All About Autism

Holidays and family events are a joy and a stress in many families for both parents and children. If you have a child with special needs, these celebrations can become challenging. In a previous blog I offered some tips to making the most of holidays. Whether Christmas or Easter, I hope you find them helpful as the weekend approaches.

Look at the holiday through your child’s eyes

What aspects of the holiday would your child enjoy? Many parents simply enjoy buying gifts for a child. However, too many gifts can be too stimulating for some children. I found that with Ryan, three gifts work for him. Focusing on what he finds interesting is most important.

Adapt an Advent Calendar

Ryan and I often do a countdown while focused on the religious aspect of Easter. I also prepare Ryan for visits with family and social outings by using social scripting. By creating a countdown and practicing expectations, Ryan is better prepared for the events.

Decorate Throughout the House

If your child is over stimulated by sensory experiences, you may wish to limit the amount of decorations in one room and/or gradually decorate your home. Decorations are fun, but they are a change, and with change, comes anxiety.

Keep it Simple

Limit your schedule. When Ryan was about three years old, I noticed that he was quickly bored when visiting other’s homes, causing various behavior challenges. At that point, I made visits shorter. We followed the same routine starting early around 4:30 p.m. and ending by 6:30 p.m. Talking to your family about your schedule and why you need to keep your visits short and structured will not only help you, but allows them to understand.

Two Cars are Better Than One

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