The holidays are a crazy time for families all over! Having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can make for some extra planning around this time. We want to make sure you have the tools for a successful holiday season for your family!
Starting Early!
Slow and steady wins the race, schedule and changes in surroundings can be a stressful process for our kiddos with ASD. Things such as outlining holiday outings and gatherings, slowly decorating the house and even including your child in all the planning can be a great way to prepare and remember these stressful times!
Distractions are Good!
Some of us have a lot of family gatherings for the holidays. Whether these are large or small gatherings, there can be a lot of chaos surrounding them for your child with ASD. Distractions are always a great way to manage emotions and time! Packing your trusty sensory toys or electronics can be a great backup plan for overwhelming situations.
Prepare!
If you’re not hosting, communicating with family members is a great way to fully prepare for a gathering. Making sure your child is set up for success and will have the tools they need to cope with any stress. One great way is to confirm with your family members that there will be a quiet place to wind down.
Overall, the holidays can be a difficult time and there are some learning curves! However, there are ways to prepare for a great holiday season!
References
Reducing holiday stress. Marcus Autism Center. (2023). https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/reducing-holiday-stress