How To Help Your Autistic Child Cope With The Holidays

How To Help Your Autistic Child Cope With The Holidays, special occasions are a happy time for most people.   For the family with an autistic member, the Holidays can be stressful!

OK, that might be an understatement but we’re going to stick with the word STRESSFUL for now.

For most of my daughter Kylie’s 28 years I have implemented a 3 Step process to get her ready for the Holiday Season.   This is also helpful for typical children to let them know what is expected of them and what to expect.

 

 

How To Help Your Autistic Child Cope With The Holidays

 

1. Start talking about the upcoming Holiday.  I start about 3 weeks out.  I make sure that she and I are making eye contact when we talk, so I know she is listening and understanding.  For us, any spot that is quiet and with little chance for interruptions work best.  I just start letting her know the basics of what, who, where, when, and how.  If we are traveling I include that information too.

2.  The day before the Holiday I remind her what is happening tomorrow and ask if she has any questions.  She is usually worried about some things like food since she is gluten-free and where will she have her “safe space”.  If your child is non-verbal try to talk with them about things you think they might be worried about.

3.  D-Day, Praying with your child will bring peace!  Bring with you some activities that your child can do alone if and when they need to withdraw.  For Kylie, she needs her books.  She also likes to work on the computer and watch specific DVD’s.  Don’t leave home without headphones to help block out the noise.  Bring your essential oil autism kit with you!  When you get to the place you are spending the Holiday, show your child where they can retreat to for some quiet time.  (Make sure you call ahead to set this up if it is the first time you have been to this place.)

 

Now, Kylie has some things to say about the Holidays that will probably be even more helpful than my 3 Tips and definitely insightful.

 

Questions To Help Your Autistic Child Cope With The Holidays 

 

What do you like about Holiday Gatherings?

The food is good and sometimes we do fun things.

 

What do you dislike about Holiday Gatherings? 

Too many changes and too many people telling me what to do can cause stress.

 

What are your biggest stressors at these Holiday Events?

Too many people and not enough freedom.  I have to follow all the rules that make me feel like I can’t breathe.  I wish society would not have so many rules.

 

What do you do to keep your stress levels low? 

I browse the internet, I walk in circles and I read my Bible.

 

Do you like to eat at the family dinner table?  

Yes.

 

Is it hard for you when everyone is talking and laughing? 

Yes.  Confusing.

 

Are noise levels a problem and what do you do about it? 

Yes and I leave the room.

 

Do you like to talk to people at Holiday Gatherings? 

Yes and No.

 

Do you like to talk with people one on one or in a group? 

One on one.

 

Do you like to travel? 

It depends, on how we are traveling?

Loud noises startle me and make me scared.  It makes me want to yell “Knock it off!”.

 

Do you like all the different foods that are available on the Holidays?

It depends on if there are lots of gluten-free food for me to eat.  If there is not a lot then it can be very stressful and I get jealous of all the other good food I can’t have.

 

If you had a choice to go to the Holiday event or stay home what would you choose?  

It depends on the place and the people.

 

What advice would you give parents with autistic children on how to prepare their kids for the Holidays? 

Tell your child what is going on.  What is going to happen over and over again?  Don’t rush.  Go slow.

 

 

YOUR TURN…

What do you do to help your autistic child cope during the Holidays?

 

Blessings,