Hosting A Birthday Party With An Autistic Child

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By Melissa Klein

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Hosting A Birthday Party With An Autistic Child

Every child deserves to celebrate their birthday! But, parents of autistic children face the added challenges this disorder presents.

Research has only begun to understand the complexities of autism, and there are numerous theories on how to manage the disorder. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, we have tried to include recipes that follow the guidelines of either a gluten-free diet or the GFCF diet - both popular options for children with autism.

We encourage you to do your own research and make your own choices before serving these recipes to children with autism.

Keep reading for great recipes, party games, birthday party tips and more ideas for children with autism.

Food and Recipes

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Gluten-Free Cheeseburgers

Gluten-free is the way to be when it comes to autism. But have no fear! You can protect your child and still have a tasty birthday dinner!

Here, a recipe for gluten-free cheeseburgers courtesy of celiac.com, a website dedicated to those searching for great food without the gluten.

Note: If you want to remove the casein from this dish, replace the milk with a substitute like rice milk or almond milk. Also, select a cheese that clearly states that it is both gluten and casein free.

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You can use this recipe in several forms:

As a burger: serve on gluten-free bread fingers.
As a pasta dish: serve over boiled, gluten-free elbow macaroni.
Or even as a dip: plate the mixture and serve with crackers.

Yields 4 cups. Serving size of 1/2 cup. Calories: 266. Total fat: 17.6g; Saturated fat: 10.3g; cholesterol: 75.6mg; Sodium: 923.9mg; Carbohydrates: 7.5g; Fiber: .1g; Sugar: 5.4g; Protein: 17.5g.

Ingredients

1/2 Lbs lean ground beef
1 Tsp dried minced onion flakes
1 Lbs gluten-free processed cheese, cut into cubes
1/4 Cup milk
1 Tbsp gluten-free ketchup
2 Tbsp gluten-free mustard

Steps

Grease the bottom of a skillet with gluten-free nonstick spray. Add the onion flakes and ground beef, breaking up the beef with a fork as it cooks.
Next, stir in the cubes of cheese, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Stir this until the cheese has melted.

Tags: Birthday, Kids Birthday, Autism, Gluten-free

Peanut Butter Kisses (Gluten Free)

Tasty, bite-sized morsels that any kid would love, Peanut Butter Kisses are a great choice for a birthday treat.

These can be served with or without the chocolate kisses. For alternatives to certain ingredients, see our tip on common GFCF substitutes.

Courtesy of celiac.com.

Makes approximately 60 kisses, unwrapped. The sugar coating is optional.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Butter Crisco
1 Cup fine rice flour
1 1/4 Cup(s) light brown sugar
1/2 Cup potato starch
3/4 Cup peanut butter
1/4 Cup tapioca starch
1 Whole egg
1 Tsp baking powder
3 Tbsp milk
3/4 Tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp vanilla
1/4 Tsp salt
1 bag of GFCF chocolate morsels

Steps

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients until well-blended.
In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients and beat until well- blended.
At a low speed, combine the dry ingredients with the other mixture. The batter should be blended, but thick enough to combine into walnut size balls.
Form the batter into walnut sized balls and roll in sugar, if desired. Place about 2" apart on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set, but not hard.
Remove from tray and place GFCF chocolate morsels into center. Allow to cool before serving and then, enjoy!

Preparation Time: 15-20 Minutes

Tags: Peanut Butter Kisses, Birthday, Autism, Gluten Free

Delicious GFCF Chocolate Cake

Don't let gluten and casein get you down! You can still have your cake and eat it too. Below, a GFCF recipe for a delicious chocolate cake, courtesy of gfcfrecipes.com.

Note: If you would like to replace any of these ingredients, see our tip on GFCF substitutes for alternatives.

Ingredients

1/3 Cup shortening
1 Cup sugar
2 Whole eggs
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup rice flour blend
1 Teaspoon xanthan
1/4 Cup baking cocoa
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1/4 Teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup hot water
1/2 Teaspoon vinegar

Steps

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream shortening and sugar.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Combine flour, xanthan, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture. Mix well.
Add water and vinegar, stir in quickly.
Pour in greased and rice floured 9 inch round cake pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Preparation Time: 35-45 Minutes

Tags: Chocolate Cake, Birthday Cake Recipes, Gfcf Cake Recipe

GFCF Buttercream Frosting

Top your chocolate cake with this tasty buttercream frosting.

Note: If you would like to replace any of these ingredients, see our tip on GFCF substitutes for alternatives.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup margarine
1/2 Cup shortening
4 Cup(s) powdered sugar
1 Tsp vanilla
1/3 Cup milk substitute (for stiff icing)

Steps

Cream margarine and shortening.
Add sugar and vanilla. Add 2 Tbsp milk substitute for stiff icing (drop flowers), 1/4 cup milk substitute for medium icing (borders, dots and ribbons); OR 1/3 cup milk substitute for thin icing (cake frosting, writing, leaves). Beat until smooth and creamy.

Tips

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Manage and Enjoy Your Autistic Child's Birthday

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of a birthday party for a child with autism.

Schedule the Party Time:

Many parents find that their autistic child exhibits more sensitive behavior at certain times of the day. Observe your child's typical behavior pattern and then schedule the birthday celebration that works best with your child's normal routine.

Prepare Your Child:

One of the most important things to do before the party is speak to your child. Explain the importance of the day to them and why you want to celebrate their birth. Try to include them in the party planning by hand-making invitations with them.

Guest List:

You may want to include your child's friends at his or her party, but its sometimes best to keep it in the family or amongst a smaller group of people they are familiar with and who understand the disorder. This will make them more comfortable and less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Location:

The best spot for your child's party if they are young is in the home. It's an enviornment they know and feel safe in.

Set the Mood:

Help your child adjust to the party atmosphere by playing her favorite music in the background. Many autistic children are sensitive to sounds and will respond more calmly to those that help them relax.

Play a Game:

Incorporate activities they like and are familiar with. Autisic children often enjoy the sense of touch in a way others cannot appreciate. If its possible, finger or sponge painting is an activity sure to entertain. Just make sure there is a station set up ahead of time and that your child likes the paint. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, try blowing bubbles of all shapes and sizes.

Tags: Tips, Autism, Kids Birthday

The GFCF Diet: What You Need to Know

Autism research has only just begun to unlock the many unknowns about the disorder. As a result, there are often conflicting beliefs when it comes to what is best in autism treatment and lifestyle choices.

Although a number of different opinions exist in regards to just how much diet can help an autistic child, Celebrations has chosen to follow the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) meal plan. This diet is the most popular choice among parents with autistic children, but can be adjusted to fit everyone's needs.

What is GFCF?: GFCF means that meals will be free of wheat, rye, barley, and milk. Parents of autistic children were the first to realize that diet was affecting their children's behavior.

Is a GFCF diet for your child?: According to the blogs we've read from parents like GFCF Mommy and Autism Mom Journey, its all about finding what works for your child. Diet can have a great impact on some children, while a very small one on others. Test your child's appetite and see.

You have your recipe, but now where to find the ingredients?: Check your local neighborhood for grocery stores that

stock their shelves with alternative food products for common

allergies. They'll definitely have the supplies you need to make a GFCF

meal.

Common GFCF Substitutes

Finding the ingredients for gluten and casein free meals can be harder than cooking them. The best spot to shop for these specialty groceries is either a local allergy food store or an online one, like www.allergygrocer.com. Either way, the internet is a great tool to use to locate what you need.

Below, a list of the most commonly used ingredients you'll want to find alternatives for courtesy of gfcfrecipes.com.

Eggs -

Use 1/2 tablespoon of egg replacer mix with 1/4 cup of warm water to replace the equivalent of one egg in a recipe. Gfcfrecipes.com notes that this does not work for yeast breads, so save it for dessert!
Another alternative that works well in pancake, muffin and quickbread recipes is to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder + 1 tablespoon of oil + 1 tablespoon of water in substitution for an egg.

Soy -

Soy is found in soy sauce, margarine, most shortenings, casein-free cheese substitutes and many gfcf baked snacks and baking mixes.
When baking, try using Spectrum Organic Palm Oil Shortening or high quality coconut oil instead of margarine or butter.
In cooking, ghee or light olive oil may be used in place of butter or margarine.

Corn -

Arrowroot Starch is a good replacement for cornstarch in homemade gfcf flour mixes, general baking and thickening sauces. A good recipe to follow when making a homemade gfcf flour mix is: combine 2 tablespoon cream of tartar, 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon Arrowroot Starch.
Brown Rice Syrup can be used to replace corn syrup.

Chocolate -

Many recipes that use chocolate will suggest using gfcf brands. You can find these substitutes at a local store or online at www.allergygrocer.com.

Note: Always check package labeling when shopping. Some products may be gluten-free but not casein-free and vice-versa.

Games and Activities

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Games To Play With Autistic Children

All kids love games and that includes children with autism. Choose games carefully based on the needs of your child and those that stimulate the senses. Autistic children often appreciate textures and sounds in a way others cannot. Here are a few we've found are popular.

Follow-the-Leader: Take this traditional game and add a dose of music. Have kids play follow-the-leader with instruments to help focus their attention and improve socialization skils all while having fun.
Painting: If your child doesn't mind getting a little dirty, set up a paint station. Allow them to use their fingers as well as brushes and sponges to create a work of art.
Hide-and-Seek: Many autistic children prefer not to have physical contact with others, so this is a game they can play with others without feeling overwhelmed.
Grab Bag: Don't just hand out favors, have the kids dig for them! Fill a deep bin with a texturized material like packing peanuts or rice and place the goodies inside.

Tags: Autism, Kids Birthday, Games

Top Five Lists

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The Best Birthday Locales for Autistic Children

Don't feel like you are limited to throwing an autistic child's birthday at home. Kids love the idea of going somewhere special for a birthday party. Enjoy these ideas that all children will love. Just make sure to plan ahead by letting the coordinator at your destination know there will be special needs children coming to your party and most will be happy to accommodate.

A Museum: There's no place to stimulate the senses than a museum. Choose a spot that your child is particularly interested in.
A Zoo/Aquarium: Does your child enjoy animals? A zoo or aquarium is a great place to experience animals not seen in everyday life. And most places offer visitors the chance to watch the animals up-close and interact with them.
A Gymnasium: Autistic children will enjoy this activity because it focuses more on physical action rather than verbal communication, which they sometimes struggle with.
A Swimming Pool: If the number of children is limited and there are knowledgeable adults to help supervise, host a pool party. The water and games that can be played with inflatable beach balls and floats will help stimulate the children's sense of touch.
A Bowling Alley: This is a sport that requires no personal contact, but allows children to enjoy each other's company. Bowling will also teach them to encourage one and another.