Don’t go over two hours. It gets overwhelming for special needs kids and you!

Contact about 4 or 5 other kids. Either in special ed classes or school or neighborhood. Ask them if they would be able to come. Three weeks before party.

Make a fun invite with your child. We got blue construction paper and cut circles out and glued them on. I did the writing part. Two weeks before party.

Decide on a menu, a small meal can take up time and keep kids busy. Make sure you have a couple choices if the kids don’t like what your having. I usually do pizza or mac and cheese. Also decide what kind of cake or desert.

Decide on a couple of games. We always play the Dice game. Wrap up small prizes enough for each child playing the game. Pass a pie tin around with two dice when the player rolls doubles they get to pick a prize (but can’t open yet). If they don’t roll doubles they pass the tin until it comes around again. The kids can trade if they want too (when they get doubles). Once every child gets a prize they can all open them up. Another game we used for this party was throwing a mini basketball into a laundry basket, when they made the shot they got to pick a treat.

Another fun idea is to play relay race with a balloon between their legs. Make sure everyone gets a prize after each game either a treat or something to open.

Shop for your food and prizes. The week of the party.

Food List

:: cake mix
:: frozen pizza’s
:: three boxes of mac and cheese
:: chips
:: M&M’s
:: Childs favorite ice cream
:: bag of suckers or mini candy bars
:: Kool-Aid

Prize List

:: Hot wheels
:: Yoyos
:: Coloring Kits
:: Small Lego Kits
:: Kites
:: Magnets
:: Balloons (Orange)

Set the table and prep as much food as possible so all you need to do is put the food on when it’s done. Day of party.

Blow up balloons and decorate the basement. Make a fun sign for your door saying happy birthday on your computer. Day of party.

Make a picture chart for each kid of the details and things that will be happening at the party. I usually make a check list and after each event we check it off the list. Autistic kids love to know what will be happening next and it keeps kids calmer. Day of party.

Check List

:: Welcome have your child offer to show them around the house and show them the check list for the party.
:: When all the kids are there start with the basket ball game.
:: Then play the dice game let every one open their party favor gifts and they can play with them while you are putting the pizza’s in the oven or finishing the mac and cheese.
:: Eat lunch
:: Have your child open their gifts.
:: Have cake
:: Good Bye

Relax and let your child play with all their new toys. YOU DID IT!!

It’s that easy and everyone has a great time. It should only cost about $50.00 at most.