Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island will require a plan my friend. The holidays, a time of joy, laughter, and… chaos? If you’re a parent navigating the festive season with a child on the autism spectrum, you probably know that the holiday script often comes with some unexpected twists. But fear not, fellow parents! I’m here to share my hilarious escapades and top tips on how I made it through the holidays without succumbing to chaos and anxiety on what I lovingly call ‘Autism Island.’ Who knew there was a real place, other than the homes of families who have a child with autism! Check this place out 👉 https://islandautism.org/about-us/island-autism-center/

Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island

Travel during the holidays can be a nightmare for anyone, let alone when you have a child with autism. But this year, I decided to take the road less traveled, literally. We stayed home. No packing, no planning, and definitely no airport meltdowns. It was a laid-back Thanksgiving and Christmas, and boy, did it take a load off everyone’s plate (pun intended). Jacob, my autism superhero, still followed his trusty schedule, but everything was decked out in holiday glory, making it extra fun.

Now, if you do need to venture beyond Autism Island, a visual schedule is your golden ticket. It’s like a roadmap for your child, helping them understand what’s coming up ahead of time. Remember, familiarity reduces anxiety, and that’s the secret sauce for a meltdown-free journey. And don’t forget to pack a travel kit with all of your child’s favorite things, from activities to a bit of schoolwork. Hey, it’s a comfort thing, and it’s on the schedule, so it’s all good.

Where Routine Meets Relatives on Autism Island

Staying home for the holidays? Fantastic, right? Well, not according to Jacob. The moment I was off work for two weeks due to school break, he decided he wanted me back at work during week one! I mean, I do a lot for Jacob, but family being home when they’re supposed to be at work? That’s a plot twist he wasn’t prepared for. So, cue the calendar again to gently warn him of these schedule shake-ups.

Surprisingly, he never tries to send his brother off to work or back home. Clearly we need strategy and planning to guide “Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island”. I guess his brother doesn’t mess with the schedule like I do! (Or maybe he’s just way cooler; who knows?)

Making the Holiday Fun: When You’re Running on Holiday Fumes

Let’s talk about making the holiday fun on Autism Island. I confess; I could’ve done better this year. With a bum foot and exhaustion levels that could rival a hibernating bear, my enthusiasm didn’t quite match Jacob’s holiday energy. But fear not, all the traditional holiday activities were in play. Jacob had his favorite holiday movies, cookies, and more, so we were good to go.

Jacob gets a say in decorating and picking out holiday treats because having choices makes the holiday experience more enjoyable for him. Involving him in these decisions also helps him feel in control and engaged with the family.

Sensory Sensibility: Navigating the Tides of Sensory Overload

Sensory overload? It’s the iceberg to our holiday Titanic. Always think of sensory issues and plan ahead. Comfortable clothes, noise-canceling headphones for those anticipated loud visitors—anything to keep sensory overload at bay is a winner.

I’ve learned not to force Jacob into activities if he’s showing signs of anxiety. Instead, I steer him toward something more comfortable, letting him rejoin when he’s ready. Pushing him to stay at the Christmas tree opening presents isn’t a good idea if it leads to a meltdown. He can take a break and return when he’s calm.

Every holiday doesn’t have to be a mirror image of the last. We’ve learned to set boundaries, keep things fun, and be open to schedule changes and regrouping.

So, here’s to surviving the holidays on Autism Island with humor, love, and a pinch of flexibility. It might not always go according to plan, but when has that ever stopped us? Cheers to holiday adventures, Autism Island-style! 🎄😄

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