Holiday Hints

The holiday season is a busy time of year where the speed of life tends to pick up and routine days are replaced with change. For families with an autistic child, routine is an important factor on a day-to-day basis. Children get used to certain events happening on a consistent schedule. Traveling to family parties, hosting large gatherings or changing the layout of your home can create discomfort during the holiday season.

Families need to be aware of how the holidays will affect a young child living with autism. Here are a list of ideas and strategies that should help create a smooth transition from routine to festive.

A family with a child on the autism spectrum needs to be very aware of the sensory overload that is associated with the holidays. Bright lights, loud conversations, relatives that you see only once a year and even unique foods/scents can create static.

It is all about proper planning. Decorate your home shortly after Thanksgiving so your child can adapt as quickly as possible and consider leaving decorations up into January. Create an album or collage with photos from the year before so your child can become familiar with the holiday setting. If you are going to a relative's home, take a trip over before the day arrives, so it isn't a total shock. When the holiday arrives, bring a bag with familiar items to assist in comforting the child. A movie, stuffed animal or blanket can be all he/she needs to remain calm.

Avoid flying. Trains and cars offer a more pleasant experience, which will provide stability before arriving. Get off to a good start, have plans to maintain control and remain aware. Instead of trying to make an autistic child adapt to your party, try to adapt to his/her perspective of it. Most likely your child won't stay calm through a lengthy meal with odd food. Most likely visiting Santa isn't going to be a pleasant experience. Anticipate this and make the right decisions.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year. For families with an autistic child this is no exception. You just have to be an organized, aware parent and plan ahead for all possibilities. Try to make the experience as smooth as possible and that starts by thinking about everything through your child's eyes.