The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and traditions, but it can also be a period of heightened stress, especially for families with children on the autism spectrum. Sensory overload, changes in routine, and social demands can be overwhelming for children with autism. However, with thoughtful preparation, the holidays can be enjoyable for everyone. Here are some of our top tips to help you navigate the festive season:
Preparation and ample communication is key, and can help your child with autism feel more secure during this busy time of year. Start by creating a visual schedule or calendar to help your child understand what to expect this holiday season. Include pictures or symbols for different events, and review it regularly. This can help reduce anxiety by providing a clear structure. It can also be something that you and your child can reference when transitioning to new activities or when deviating from their normal routine, if required.
While some disruption to routine is inevitable, try to maintain consistency where you can. Stick to regular meal times and bedtime routines. Familiarity and predictability can be very comforting for children with autism. Try to maintain their therapy schedule when possible to help your child retain consistency with their staff members and treatment plan.
Designate a quiet, safe space where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Equip this area with comforting items such as favorite toys, books, or sensory tools. Ensure that your child knows they can use this space whenever they need a break.
Consider the sensory experiences your child enjoys and plan activities around them. For example, if your child loves lights but not noise, drive around to see holiday lights rather than attending a loud parade. You can also create sensory-friendly holiday crafts at home. Need more information on what sensory-friendly activities can consist of? Check out our blog, which references sensory friendly outing tips.
As always, we recommend educating family and friends about your child's needs. Explain any behaviors they might encounter and suggest ways they can help. For instance, let them know if your child prefers not to be hugged, where your child's sensory safe space is, or if they have any food preferences and dietary restrictions.
Role-playing different social scenarios can help your child feel more comfortable. Practice greetings, opening gifts, and saying thank you. Social stories, which use simple illustrations and narratives, can also be helpful in explaining what to expect at gatherings. Your child’s BCBA and Behavior Technician can help to create social stories and role play the situations in therapy leading up to the holidays.
It’s okay to modify holiday traditions to better suit your child’s needs. For example, if a large family dinner is overwhelming for your child, consider having a smaller, quieter meal. If certain holiday activities are stressful, try to find alternative activities or situations that are more comfortable for your child. It's common for local townships to host holiday-themed activities, specifically for children with autism. Check your local park district or library for ideas to start an inclusive new family tradition!
Holidays often come with a variety of foods that might not be part of your child's regular diet. If your child has dietary restrictions, or is a picky eater, we suggest bringing familiar foods to gatherings. This ensures that your child will have something familiar that they're comfortable eating, even while away from home.
Visual supports like social stories, visual schedules, and communication boards can help your child understand and navigate the holiday events. These tools can provide clear expectations and reduce anxiety.
Despite the best planning, it's understandable if things do not happen as expected due to rescheduling or delays. The best way to navigate unexpected changes to your holiday plans are to prepare your child for possible adjustments to their schedule, and practice coping strategies. Work with your child and their therapy team on transitioning to new activities or tasks so that you can be more prepared for changes in schedule. This way, even if adjustments happen, you can navigate them with confidence and ease.
Caring for a child with autism during the holidays can be overwhelming. It's important to remember to take care of yourself, too. We recommend scheduling breaks, seeking support from family and friends, and joining support groups where you can share experiences and advice with parents who have children with autism.
Celebrate the small victories. Whether it's your child successfully participating in an activity, trying a new food, or managing a social interaction, these moments are significant and worth acknowledging. You do so much as a parent to contribute to the success of your child, and you should celebrate the wins - big and small!
The holidays can be a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your child. By preparing ahead, maintaining routines, and remaining flexible, you can help your child with autism enjoy the season. Remember, the goal is to find joy and connection in ways that work for your family. For even more tips regarding holiday preparedness, check out Autism Speaks, a free resource for families that have children with autism.
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Happy holidays from the Powerback Pediatrics team!
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While significant progress may be made during therapy sessions, the true challenge lies in transferring these gains to real-life situations and generalizing the skills across multiple environments. This is where parents and caregivers play a crucial role, allowing them to fully participate in their child’s treatment goals.
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