Tips for a Joyful and Stress-Free Season
The holiday season is a time of excitement, festive gatherings, and beloved traditions. However, for children with autism, the changes in routine, sensory overload, and social demands can sometimes make this time overwhelming. To help families navigate the season with ease and joy, we’ve gathered practical tips to ensure that your holiday is inclusive, fun, and stress-free for everyone.
Prepare Early and Set Expectations
Holidays come with many changes, from decorating to attending family gatherings. These shifts can feel overwhelming for children who thrive on structure and predictability. To ease the transition:
- Talk about upcoming changes: Use visual calendars or social stories to explain what will happen during the holidays, like showing pictures of decorated homes, explaining gift-giving, or describing family get-togethers.
- Maintain a sense of routine: Try to keep key parts of your child’s daily routine, such as meals or sensory breaks, consistent. Familiar elements help reduce anxiety and provide comfort amid the holiday excitement.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Holiday activities often come with bright lights, loud sounds, and new smells or textures, which can be overwhelming. Here’s how to create a more sensory-friendly holiday environment:
- Modify decorations: If flashing lights or crowded spaces are overstimulating, opt for soft lighting or tactile decorations that your child enjoys. Allowing them to help with decorations can give them a sense of control.
- Create a sensory-safe space: At gatherings, set up a quiet area where your child can take a break if needed. Stock it with calming items like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or favorite toys.
- Prepare for sensory triggers: If you know certain sounds or textures may be difficult for your child, bring sensory tools like fidget toys or earplugs when attending events.
Simplify Holiday Gatherings
Large holiday parties with unfamiliar faces and shifting routines can be stressful. To make gatherings more manageable:
- Limit the duration: Shorten your time at events, or take breaks as needed. Arriving early or leaving before it gets crowded can help your child adjust to the environment.
- Practice social scenarios: Role-playing situations like greeting relatives or sitting at the dinner table can help your child feel more prepared and comfortable.
- Set clear expectations with family: Share information with family members about your child’s communication style, preferences, and sensory needs. This can help everyone create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Plan Inclusive Holiday Activities
Holiday traditions can be adapted to suit your child’s needs, creating a positive and meaningful experience for your family:
- Modify gift-giving: Unwrapping presents can be overwhelming. Consider using gift bags, or open presents slowly, allowing time for your child to process each one.
- Create sensory-friendly traditions: If large gatherings are too much, create your own sensory-friendly holiday rituals. Bake together, watch favorite holiday movies, or decorate in a calm, predictable way.
- Limit new experiences: While new traditions can be fun, too many at once may cause stress. Introduce changes gradually, keeping some familiar routines in place.
Take Breaks and Prioritize Self-Care
The holidays can feel demanding for both parents and children. It’s important to take breaks and be flexible with your plans:
- Prioritize downtime: Schedule quiet, relaxing activities between holiday events to give both you and your child time to recharge.
- Celebrate in your own way: There’s no “right” way to celebrate. Focus on what works best for your child and family, even if it means adjusting or simplifying holiday plans.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting your child through the holidays can be challenging. Remember to prioritize your own self-care and reach out for support when needed.
The holiday season is a special time, filled with joy and connection. By preparing in advance, making sensory-friendly adjustments, and being flexible, you can create a festive experience that everyone in the family will enjoy.
At KGH Autism Services, we’re here to support you through the holiday season and beyond. If you need guidance on making the holidays more inclusive for your child, feel free to reach out to our team for personalized tips and resources.
