Ho, Ho, Hold on to Your Sanity: Autism-Proofing Your Christmas

Picture this: twinkling lights, jingling bells, and the joyful sound of kids playing… until a meltdown strikes. Yep, the holidays can be an emotional rollercoaster for both parents when you have a child with autism. But fear not, we’ve got three sleigh-loads of tips to help your child with autism enjoy Christmas without the meltdowns and anxiety!

Have a Schedule: Santa’s Secret to Smooth Sailing

You know how adults suffer from decision fatigue? Well, imagine that, but for kids with autism. Their processing delays, combined with other learning disabilities, make transitions and language complex terrain. So, let’s simplify the journey.

Jacob’s schedule and calendar are his North Star, guiding him through the holiday hustle and bustle. Just like we rely on our phones and apps to navigate life, he uses his schedule to keep the chaos at bay.

When he knows what’s on the agenda, it’s like a backstage pass to his day. No need for lengthy explanations or negotiations; it’s all right there, mapped out. So, when you ask him to do something, he’s ready to roll because he’s got the schedule to back him up.

Remember, the schedule doesn’t have to be rocket science. Keep it straightforward, make changes as needed, and as long as he can see it, he’ll have less anxiety about the ever-changing holiday plans. It’s a win-win for everyone in the family!

Adjust Your Expectations and Their Environment: ‘Tis the Season for Sensory-Friendly Fun”

Flashback to when our firstborn, Nicholas, was little. We could conquer family gatherings, holiday shows, and shopping marathons with ease. Then, Jacob entered the scene, and suddenly, our holiday game plan needed some serious adjustments.

Big family events, loud shows, and crowded malls? Not exactly Jacob’s cup of cocoa. Sensory overload and anxiety were always lurking. So, we adapted our environment to fit his needs and ease his holiday stress.

Seek out sensory-friendly movie screenings and showtimes; they’re a game-changer for families like ours. Prepping ahead of time by watching videos or tutorials related to upcoming activities helps a child with autism feel more at ease. Check out our blog post on [preparing for doctor visits]https://educatingjacob.com/child-on-the-autism-spectrum-navigate-doctor-visits/ for a crash course in anticipatory planning.

Make short videos or show clips of what to expect. And remember to bring the holiday cheer in your bag of tricks: headphones, earplugs, snacks, and sensory fidgets can be a sanity-saver. We always pack a travel kit with books, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else brings comfort.

In a nutshell, be prepared for anything. And that means anything!

Have Fun and Keep It Simple: Savoring the Season

Guess what? You can still have a holly, jolly Christmas even if you have a  child with autism. You just need to tweak the festivities to suit their comfort zone.

Go see those dazzling Christmas lights, but be armed with a travel bag of sensory items, snacks, tablets, and headphones. This way, you’re ready for whatever Santa throws your way.

It’s okay to leave your child out of some holiday activities if it’s not their cup of eggnog. Let them enjoy their comfy environment with their favorite things while you dash through the snow of holiday fun.

Remember, the most important thing is to savor the season, make memories, and cherish the moments, even if they come with a sprinkle of chaos. Because in the end, it’s all part of your unique, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious Christmas story. 🎄❄️🌟