Holidays Can be Stressful for Children with Autism and Their Families

Holidays are a time of joy for many people, but families with children and teens on the autism spectrum can find the holidays challenging. Disrupted schedules and broken routines can make even simple things difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it crucial for their families and them to be prepared.

"The holiday season is a time when parents dream of having a memorable and special family-oriented experience. Often, with a child that requires additional support, achieving this goal requires individual modifications and assistance from additional family members as well as other individuals. Planning the support systems in advance can often be the determining factor between a more successful or more difficult holiday season," says Jeff Skibitsky, MA, BCBA, LBA, and president of Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS), a leading provider of services to children with autism spectrum disorders.

Below are tips from ABS to help make the holiday season more enjoyable for children with ASD and their families.

• Noisy environments and activities can make for stressful situations, so it is crucial that families know the limits of their children. For example, the mall is a noisy, brightly lit area that is filled with large crowds, and this can be very unnerving for children with ASD, so it might be a place to avoid.
• Change can be difficult for many children with ASD, so decorating all at once can be overwhelming for them. Instead, try putting out a different holiday decoration or do a different thing (like decorating the tree) every day. This can help reduce the anxiety that abrupt changes can bring about.
• Try to maintain your child's usual routine. For example, the same breakfast time and bedtime can give him or her a sense of comfort during a busy holiday season.

Children with ASD can make gift-giving especially difficult. Your best bet is to select toys that provide both fun and learning opportunities. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect gift.

• Sensory seekers—many individuals with ASD enjoy activities that stimulate the senses. Some parents believe that weighted blankets, which provide deep touch pressure, can help their child relax after a busy day. Your child may find the novelty of touching the textured surfaces of items enjoyable and fun to interact with. Other children may enjoy "fidget toys," which often combine lights, sounds, and movement into a single item.
• Problem solvers—some children with ASD like things that require moving something from one point to another. For them a Rubik's Cube®-type puzzle or magnet set can be a great option. Puzzles are also a good choice; you should be able to find one that matches your child's favorite characters.
• Creative minds—quite a few children with ASD have a creative streak. Many of them enjoy coloring/activity books; you can find a limitless variety of themes and characters. Building blocks and Legos® are also good bets for children of all ages.
• Useful gifts—on the practical side, noise machines can be a great gift for children who are light sleepers or who would benefit from the drowning out of external auditory stimuli throughout their day. Super soft stuffed plush toys are comforting for anyone who likes something to squish, cuddle, or lie down on. There are also a whole host of new visual timers to help children keep track of time. There are even wrist watch versions so kids can easily take their timer on the road!

About Alternative Behavior Strategies

Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS) is dedicated to providing services to children with developmental delays and their families. The company provides wrap around care enabling children and their families to obtain the services they need in one place. Services include applied behavior analysis (ABA), and speech therapy and occupational therapy designed to complement ABA services, as well as diagnostic evaluations and social skills groups. ABS operates centers in California, Utah, and North Carolina. ABS is designated as a Top Behavioral Service Provider by the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. For more information: https://alternativebehaviorstrategies.com/

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