Individuals with special needs (and their parents) sometimes miss out on special milestone opportunities that most teens experience. School dances, like Homecoming, Sadie Hawkins, and Prom, are a wonderful rite of passage that most teenagers look forward to. From building up the courage to ask your date… to spending hours deciding on the perfect outfit… to creating memories that last a lifetime, these are the special milestones that many parents look forward to their child enjoying!
Dances are fun and highly anticipated for most, but to the special needs community, they can be loud, scary, and overwhelming. Individuals with special needs tend to miss out on these events because the blaring music, dark setting, and flashing bright lights can be a lot to take in. Not to mention the larger guest list where people gather in big groups near each other. Unfortunately, for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities, there are limited options for them (and their families) to participate in typical teenage activities.
CUSP Hosts 3rd Annual Special Needs Dance Party
Since 2018, California Unified Service Providers (CUSP) has been hosting dance parties for individuals with special needs. CUSP creates events with modified activities that can better suit their clients’ needs and set the stage for a successful and memorable event for all!
This year’s theme was “The Great Gatsby.” Boys and girls arrived dressed head to toe in their best outfits. The most memorable were those girls who wore beautiful gold and black beaded flapper dresses, some even wearing a feather headpiece and silk gloves. The boys arrived looking dapper as ever in their button-up collared shirts, some even going as far as wearing suspenders and sport coats. One boy went into full character with a 20’s themed mustache and fedora!
Everyone enjoyed their own special grand entrance as they opened the golden curtain into the dance hall. A sparkling disco ball reflected shiny rainbows onto the life-size paper shadow cutouts of flappers and jazz band members on the walls. Tables featured black tablecloths, gold vases with white feathers, and strings of pearls fit for the most stylish of guests. The DJ played only the best top songs that spark joy in everyone behind a table draped in a hand-painted banner that read, “Have a roaring good time!” And no one will soon forget the image of people running out to the dance floor to do the “Charlie Brown!”
Party Planning & Preparation
CUSP sends event invitations weeks in advance so that families have plenty of time to prepare for this magical evening. Careful planning goes into selecting the perfect venue that can support the guestlist. Requirements include a large space with tables and chairs, a kitchen with a serving window, fun lighting (disco ball), and a variety of decorations. Although the dance only lasts a few hours, countless man-hours go into making this event a night to remember. We decide the theme and orders decorations well in advance to ensure everything is perfect for the guests. CUSP’s dance party is a private event, but friends and family participate by creating decorations and setting up. Coordinators arrive early to set up and decorate the hall so that it matches a typical high school dance. We also plan for staff members to attend the dance to help facilitate conversation, dancing, and ordering between clients.
Social Skills for Individuals with Special Needs
One of the many benefits of participating in a dance party is the opportunity to practice social skills. Individuals with developmental disabilities may find it more difficult to interact with others and start up a conversation with friends. Having a quieter, more open, and fun environment can help facilitate many social opportunities. A smaller guest list, music at a lower volume, and adult chaperones to encourage conversations among peers. Adults can help to facilitate dance parties and conversations about weekend plans, outfits, favorite songs, etc. Additionally, having a food stand allows opportunities for decision-making skills, menu ordering, and coordination. Individuals with special needs practice placing a food order without the feeling of being rushed. They also develop functional communication skills by speaking louder and slower so that the staff member can understand their order. The students who attend are not the only ones benefiting from an additional needs dance party.
A Role for Parents, Too
Parents who attend these events with their children experience many benefits and they start long before the dance even begins. Helping children plan out their outfits and even assisting in getting them ready offers makes for fond memories. Mothers may find themselves with the opportunity to help their 20-year-old put on mascara and pink lip gloss. Parents may help their son pick out the perfect outfit with Dad tying his son’s bowtie. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take beautiful family pictures, purchase a corsage or boutonniere, and embrace the celebration.
Special Memories for All!
In conclusion, dances for individuals with special needs are a great way to practice autism social skills. Moreover, it’s so heartwarming to see everyone have a great time and for the students and their parents to feel included. CUSP is committed to creating events that are adapted to better suit individuals with developmental disabilities. We lead by example and encourage others to embrace an inclusive environment for the enjoyment of all!