The holiday season can be a magical time of year filled with family gatherings, special events, and traditions. However, for families of children on the autism spectrum, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can also be overwhelming and stressful. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and understanding, you can help your child navigate the season smoothly and even enjoy the festivities.
Here are strategies to help you prepare for a rewarding holiday season:
Create a Visual Schedule
For many children with autism, predictability is key to feeling safe and comfortable. The holidays can bring an overload of new experiences, changes in routines, and unpredictable social interactions. To help your child feel more in control, consider creating a visual schedule that outlines upcoming events. Include key details like who will be attending, what activities will take place, and how long the event will last. You can use pictures, symbols, or even a simple calendar to represent each event.
By preparing your child in advance, you reduce the anxiety that comes with surprises and create an opportunity to talk about any concerns they may have.
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Plan for Sensory Breaks
Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming, especially when there’s a lot of noise, bright lights, or crowds. If your child is sensitive to sensory stimuli, plan for regular breaks throughout the day. Create a “quiet zone” at home or, if you’re attending a family gathering, scout out a quiet spot in advance where your child can retreat if things get too intense.
Sensory-friendly alternatives to holiday decorations, such as soft lighting or calming music, can also help reduce overstimulation at home.
Prepare for Changes in Routine
The holidays often come with disruptions to daily routines, whether it’s traveling, staying up later, or skipping usual activities. While flexibility is important, maintaining some key aspects of your child’s routine—such as regular mealtimes or bedtime rituals—can help provide a sense of stability. If travel or a long day is unavoidable, bring along comfort items like a favorite blanket, toy, or sensory tool to help your child feel grounded in unfamiliar settings.
Social Story Practice
Social stories can be a great tool to prepare your child for the unique social dynamics of holiday gatherings. Write a short, personalized story that explains what will happen during a holiday event, such as meeting relatives, exchanging gifts, or sitting down for a holiday meal. Be sure to include specific behaviors that might help, like how to greet family members, what to do if they feel overwhelmed, or how to ask for a break.
Practicing these scenarios can reduce anxiety and boost your child’s confidence during actual events.
Consider Sensory-Friendly Gifts
If your family participates in gift-giving, consider advocating for sensory-friendly gifts or experiences that align with your child’s interests. You might also want to prepare your child for receiving gifts, especially if the concept of receiving unexpected items is difficult for them to understand. Practicing opening presents in advance, or discussing how to express gratitude, can help smooth out the gift exchange process.
Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays often come with high expectations for everyone to be on their best behavior and participate in every activity. However, it’s important to recognize that your child’s needs might differ from what’s expected by others. It’s okay to set boundaries with extended family members, explaining your child’s needs and advocating for accommodations, like quieter settings or shorter visits. Prioritizing your child’s comfort will make the season more enjoyable for the entire family.
Incorporate Your Child’s Interests
Look for ways to include your child’s specific interests in the holiday festivities. Whether it’s crafting, baking, or playing with a particular toy, incorporating activities they enjoy into holiday traditions can create positive experiences. For example, if your child loves a particular character or theme, create holiday decorations or activities centered around that theme.
Be Flexible and Prepare for Changes
Even with the best-laid plans, things can still go awry during the holidays. Unexpected changes can happen—family members may arrive late, the weather might alter travel plans, or an event may take longer than expected. Stay flexible and remind yourself that it’s okay to adjust your plans if needed. Focus on what works best for your family, and don’t feel pressured to follow every tradition or participate in every event.
Embrace Self-Care for the Whole Family
The holidays can be draining for parents too. Between managing your child’s needs and balancing other responsibilities, it’s important to take care of your own well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members or set aside time for yourself to recharge. A calm and centered parent is better equipped to provide the support their child needs during this busy time.
While the holidays may bring unique challenges for children with autism and their families, with some thoughtful preparation and flexibility, the season can be a time of joy and connection. By prioritizing your child’s needs and creating a plan that works for your family, you can help ensure that everyone enjoys the holidays in a way that feels comfortable and manageable.
Remember, the best holiday memories come from moments of togetherness—whether they follow tradition or carve out a new path just for you and your child.
AGBS provides ongoing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with autism to improve the quality of their lives. If you would like learn more about how AGBS can help please contact us here , or call 908-913-0443.
