| The holidays are a special time to share with | | | | enough for those of us without Autism. |
| family and build memories. This can be very | | | | 7. Open a Few Presents at a Time: The |
| difficult for families with an Autistic child. You can | | | | excitement of opening gifts can get out of control |
| still have an enjoyable celebration, it just means | | | | and lead to overstimulation. Opening a few |
| that as a parent you will have to take some | | | | presents at a time can help your child enjoy their |
| extra care and be sure to plan ahead. | | | | gifts even more. |
| | | | 8. Make Others Aware: It is important to |
| 1. Keep Visits Short: Plan shorter visits with family | | | | communicate with family and friends. They may |
| and friends. This will help prevent your child from | | | | not understand the nuances of what your child |
| getting too tired or overstimulated. You can | | | | needs or what is going to cause harm. There will |
| schedule several visits so you can still have the | | | | probably be some who find fault in your methods. |
| same quantity of time. | | | | Remind yourself of what you know to be true |
| 2. Have Fewer Visitors: If possible, keep the | | | | about your child if a conflict occurs. |
| visitors to a few at time. This isn't always possible | | | | 9. Focus on the Holidays: Holidays are meant to |
| in a large family or where people are traveling | | | | be spent with family and loved ones. Focus on |
| from out-of-town. Another option is to have a | | | | your blessings and on the love you have for your |
| quiet place for your child to retreat where they | | | | family. |
| can be alone or with just a few family members. | | | | 10. Reward Your Child's Good Behavior: This will |
| 3. Don't Force Activities: If you put too much | | | | be a positive reinforcement and may inspire your |
| energy into pressing an activity your child doesn't | | | | child to be on his best behavior. |
| like, it will cause grief for all involved. | | | | Bonus Tip |
| 4. Keep Routines: If it is important to your child to | | | | Let Yourself Relax: If your child senses stress or |
| go to bed or eat at a certain time, then hold to it. | | | | anxiety from you they will follow suit. Remember |
| If it is not possible to keep the full routine, have | | | | to breathe deeply and remove yourself from the |
| them engage in similar activity at the regular time | | | | situation for a few minutes if necessary. Take |
| such as a nap, a snack, or a quiet time. | | | | some time to pamper yourself. It will help |
| 5. Divide Your Time: Spread holiday activities out | | | | energize you to better care for you child. |
| to help keep your child's time and energy more | | | | The holidays with an Autistic child can be a |
| balanced. | | | | wonderful time. Step back from your daily |
| 6. Shop Kid-Free: This is especially important if | | | | problems and struggles. Remember your blessings |
| your child does not like crowds. The amount of | | | | and enjoy the holidays with your family. |
| activity during the holidays can be overwhelming | | | | |