Autism and the Holidays: A Sensory-Friendly Guide to a Smooth Holiday Season

The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and cherished family traditions. However, for families with children on the autism spectrum, this time of year can also present challenges, requiring a gentle, measured approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

In this article, we will explore tips and strategies for a great holiday season, including managing sensory sensitivities and family gatherings, drawing on insights from ABA therapy.

Understanding Sensory Sensitivities

Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities, which can make the holiday season overwhelming.

Here are some examples of sensory sensitivities during the holidays:

• Sensory overload: Many children on the spectrum have heightened sensory sensitivities, making them more sensitive to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. The holidays are packed with sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud music, crowds, and unfamiliar smells, which can lead to:
  • Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed by sensory input can trigger anxiety and difficulty coping.
  • Meltdowns: Sensory overload can lead to emotional outbursts or meltdowns.
  • Behavioral changes: Increased irritability, withdrawal, or repetitive behaviors may occur.
  • Physical discomfort: Headaches, nausea, or fatigue can result from sensory overload.
• Unfamiliar environments: Family gatherings, parties, and travel expose children to unfamiliar environments, adding to sensory overload.
• Changes in routine: The holidays often disrupt regular routines, making it harder for children to adjust to sensory experiences.
• Holiday decorations: Bright, flashing lights and loud decorations can be particularly overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities.

Overall, holidays can be stressful for children with autism, so let’s discuss what you can do to make this experience smoother.

How to Prevent Sensory Overload: Tips for the Holidays ​

Here is how to help prevent sensory overload and make the season enjoyable:

#1. Prepare in Advance

Preparation is key to ensuring a lovely holiday season for your child. Here are some strategies to help your child navigate the holidays with confidence:

Talk About Holidays

Discuss sensory sensitivities and create a plan with your child.

• Open communication: Talk to your child about the upcoming holidays and what they can expect. Ask about their sensory sensitivities and any triggers they might experience.
• Create a plan: Work together to create a plan for managing potential challenges. This might include identifying quiet spaces, packing sensory tools, or practicing coping mechanisms.

Create Visuals

Use visual schedules or social stories to prepare them for events.

• Visual schedules: Create a visual schedule that outlines the events of the holiday season, including the time, location, and activities. Visuals can help children with autism understand what to expect and feel more prepared.
• Social stories: Write or find social stories that explain holiday customs and traditions, such as attending a family gathering, opening presents, or going to a Christmas party. Social stories can help children understand and navigate social situations.

Practice

Role-play holiday activities to reduce anxiety.

• Familiarization: Role-playing different holiday scenarios can help reduce anxiety and make the real event feel less overwhelming.
• Examples: Practice opening presents, greeting family members, or attending a holiday gathering.

By preparing your child in advance, you can help them feel more comfortable and confident during the holidays. Remember that every child with autism is unique, so tailor these strategies to meet their individual needs and preferences. With a little planning and support, you can create a joyful and memorable holiday season for your child.

#2. Minimize Sensory Input

For children with autism, sensory overload can quickly turn the holidays from joyful to overwhelming.

Here is how to minimize sensory input and create a calmer environment:

• Light it right: Use dimmer switches and warm incandescent lights to soften brightness. Avoid blinking lights, as they can be particularly triggering.
• Manage noise levels: Keep music and conversations at a moderate volume. Provide noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Designate quiet zones for breaks.
• Decorate mindfully: Choose calming decorations that your child enjoys. Introduce decorations gradually to avoid sensory overload. Maybe try making some homemade decorations with your child.
• Food and smells: Stick to familiar foods and avoid introducing new smells. Choose scent-free products and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Crowds and social events: Prepare your child beforehand with visual support and social skills practice. Opt for smaller gatherings when possible. Provide breaks and quiet spaces.

By taking these steps, you can create a calmer and more sensory-friendly environment that helps your child navigate the holidays with less holiday stress and more enjoyment.

#3. Choose Sensory-Friendly Activities

To ensure a positive experience, choose activities that minimize sensory overload and cater to your child's individual preferences. Focus on activities that are calming, predictable, and offer a sense of control.

This could involve:

• Quiet, indoor activities: Baking cookies, creating homemade cards, reading holiday stories, building with blocks, or engaging in quiet play.
• Outdoor activities: A walk in the park, playing in the snow (if appropriate), or simply spending time in nature. Open spaces provide a break from intense sensory stimulation.
• Individualized choices: Allow your child to choose from a selection of activities that are within their tolerance level. Giving them some control over the process reduces anxiety and stress.

Here is a table to help you consider sensory aspects when choosing activities:

Observe your child's reactions carefully to determine what works best for them. The key is to focus on fun and manageable activities, minimizing sensory overload and promoting a positive holiday experience.

#4. Navigate Family Gatherings

Family gatherings during the holidays can be wonderful but can also present social and sensory challenges for children with autism.

Here are some strategies to navigate these gatherings successfully:

• Prepare your family: Share information about your child's unique needs and sensitivities with family members. Encourage understanding, patience, and support from everyone.
• Communicate clearly: Before holiday gatherings, communicate with your child about what to expect, who will be there, and any specific routines that might change. Visual schedules or social stories can be helpful tools.
• Bring familiar items: If possible, bring familiar toys, comfort items, or sensory tools to family gatherings. Having familiar items can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
• Provide clear expectations: Let your child know what is expected of them during the gathering. Use simple and clear instructions to help reduce anxiety.

#5. Seek Professional Help

ABA therapy can play a significant role in helping children with autism manage sensory sensitivities, navigate social situations, and enjoy the holiday season. At Rise Up For Autism, we know that every child is unique, and we adapt our strategies to suit your child's specific needs. With the right support in place, you can ensure a smooth and sensory-friendly holiday season for your family.

How to Help Your Child Calm Down During the Holidays

Even with careful planning, sensory overload can happen during the holidays. It is important to be prepared to help your child manage these moments.

Here is what you can do if your child with autism is experiencing sensory overload:

• Recognize the signs: Look for changes in behavior, and pay attention to signs like increased anxiety, fidgeting, withdrawing from social interaction, or becoming irritable. Notice changes like clenched fists, rapid breathing, or rubbing their eyes.
• Create a safe space: Bring your child to a quiet, calm area away from the commotion, even stepping outside for a few minutes can be effective. Provide sensory tools your child finds comforting.
• Use calming strategies:
  • Deep breathing: Teach your child deep breathing exercises. Breathe in slowly through the nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through the mouth.
  • Positive affirmations: Use positive self-talk or calming affirmations. Remind your child of their strengths and encourage them to manage their feelings.
  • Sensory input: Provide sensory input that helps your child regulate their senses. This could be gentle rocking, a soft touch, or listening to calming music.
• Take a break: If your child needs more space, gently remove them from the situation for a brief time out. Allow them to calm down and regain composure. Take your child for a walk outside or engage in a calming activity to help them reset.

The main thing is to be patient and calm because your calmness and empathy will help your child. Remember to acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments during holiday events. This positive reinforcement can boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Make the Holidays for Your Child with ASD Better with Rise Up For Autism!

Navigating autism and the holidays requires thoughtful planning, understanding, and flexibility. By managing sensory sensitivities, preparing for family gatherings, and creating sensory-friendly traditions, you can make the holiday season a joyful and memorable experience for your child on the autism spectrum.

Contact Rise Up For Autism today to learn more about our trusted ABA therapy program in Illinois and help your child enjoy their daily life!

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