The time is here for holiday cheer! With months of social distancing, the end of this year has us ever so eager to be closer to our loved ones. Families are gathering around differently to celebrate and many are wondering how to prepare, especially for children with ASD. Here are 6 tips to have you and your family ready for the holiday season.
1. Keep The Routine
Many children with autism face challenges adjusting to disruptions from their daily regimen. During this festive time, it can get hectic managing the household and planning for get-togethers. A solution to this? Make a list of tasks to be completed (cleaning the house, preparing dishes, wrapping gifts, etc…) This helps to alleviate stress for you and your child. Designate an announcement time for “Tasks Of The Day” and follow up with a detailed demonstration to show your kiddos how to complete the duties.
2. Get To Know Guests
Having a lot of people in one setting can be overwhelming for children with Autism, especially if they do not know or remember them. No worries, we have you covered. This month our featured NESS activities include 2 fun and interactive crafts to help your little one feel at ease when company arrives.
The NESS Family Book and NESS Family Puppets are great ways to learn about your holiday guests. (Print outs are readily available, directly from the NESS Library)
3. Sensory Overload Cautions
Around this time of year, most families are ready to find great deals on gifts for their loved ones. Be cautious, as your child may have sensory overload, especially with various flashing lights, noise and large crowds in stores. With social distancing still in play consider ordering gifts online, curbside, or have a family member or babysitter watch your child to allow for you to go venture out for holiday gifts and goodies on your own.
4. Assign Family Responsibilities
Aside from parents, extended family members also play an important role in shaping our children's world. An extra set of hands are always useful for parents and you can help your child from feeling overwhelmed with their assistance. Notify your guests of your child’s needs and how they can help to make the celebration run smoothly. Assign roles and responsibilities for your family to take on (i.e: Corral the cousins in the backyard to play a game of catch, Uncle John then makes sure hands are washed afterwards and Grandma can read along your child's favorite book while you are preparing dishes, gifts or even taking a quick breather outside.)
5. Designate A Safe Place
Whether young or well-lived everyone loves the feeling of being at home. Home life is cozy, familiar and safe and it is important that your child with autism has the appropriate accommodations to be at their best comfort during holiday visits. Bring along your child’s favorite comfort items, their favorite toys, books, blankets, music and have a quiet room or section in the house where they may go to relax when they become overwhelmed. Let your guests be aware that your child may leave as needed to calm down when anxious or over stimulated and will return when ready.
If you are traveling for the holidays consider bringing noise cancelling headphones to sooth your child of abrupt noises on planes or vehicles. This is a great product to invest in! Looking to stock up on protective gear? Check out the NESS Shop for the latest fashionable face masks, shields and more to keep your family safe throughout the pandemic.
6. Plan an Exit Strategy
Finally, one of the most important practice is knowing how to leave. If your child becomes restless and efforts to ease discomfort no longer works it is time to execute the exit strategy. Let guests know ahead of time of your possible need to leave early. Yes, you will have some push back because everyone wants you to enjoy the good family time but stay firm as your child's needs are front and center. Keep in mind that it is always okay to put them first!
As we get closer together with family for the end of the year we hope that our hints save you hassle, worry and keeps you prepared to celebrate with your loved ones.
Share your holiday experience using these 6 ASD friendly tips in the comments below. Stay safe and have a happy holiday season!
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