Navigating the Holidays with a Child with Autism

Why are Holidays Difficult for Children with Autism? 

The holidays bring a lot of changes, sensory stimulation, and social expectations that can be overwhelming for children with autism. Understanding these common challenges is the first step to planning an enjoyable season for your family. 

1. Sensory Overload: The holidays often involve bright lights, loud music, and crowded spaces that can be overwhelming for a child with autism. Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities, making these situations uncomfortable for them. 
2. Routine Changes: Children with autism thrive on structure and routine. During the holiday season, families experience changes in daily schedules with travel and holiday gatherings. These disruptions can cause anxiety and discomfort for children.
3. Social Expectations: The holidays often require social interactions with family and friends. For children with autism, these situations can be overwhelming due to difficulty with communication and social cues, especially in group settings. 
4. New Environments: Whether your family is visiting relatives or navigating public places, holiday festivities involve unfamiliar environments. These changes can make children feel anxious or uneasy.  

These are important factors to take into consideration when making holiday plans for your family. 

Tips to Prepare Your Child for the Holidays 

While the holiday season may present some challenges, there are several ways you can make it a positive experience for your child with autism. By incorporating structure, preparing for sensory experiences, and fostering familiarity, you can reduce stress and create a more enjoyable holiday season for your family. 

1. Establish a Visual Schedule: Children with autism often benefit from visual schedules that clearly outline their activities or events including mealtimes, travel plans, and family activities. This will provide your child with a clear, predictable structure, helping them feel secure and prepared.
2. Prepare for Sensory Sensitivities: Since the holidays are full of sensory experiences like bright lights and loud noises, it’s important to help minimize sensory overload for your child. Consider noise-canceling headphones, soft clothing and identifying a quiet space for your child to retreat to during group festivities.
3. Manage Social Expectations: Holiday gatherings often involve various social interactions, which can be stressful for children with autism. Prepare your child for social situations by discussing who will be there, what activities will take place, and any specific behaviors that might be expected of them. Your child’s RBT can integrate role-playing scenarios into their ABA therapy sessions to help them practice greetings, conversations, or other social interactions in a comfortable environment.  
4. Plan for Travel and Family Visits: Whether you’re going on a road trip or flying to visit family, be sure to plan ahead. Bring your child’s comfort items like favorite toys or snacks to help them stay calm during travel. If your child has difficulty adapting to new places, talk to them about what to expect ahead of time. 
5. Incorporate Familiar Traditions: One way to help your child feel more at ease during the holidays is to incorporate familiar routines and family traditions. Whether it’s decorating the house, baking cookies, or watching a favorite holiday movie, sticking to traditions your child enjoys can create a sense of consistency. 

The holidays can be a magical time filled with joy and cheer, but for families with children with autism, they can also cause added stress. By understanding the unique challenges your child may face and taking steps to prepare ahead of time, you can create an enjoyable holiday experience for everyone. If you need any help preparing for the holiday season, talk with your child’s BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) for guidance on skills that can be developed to better navigate the season’s demands.