Kaleidoscope with an Autistic Child?

We have been doing Kaleidoscope since my son was 2 (he's turns 4 in 11 days) and have never had a "sit down and do an art project" experience! But, that's what makes it great: there isn't just one spot to do one type of project. There are a lot of activities you can bounce back and forth from. My son has some sensory sensitivities so he never focuses entirely on one thing at a time but still has a blast.

I will warn you it is a busy (stimulating) place. There are a lot of colors, textures and environments. If your son does not do well with that, you might just want to be prepared. For us, I like that he can be himself and do a zillion things - paint, color, do glow in the dark wax, look at the big kaleidoscope projected on the walls, dance in the sound area, etc. It is not a Be Quiet environment nor do you have to spend a long time on any one thing.

If you go, have a wonderful time!

Oh, and if your son needs to escape for a bit, the Hallmark Visitors Center next door is quiet and you can watch them make cards and make a bow yourself. Or he can go watch the ice skaters at the outdoor rink. We do those things to calm down.

It's pretty fun. But, there is a lot of stimulation as someone else mentioned. I don't know the structure of a birthday party (you may want to call and ask) but the place itself is set up so that you can go to any area you want during your time. There is painting, puzzle making, hot crayon drawing area, letter writing, etc. A Saturday during the Christmas season is going to be pretty busy though and it stresses me out just on my own! You may want to ask your son's therapist what he/she thinks too, they might have a better idea of what to expect. As far as the age recommendation, you do have to be 5 but they now have "family times" where kids who are younger than that can go in with their parents and I'm sure the party is a special circumstance or it just may be scheduled during one of those times.

If you took him to the mall during a busy time would he freak out being around so many people and have so much movement going on at once? If so, then I'd consider skipping it, but like I said, you may want to call and see if you will be in a private room or have a certain amount of time to roam around or what. Plus, if you think he'd recover well enough you could always go and tell your cousin than you may have to leave if he gets overwhelmed. I'm sure she'd understand.

How well does he know the other kids? Does he interact with them or will they stress him out? Those are the main questions. The place itself is ok as long as it is not booked during the busiest times... Call ahead and ask the receptionist if it is a busy time.

If you do decide to go:

I used to work at HM just adjacent from Crown Cntr. and I have an autistic son too (3yrs old). I went in just to have a look and get a "feel" for the place.

Your son won't do the activities really, trust me. (Coloring in and making artsy things - He will get a welcome package with stuff in it, probably christmas related seeing as it is so close to the holidays.)

Keep yourself calm, and he will follow suite - Just let him run around and explore the different things they have on display even if he does not do anything with the kids. At least he is getting a fun outing... Just let him be, don't try to make him sit still or do an activity, and please tell the receptionist when you go in about your child's needs, so everyone is on the same page....

I hate it when my child shows his autistic side and strangers/workers get p#ssed off because of his odd behavior. I hate having to explain to them after the fact...

I wish people would be more tolerant with kids no matter what their needs are... oh well.

Anyway, it will be lots of fun, but it's good to prepare for when things can get out of hand. Have his favorite blanky handy or his favorite whatever, just incase.

Go out and have a ball with your boy!

I wonder if they have lowered the age limit, I was under the impression that you had to be 5 in order to go. We haven't been in a long time as my son is 12 and my daughter is getting ready to turn 5 in a few weeks. But I think if you go with the expectation that your child will want to explore and not really sit and do projects then I think you will be ok. And you can always explain that if he gets overstimulated that you will be leaving. One of my best friends has a son who is autistic and has ADHD, unless I was there to help her she hardly went out either. She said she didn't like having to explain her son's disabilities as well. We had a few stares but for the most part everyone was always understanding.