How to Help Children w/ ASD & other Developmental Disorders Enjoy the Holidays

For many of us, the holiday season comes as a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life; it can serve as a relaxing time for connecting with loved ones, for catching up with friends, sharing long leisurely meals, and giving gifts. But for families of children who struggle with large social gatherings or who have difficulty with changes in routine, the holiday season can come with a great many challenges.

With this in mind, we’d like to provide you with some tips to help you and your family enjoy a smooth and tranquil holiday season. This information, in part supplied by the National Standards Project, includes research tailored specifically toward children on the autism spectrum, but can also be applicable for a variety of other developmental disorders.  

  

1. Prior to the holiday gathering or event, prepare your child for what is to come by showing them photographs or videos from the same (or similar) events in previous years. Point out family/friends who you think will attend, and if possible, give descriptors about any family member habits or traits you think could be problematic (i.e. "Do you remember Cousin Herb? He can be very LOUD sometimes..."). 

2. Supply your child with a visual timeline, such as a schedule or calendar, so that he/she can conceptualize and reference the general order of events to come. Make sure to provide this several days ahead of time and update if changes occur.

3. During large or lengthy gatherings, or situations generally prone to unpredictability, make sure that the child has a predetermined “break room”, or quiet space he/she knows that he/she can retreat to if feeling overwhelmed. Within this space, provide access to books, games, or other calming activities the child can enjoy.

4. If you know a gathering will be large, try to configure your environment so that it facilitates good flow (with space to enter/exit the room and to move around people). Consider directing your guests into other rooms or areas if the space becomes congested or overly boisterous. 

5. Do a safety check prior to the event, making sure that breakable ornaments, lit candles, and other hazards are out of reach. For parents of young escape artists, you may even want to consider putting bells on doors as an alert in the event that the child tries to leave unattended.

6. Are there particular objects/toys/games that your child enjoys or has a special affinity for? If so, it may be helpful to provide this guidance to family and friends who are in the process of shopping for gifts.
 

Did you find any of these tips useful? To access more resources on how to navigate the challenges associated with ASD and other developmental disorders, visit the May Institute's Newsroom and Topic Center at mayinstitute.org. VHFLC also provides free trainings to help facilitate positive and effective communication with ASD children, and to better understand and manage environmental sensitivities. Contact our main office at inquiries@vhflc.com or (503) 452-8633 for more information.