In This Issue

Don't Miss It! hbo
Community Socialscommunity

Social Tool Kit Now Available Online

GAN has been coordinating Socials for Adults with Autism (16 and Up) and Their Caregivers during the past 2 years.   A "Tool Kit" is now available online here   to enable other groups to host cost-free socials in communities everywhere.  Partner with some of your member organizations, philanthropic groups, autism service providers, local hospitals or colleges to host an event.  It is fun and most rewarding for everyone!   Guests with autism engage in activities with volunteer hosts and meet other guests with similar interests. Their caregivers enjoy networking with each other and gaining new autism resources.  Volunteers learn how autism impacts families and the events raise more awareness and support for the autism community.

Congratulations to Cal State University Fullerton

California State University - Fullerton students sponsored a very successful Fall Social on October 11, 2015.  The faculty sponsor, Dr. Debra Cote, and members from their chapter of Autism Speaks' U, recruited volunteers from 3 universities to host the event at their Student Union. You can read more about the event  here.  

 
Preparing For The Holidayspreparing

Tips & Suggestions

Go here  to get Tips and Suggestions about how to prepare for the upcoming holidays.  Gift suggestions and many recommendations about how to prepare your grandchildren, other family members and your home are there, too. 

Be Flexible

BEST suggestion :  Be flexible.  Do not insist on traditional formal gatherings that may cause discomfort for anyone.  Modify holiday entertaining to meet your children's and grandchildren's needs so that everyone will feel welcome.  Start new traditions and celebrate in a way that makes the most sense that you and your family will all enjoy.
 
Compliment Every New Goal
 
Acknowledge every successful achievement your grandchild has made  and be sure to reinforce his/her parents by expressing how proud you are of them, as well.  Providing some respite time for your children during the holidays is probably the gift they will most appreciate.  Offer to take your grandchild with autism and/or his siblings for outings, perhaps to a restaurant, movie, playground or amusement park.  Doing crafts, playing games or watching movies at your home or theirs are also great options.
Technology Resourcestechnology

Top 22 Free Educational Websites for Kids

Technology is becoming more and more a part of education. There are so many good websites where children can both play and learn. The best thing about many of them is that children enjoy the interaction and do not perceive it as "working on school stuff."  Find some free resources listed  here.

New App: Sesame Street and Autism, by Sesame Street (FREE!)

These resources are for all families, with or without children with autism. They'll help build understanding, reduce stigma, and provide support with everyday routines. For parents and caregivers, the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children app provides tools to help families with preschool children with autism, as well as help those just learning about autism celebrate differences and build bridges of acceptance. Read more about the app on the AppyMall website.



12 Computer Programs, Websites and Apps for Making Social Stories

For many children with special needs social stories are very helpful for staying on task and ensuring that the child is prepared for future events and activities. Social stories can:
  • Improve a child's behavior when there are changes in routines
  • Encourage a child to complete less-preferred tasks
  • Reinforce or teach abstract concepts, such as time (e.g. next, later), actions and prepositions (e.g. open, put in)
  • Break down multi-step tasks into smaller, more manageable parts
  • Increase your child's independence by improving his ability to complete parts of his routine with less hints or prompting
Making social stories for your child with special needs can be a time-consuming task. This article from Friendship Circle features 12 sites that will help you make effective social stories.
Research Updatesresearch

Latest Autism Research

The Interactive Autism Network provides information about findings in current research studies.  In addition to reporting the latest results, there are frequent opportunities for family members to participate in new research studies.  Learn more about this organization and sign up for their newsletters here.
eBay Donationsebay

Donate to GAN's 

Grandparents have lots of "stuff" like collectibles, unused gifts and household goods, clothing, vintage jewelry and things in good condition that our families "do not want."

Your "stuff" can benefit other grandparents and families affected by autism. The Grandparent Autism Network welcomes donated goods. 

You can drop off tax deductible items at Jay's Catering,  10581 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, CA - or send them C/O GAN at 23785 El Toro Road, #103, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (USPS flat rate boxes may lower mailing costs!)

Grandparent Autism Network
360 E. First Street #202
Tustin, CA 92780-3211
714.573.1500


www.ganinfo.org 
www.faninfo.org
N etworking together, grandparents are  a vital resource for autism... 
and each other!