Child Rum is growing up!

[CaroPhoenix]

Went through the papers Child Rum brought home today from school.

One was an envelope. When I opened it, it was an invitation to a Birthday Party!

I have to RSVP by Friday.

I'm in full panic mode right now and feel like this:

Since the bithday boy is in Child Rum's class, I know he's Autistic so his parents are familiar with Autistic children, but I'm still nervous.

This is going to be the first birthday party she'll be attending that isn't all family.

I know she's going to want to touch everything in sight and run around with no destination in mind.

I told Mr. Rum about the invite. I'm going to be the only one attending the party with her. (And I'm the one that has problems meeting new people).

[Taboo]

I'm sure it's really frightening, but think about it, it's pretty exciting too! I would sit down and think about how you need to prepare (if you need to talk to her about what she can and can't do... I don't really know what it would be since I don't have much experience with special needs kids). Then... just relax! There's only so much you can do and if things go awry then they will even with the best planning - and I'm sure it'll all be fine in the end anyway.

Is Child Rum excited about the party? If these are mostly kids that she sees often at school then this might not feel any different from a family party to her since everyone would be familiar.

[Greenday]

I'm starting to feel old by listening to CS's member's kids grow up.

Hopefully since she has class with the kids she will be comfortable around them. I'm sure it'll be great and she'll have lots of fun!

[BookstoreEscapee]

Maybe it's a good thing for both of you. Do you know the birthday boy's parents? If not, it's a chance for you to get to know some other parents who know what you're going through. Go and have fun.

[CaroPhoenix]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I just go into panic mode when I'm going into unfamiliar territory.

I've met the birthday boy's parents just once (at Back-To-School Night).

The little boy will be turning 6. (Same age as Child Rum).

I have to call the Mom to RSVP so I'll be able to talk to her then.

Child Rum is very excited about the party. But she told me the birthday boy was MY friend! I had to tell her he was HER friend, not mine. Yeah, my daughter is just a little silly.

[JustaCashier]

I can understand being uncomfortable around new people. I'm much the same way. I'm usually very introverted around new people, especially if there is nobody at all that I already know that I can "cling" onto.

Once I get to know new people a bit, I probably annoy the hell out of them, by gabbing their ear off, and making my corny puns and stuff, especially if I've been drinking (which is pretty rare nowadays). The only way I might immediately open up to someone new, is if they are super outgoing, in a non-overpowering way.

All that said, I agree with the other opinions here. If this party is going to be at Birthday Boy's home, the place is likely relatively autistic safe. Especially if some of BB's other autistic freinds have been there before. I would think BB's parents would have taken alot of the different behavioral characteristics into consideration, and taken measures to to make the home as safe as possible for them.

This would also be a great opportunity to possibly start a new network of friends with autistic kids, and be able to share experiences, and offer each other advice on issues related to having an autistic kid.

Plus, I'm sure it would be good socialization experience for the kids, since, as I understand it, socializing is one of the issues many autistic people have difficulty.


Mike

[trailerparkmedic]

I did some work with Autistic kids when I was in high school, and the vast majority of the parents didn't even blink an eye when kids (theirs or someone else's) started doing off the wall stuff. If Child Rum brought home an autistic friend who started climbing on top of the entertainment center or freaking out because of a loud sound, you would probably be way more understanding than a regular parent. Do you know the boy's parents at all? Can you call or email them to get an idea of what to expect, so you can prepare Child Rum?

I agree with what others have said--if it's mostly kids from Child Rum's class, she will probably feel pretty comfortable with them and that will help make it a positive experience.

If you're worried about meeting new people, your kids could be a good conversation starter. You can share crazy autism stories.