Does an interruption to your child’s routines feel like the end of the world? Are you dreading the holiday season with all the running around? Kassidy Reinert is the clinical director for the ASSERT Autism Program in Weber School District. She outlined in her ECHO presentation at Utah State University how to not only survive but thrive during the holidays in various environments with children and gave some specific ideas for kiddos with autism. Below are some tips she shared to covering different aspects of the holiday season.
Events
Showing up to a holiday dinner, game night, or another gathering can seem overwhelming when you know the location won’t be as kid friendly as your own home. With the heightened excitement also comes the extra stimulation.
Here are some tips to navigate events:
- Keep an area for your child to escape from the crowds (speak to the host ahead of time)
- 15 minutes at the party/dinner, 5 minutes in the quiet room
- Have toys and activities out that you know will entertain and engage
- Facilitate activities if needed
- Use frequent small rewards for appropriate behavior such as stickers or stamps and set a timer to catch them being good.
Travel
In addition to the standard items you pack when you are gone overnight, adding a few extra things to your bag could make all the difference! Pack your quiet bag ahead of time. Fill it with your child’s favorite snacks such as nuts, raisins, fruit leather, and small water bottles. Add quiet books, and toys. There are several companies that make paint with water sets that travel well. Consider traveling during your child’s nap or quiet time if your child usually sleeps well in a car to minimize the chaos. Traveling with a child in a booster seat? Bring a pillow they can lean on if they get tired.
Staying Overnight
Once you’ve arrived at your destination here are some ideas to help your kids feel a sense of routine.
- Stick to regular timing as much as possible -Wake-up, bed, meals etc.
- Stick to regular routines as much as possible. -Reading books before bed, etc.
- Try to make a loose daily schedule with major activities
- Add in little 5-10 minute activities throughout the day such as reading books, playing peek-a-boo, wrestling, going for a walk or to the park, or sing and dance.
Gift Wrapping
Unwrapping gifts doesn’t have to look one way. Consider taking your child’s lead as they open presents. Do they get stuck on one gift? Are they interested in opening the gifts as quickly as possible? Set a timer between gifts to signal it’s time to open the next item.
Decorating
You may be questioning yourself as you decorate the house or tree with a little one around.
- Put the soft or less breakable ornaments at the bottom of the tree.
- Let them decorate a small tree with you that can be placed in their room or a felt tree they can play with throughout the season. Here is a free felt tree pattern you can try at home.
Consider what things are non-negotiables and what things you can adjust your expectations for during the holiday season.
