Autism and Modeling

I think that's a great idea. There are a few kits that are easy and simple due to low part count. Bandai Star Wars kits are a good bet, Revell also makes them in Snap kits. I do know Meng Models have a couple P-51 Mustang kits that are snap kits as well. Here are a couple :

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Model_Aircraft/north-american-p-51d-mustang-fighter-snap-tite/MGK000LS006/product.php?s=0&t=0&u=0&micr=162&pg=1&ppp=48&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=0,6&man=MGK

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Model_Aircraft/p-51d-mustang-yellow-nose-snap-tite/MGK000LS009/product.php?s=0&t=0&u=0&micr=162&pg=1&ppp=48&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=0,6&man=MGK

Look in your local Hobby lobby. You'll find a few and armed with a 40% coupon, it's a steal money wise. Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

Some thoughts from a Make and Take veteran:

Hobby Boss 'Easy Builder' kits.   Our IPMS chapter received a donation of these kits.  In the current calendar year, as part of our Make and Take program,  we have helped over 400 kids 5 to 18 along with their parents build one of these.  The box says 14+, but we've worked with the younger ones and pointed out small part hazards as necessary.  

Be sure that you get the parents involved.   You are not a baby-sitting service. 

They are mostly snap together but we have found some fidley-bits that need some glue.  They are pretty reasonable, about 10 bucks at Hobby Lobby.   Less when you factor the coupon.

We don't use knives.  Get a pair of flush cutters,  those from Harbor Freight tools will do.   Your good pair may grow legs.   Sanding sticks from Sally Beauty Supply, Moms know about these.   We do use Testors Red tube glue, under supervision.   Squeeze a dab onto a yogurt cup top and use a toothpick to apply.  CA or Tamiya liquid is a leader-only tool,

Build one before everyone gathers.   You have a finished example and you are not stuck looking for parts and loosing everybody's attention.  

Everyone gets the same kit.   You don't need to try to explain why Billy gets this kit but Suzi gets a different one.   It is easier on you too, once you learn the kits idiosyncracies.   If someone shows interest provide them with a different kit, perhaps one which is a bit more complex.

The Hobby Boss P-47D is actually pretty well done.   It would need to be painted (we don't have time to do that).   There is something else you could do with them.  The same thing with decals - work with Mom & Dad later.  There is also make a line of pre-painted snap together aircraft which are about twice the cost.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Bandai Star Wars kits are a good bet, Revell also makes them in Snap kits. I do know Meng Models have a couple P-51 Mustang kits that are snap kits as well.

BlackSheep,

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking Meng but I totally forgot about the Bandai kits. Revell makes the snap tite NASCAR kits which would make for a nice selection in the raffle basket. Now it's off to Hobby Lobby, Hobbytown, and Hobbyland to gather the kits and supplies. 

Thank you so much for the suggests and the links. They'll help immensely. 

EdGrune

Some thoughts from a Make and Take veteran:

Hobby Boss 'Easy Builder' kits.   Our IPMS chapter received a donation of these kits.  In the current calendar year, as part of our Make and Take program,  we have helped over 400 kids 5 to 18 along with their parents build one of these.  The box says 14+, but we've worked with the younger ones and pointed out small part hazards as necessary.  

Be sure that you get the parents involved.   You are not a baby-sitting service. 

They are mostly snap together but we have found some fidley-bits that need some glue.  They are pretty reasonable, about 10 bucks at Hobby Lobby.   Less when you factor the coupon.

We don't use knives.  Get a pair of flush cutters,  those from Harbor Freight tools will do.   Your good pair may grow legs.   Sanding sticks from Sally Beauty Supply, Moms know about these.   We do use Testors Red tube glue, under supervision.   Squeeze a dab onto a yogurt cup top and use a toothpick to apply.  CA or Tamiya liquid is a leader-only tool,

Build one before everyone gathers.   You have a finished example and you are not stuck looking for parts and loosing everybody's attention.  

Everyone gets the same kit.   You don't need to try to explain why Billy gets this kit but Suzi gets a different one.   It is easier on you too, once you learn the kits idiosyncracies.   If someone shows interest provide them with a different kit, perhaps one which is a bit more complex.

The Hobby Boss P-47D is actually pretty well done.   It would need to be painted (we don't have time to do that).   There is something else you could do with them.  The same thing with decals - work with Mom & Dad later.  There is also make a line of pre-painted snap together aircraft which are about twice the cost.

 

 

Edgrune,

Thank you for the reply. I was looking for suggests for gift basket items to be raffled off as a set and your suggestion on tools was some of what I was looking for. 

Also, your post got me to thinking about doing a Make and Take. Besides the 2 dances per year that we do, we also have other activities like hiking, biking and kayaking. Since the program is geared toward teaching social and vocational skills, a Make and Take, I think, would fit right in. I'll run it by the boosters club and the director of the program and see where it takes us. The only issue that we might have is a hosting location. While the Aspirations program itself is connected to The Ohio State University, our boosters club is pretty much on our own and responsible for all the outside, off-campus events.

Thank you for your reply and suggestions. Thank you for the motivation to go further.

Contact the IPMS chapter in Columbus.   They are active and may be able to help get you started on a make and take program

EdGrune

Contact the IPMS chapter in Columbus.

Yeah, I'll talk with Graham and the guys at our next meeting which is our Build-a-thon on December 9th. Maybe someone will have an idea for a location and I might get some volunteers to help too. 

Once again, you're providing really great insight and guidance. Thank you so much. 

Thanks for the recommend, Silentbob33. My daughter is a senior in high school and one of those Hobby Boss kits might help get her started.

I had some of the Accurate Miniatures kits in 1/100th scale that she wanted to build years ago but then I was worried about her using a knife. Now that she's older and having been diagnoised with ASD she sometimes runs hot and cold on a given subject. I actually still have one of the ME109F kits ready for her to build if she changes her mind. Maybe I can get her to work along side of me this weekend for the weekend group build.

Thanks again.

You might try an Ollies near you. They had some Star Wars Snap Tite models a few weeks ago in Mansfield, OH. But it's Ollies, hit or miss.

Ed that is a very informative post. It's really important to be organized to mentor the gifted who have learning issues.

I really see the suggestion that all build the same kit. My daughter would also have a big issue about who she sits next to. Not on the Autism spectrum but serious OCD.

I think you've identified that the forum is the thing to be sensitive about.

DasBeav

You might try an Ollies near you.

Thanks, DasBeav. I forgot about Ollies. They're just 3 exits down on the I270 outerbelt from me. You're right about it being hit or miss but it's worth a look.

GMorrison

I think you've identified that the forum is the thing to be sensitive about.  

You're quite right, GMorrison.

While I've replied to posts in the past, this is the first discussion topic that I've started. I remember seeing posts from other modelers and references to their kids or grandkids on the Spectrum and knew this would be the best place to ask my question.

Ed's Make and Take suggestion was a real shot in the arm to motivate me to do more for my special community. I think that the parents and program facilitators will get a lot out of it too. We have some really talented kids and parents and every gathering is always a blast even if it's just an event planning meeting. 

I've noticed a lot more of aircraft kits already pre-painted and easy assembly in HL the past few times I've been in, and most are pretty colorful, which might be an added attraction for a few of the kids to get their attention.

As to a location, look to your local "boys and girls" club.  They might be willing to provide space to host, as well as sponsor a few kits.

goldhammer

I've noticed a lot more of aircraft kits already pre-painted and easy assembly in HL the past few times I've been in, and most are pretty colorful, which might be an added attraction for a few of the kids to get their attention.

As to a location, look to your local "boys and girls" club.  They might be willing to provide space to host, as well as sponsor a few kits.

 

Thanks, Goldhammer. 

I haven't gone to HL yet to check out their selection but that's next on my list since we're done with my daughter's birthday. 

As far as a location, I think I'm going to have to see how much interest there is for the Make and Take. The suggestion on the boys and girls club is one I would not have thought of even though I had a friend involved with them years ago. I'll check into that. Since we're nearing the end of the regular football season, we might be able to get one of the rooms that we use for the Aspirations programs at the Nisonger Center at OSU. It's centrally located and everyone is familar with where to go and park and such. Your suggestion just sparked another possible option, Nationwide Children's Hospital. I know a few people who work there and they may be willing to open a space too.

Thank you for getting the creative juices flowing.

Just wanted to thank everyone who replied and to all those that viewed this topic. I got the following kits for my gift basket.

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I included a pair of sprue cutters and a Squadron tri-grit sanding stick.

The young man who won the basket was super proud of his prize.

We're going to explore the Make and Take idea after the New Year.

Thanks everyone.

May everyone have a Merry Christmas and a very safe and Happy New Year!