The holidays are a time for families to create memories and enjoy time together, but they can also be stressful and overwhelming. For children with autism, large crowds, unfamiliar foods, an increase in social interactions, changes in routine, and environmental changes (like bright lights and other decorations) can be difficult. Here are some therapist-approved ways to reduce stress and support your children during the holidays.
- Communication: It’s okay to tell extended families and friends no. It is also okay to have boundaries. Be clear about your child’s needs and limits. For example, if you are invited to open gifts with the family, you can tell them that your child will need a break before dinner. You can also communicate the different ways your child likes to play and how your family can play with them.
- Create a plan to take a break: If you are attending an event at a family member’s home, you can ask them to set aside a room or quiet area so that your child can decompress. If you are in your own home, provide your child with that time to slow down and create balance for themselves. During this time, you can take deep breaths with your child. You can also provide a sensory fidget or favorite toy.
- Prepare before the events: You can prepare your child for upcoming family events by using social stories, creating a photo album of family members who will be present, or by practicing opening gifts. You can bring their favorite foods if your child has a specific diet. Or you can find out what foods will be on the menu prior to the event so that you can make a mock menu at home to try with your child beforehand.
- Lower your expectations: You can always make things simple. Stay at home or leave earlier than planned. That’s okay! Create new family traditions at home. Try using video calls to be present at events.
Please reach out to your Blue Bird Day team for more specific tips to help your child through the festivities. Happy Holidays!
Blue Bird Day—the first therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program in the nation—fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2-7 years. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.
We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.
Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well.
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