Celebrating the holidays is often a time of joy, love, and excitement for many. However, for families with a child or teen who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the season can be a stressful, overwhelming, and complex time. Fortunately, families affected by autism during the holidays can take several steps to ensure their neurodivergent loved one has a delightful time this year and next.
In this blog post by ABA Centers of Pennsylvania, we’ll explore practical tips for creating a positive and inclusive holiday atmosphere where everyone feels seen and included. From selecting sensory-appropriate activities to finding new ways to observe traditions that minimize stress, following these tips can help you and your family create more meaningful experiences this holiday season.
So, please keep reading to learn more about autism, the holidays, and ways to celebrate festively and comfortably for everyone!
Click here for more information about ABA Centers of Pennsylvania and how we offer ABA services supporting families with autism in the King of Prussia and Philadelphia area.
Why Are Autism and the Holidays Difficult for Many Families?
While seasonal festivities unite many families, it’s not always easy to navigate the holidays with autism or know the best approaches to ensure everyone can participate. Families with a child on the spectrum have many things to consider when preparing for this distinct time of year, like sensory sensitivities and other prominent features of life with autism.
For many children with autism, the unpredictability of holiday events can be nerve-wracking because many with ASD struggle with changes in routine, as described by Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal. The shifts in weekly patterns, introduction to unfamiliar experiences, and the heightened emotions of those around someone with autism can lead to tantrums, meltdowns, and other complex demonstrations of behaviors.
Furthermore, the pressure to conform to traditional expectations or mask symptoms can leave families feeling isolated and misunderstood as they consider which events they can attend. It’s important to remember that for these families, the holidays are not just tricky but a harsh reminder of their daily challenges. Fortunately, there are steps to brighten the holidays for you and your neurodivergent family.
Why Is Planning Important for Autism and the Holidays?
By planning, caregivers of children on the spectrum can help minimize anxiety and create a more gratifying holiday experience. Planning for autism and the holidays may include proactively discussing holiday concepts, roleplaying, and establishing a routine. Planning also allows families to consider the sensory environment, social expectations, and potential triggers their loved one may confront ahead of time to improve interactions and outcomes.
An essential aspect of holiday planning includes proactively communicating plans and accommodations with family members and friends to ensure everyone comprehends your child’s needs. By taking the time to plan, families can foster a more tranquil holiday for everyone.
Explaining Holiday Traditions to Those With Autism in a Way They Understand
For children with autism, understanding and participating in holiday traditions, such as gift-giving, may be difficult. As a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to find ways to explain these traditions so your neurodivergent loved one can understand and feel comfortable with them. Caregivers can do this through social stories or visual aids to demonstrate the process of giving and receiving gifts.
Additionally, involving your loved one in the spectrum in the gift-giving process by encouraging them to select gifts for others or creating a personal wish list can help them feel more in control and included. Remember, every neurodivergent child may require different strategies to understand holiday traditions. Caregivers should do their best to remain patient and flexible in finding what works best for their child.
If your child with autism is confused about concepts like Santa, holiday lights, or the unfamiliar music featured during the season, consider creating a way to experience these things safely and in their own time. Watching holiday movies at home first, incorporating familiar sensory toys into decorations, or learning holiday songs as a family can help make concepts more familiar and relatable.
Ultimately, by introducing traditions gradually and with recognizable elements, you help your child associate positive experiences with holidays instead of feeling dread or even fear.
Making the Holidays Meaningful for Your Child With Autism
It’s important to remember that the holidays are not just about decorations, gifts, and parties. However, it can sometimes feel like it. For those who are neurodivergent, it can be challenging to understand the true meaning of the holiday season.
Experiencing a genuinely inclusive and meaningful holiday season with your neurodivergent child may include incorporating activities or traditions that align with your child’s interests and strengths, volunteering together as a family, or emphasizing the values of giving, gratitude, and kindness. By making the holidays fulfilling for your child with autism, you create lasting memories and teach important life lessons while also reducing potential stressors and sensory overload.
Proactively Identify Your Child’s Unique Sensory Needs
Every neurodivergent child is unique, meaning their sensory needs are also different. For instance, crowded and noisy events may easily overwhelm some ASD children. In contrast, others may crave sensory input and seek new experiences. By understanding your child’s sensory needs related to their ASD, you can help them manage their feelings and engage with holiday activities they enjoy instead of avoiding them due to distress.
By proactively gauging their needs, you’ll know if you must pack specific snacks, headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys before you attend events that may feel chaotic.
Plan Activities That Consider Your Child’s Preferences
As a parent or caregiver with an ASD child, always having a backup plan for activities is essential. Having alternatives is especially critical for caregivers of neurodivergent children who may become drastically overwhelmed by holiday experiences. Keeping a highly preferred, sensory-friendly alternative activity handy can give you and your child peace of mind, knowing you have something to fall back on if things get unmanageable or your child can’t participate.
Furthermore, your alternative activity plan doesn’t have to be extravagant. Whether it’s a quiet craft project, a calming game, or a nature walk, having a backup plan can make all the difference in ensuring your child feels their best and fully engages in the joyful activities they can.
Encourage Socialization and Create Opportunities to Celebrate With Others
Encouraging socialization and minimizing awkwardness during celebrations is very beneficial when possible. Creating a conducive environment for social interaction benefits development and social outcomes, whether a simple dinner or a big family gathering over time.
Caregivers and friends can do this by engaging in games that everyone can play or initiating conversations about topics everyone understands and relates to. Setting the stage for better social interactions ensures everyone feels involved and comfortable, making the holidays with autism even more memorable.
Get Ready for a Delightful Holiday Season!
In conclusion, planning and understanding your child’s unique needs are vital to creating a successful holiday season for them and your entire family. By incorporating sensory-friendly activities and explaining traditions in a way your child understands, you can help them feel comfortable and included during events.
Remember to be flexible and prioritize your child’s well-being to keep things cheerful this season. Happy holidays from us!
Celebrating the Holidays With Autism Is Easier Alongside ABA Centers of Pennsylvania
ABA Centers of Pennsylvania offer various services for children and teenagers with autism. We provide individualized treatment plans, family support, and social skills training to help clients on the spectrum reach their full potential. With our strong focus on evidence-based practices, ABA Centers of Pennsylvania is committed to helping families improve their lives through quality ABA care and support.
Our team of highly trained ABA providers, including Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) and Board Certified Behavior Technicians (BCBAs), ensures your loved one learns in a safe and sensory-friendly way where they can grow at their level and pace.
So, if you’re looking for ABA services or guidance in navigating the challenges of autism, reach us at (844) 444-7496 or contact us online.
Together, we can create better holidays for many with autism and their families.
