This time of year is always busy and bustling, and supporting your child with autism during the holidays requires extra effort.
Coping with the ever-changing landscape of the holidays is a big task for all of us, but this time can put an even larger strain on children with autism and their families as they work to navigate the holiday season in an accessible, sustainable, and fun way. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips that might help your child on the autism spectrum during the holiday season:
- Halloween: Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treating
- Thanksgiving: 5 Tips for an Easy Thanksgiving with your Child on the Autism Spectrum
- Christmas: Choosing Holiday Gifts for Children with Autism
- New Year’s Eve: Sensory Friendly New Year’s Eve Tips
If you’re hosting for the holidays this year and have a child on the autism spectrum in your family, or if you’re traveling with a child with autism, these tips may be just as helpful to share as they are to use. Letting family, friends, and loved ones know how best to support your child is an effective strategy for making sure that their holidays are smooth and joyful!
Here are some key takeaways from our article series on helping children with autism throughout the holiday season that we can apply all year round:
1. Schedules are Important
It can be difficult to stay on schedule when juggling holiday plans, especially when school and therapy schedules often get switched up for a few weeks. Although it can be a challenge, it’s important for children with autism to maintain as much of their typical routine as possible for a smooth holiday season.
Keep it fun and prepare your child for the changes that may happen by clearly communicating plans in advance, and try to keep fundamentals like bedtime and morning routines as consistent as possible when you know daytime plans are different from normal.
2. Be Prepared
Preparation is key for a smooth and happy holiday season for the whole family. The amount of preparation may vary for each child, as every child’s needs and expectations are different. If you need additional guidance, you can always communicate with your child’s support team for preparation suggestions.
Visuals can be a great tool for helping kids prepare for the holidays. You may use a calendar and count down the days until the holiday, or when visitors will be arriving. Some children also enjoy learning from stories and conversations. You may want to go over what the holidays will be like and what they can expect.
3. Preparing to Travel?
Whether by plane, train, or automobile, it’s usually a good idea to pack plenty of your child’s favorite toys, activities, and food items to keep them engaged. Providing these familiar items can create a sense of comfort and calm, especially if you’re traveling to an unfamiliar location.
Need more support as you make travel plans for the holidays? Read our best tips for vacation planning with children with autism here, and our best travel tips here.
4. Provide a Quiet Space
If there is a lot of activity and lot of people who will be arriving for the holiday, prepare a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle. Create a space for your child to play and engage in preferred activities and have a quiet, low-demand space.
5. Accommodate for Your Child’s Needs
If there are a lot of gifts, presents to open, music playing, new faces, or different accommodations, children can easily feel overwhelmed.
If you know your child may be overwhelmed by receiving lots of gifts, you can spread out the gift-giving throughout the morning and let them enjoy each gift before moving to the next. Taking everything step by step will prevent overstimulation and help them enjoy the fun of the day!
Helping to Manage Autism During the Holidays
The holidays can be a joyous time for families of all kinds. But, they can also be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum. By following the tips in this article, you can help your child with autism enjoy themselves during the holidays while minimizing stress and anxiety.
By creating a supportive and understanding environment, you can help your child enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories. Focus on your child’s strengths and interests, and to celebrate the unique ways they experience the world.
And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Give yourself – as well as your child – plenty of grace if things go south from time to time.
Remember to be patient, understanding, and flexible. Create a supportive and loving environment where your child feels safe and comfortable. With the right amount of planning and effort, you can make the holidays a happy and memorable time for everyone in your family.