Prepare for the Fair

Today I am going to the June Fete! A fete is a celebration or festival. At the June Fete, there will be carnival rides and booths to play games. I should check the schedule for other events, such as a dog show, horse show, trampoline show, or fireworks!

I will check the weather before I go to the Fete. If it is hot and sunny, I will want to bring or wear sunscreen or sunglasses. If it looks like it might rain, I might want to bring a rain jacket.

I will check the website before arriving to review the admission and purchasing guidelines. When I get to the June Fete, I can buy a ticket at the entrance for $5 cash only (kids 6 and under are free). If I want to go on some of the carnival rides or play games, I will have to buy tickets for those also. If I get hungry, I can buy food. There will be a lot of items for sale at the Fete; I should bring extra cash or a credit card if I want to buy something. There will be an ATM on-site.

The June Fete might be crowded—sometimes I might have to wait in a line. This is because the Fete is fun and lots of people want to go!

I can wear noise reduction headphones if the sounds bother me. I can also look for a quiet place to take a break. There will be a tent that says “Break Tent” where I can go if I need to get find a less overwhelming spot. If I get anxious, a fidget might help me calm down.

When I am ready to leave, I can find an exit. If I think I might come back in, I can get my hand stamped.

Tips for the June Fete

Preparing

  1. Attending the June Fete can be stressful for any family, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. To the best of your ability, find a parking place and area where you’ll be standing ahead of time to avoid last-minute uncertainties or confusion.
  2. If your child has difficulties with changes in their schedule, give them a heads-up about the June Fete by using a calendar to mark the days until the fair.
  3. Help your child know what to expect by reading a book about carnivals or watching carnivals on TV or the internet—or make your own story with pictures and simple words.
  4. Set expectations by communicating the plan with the entire family ahead of time. Outline the timeline and rules that need to be followed while at the carnival. Some children benefit by having a written or picture sequence of day-of events to use as a checklist.
  5. Pack the necessities.
  6. You may be at the June Fete a long time; bring a chair or wagon so your child can sit and rest. Know your child’s limits and your own. A successful experience is much more memorable and enjoyable than a longer one that ends in distress.

  1. If noise is a trigger for your child, bring noise canceling headphones or earplugs.
  2. Since some children with autism can impulsively bolt from a safe setting to explore something of interest or remove themselves from a situation they find stressful, be aware of your child’s wandering triggers.

  1. Always have an exit strategy ready to go and practice it. Look for parking that allows easy access and/or a quiet place nearby to retreat to if needed. For your June Fete, plan to stay a shorter time and leave before any problem behaviors occur.
  2. The most important tip: Reinforce desired behaviors your child exhibits throughout the planning, preparation, and day-of experience; notice and be lavish with your praise and attention when your child is doing well. Celebrate the small successes.

Tips adapted from Touchstone ABA.