The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, full of family traditions and seasonal favorites. The holidays can also be overwhelming, especially for children with autism and their families.
This year, with the added consideration of COVID-19, there are different challenges to consider, but with a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can create a holiday experience that your entire family can enjoy.
Take time to prepare your kiddo for the holidays and new experiences you have planned. Reading books and watching videos about the holidays are fun ways to get into the holiday spirit. If you are planning to travel or gather with family and friends, the following are a few tools I have found helpful with my kids:
Keeping plans simple and managing expectations are essential in enjoying the holidays with my kids. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. In order for me to model the behavior I want to see in my kids & stay calm, I’ve learned to keep things simple. ere are a few other tips I find helpful during the holidays:
Creating a game-plan in advance is a great way to reduce stress for you and your family. Take some time to identify what your family needs to enjoy a successful holiday experience and be sure to ask for help. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful in planning for the holidays:
The holidays are a time to be with friends and family, express love and gratitude, and celebrate! Take this time to enjoy your family favorites like listening to music; cooking a special meal (or ordering takeout); or taking a quiet walk together. Take it easy- keep it simple & enjoy your beautiful family!
Incase, if you feel any need to visit us, we are available at many locations across the states like Beaverton, Duluth, Nashville and many more.
In the beginning, Jake's challenging behaviors were frequent and intense. His parents struggled to understand how to help him. However, with structured ABA therapy sessions at Early Autism Services, he gradually learned to use picture cards to communicate, reducing his frustration.
For children who are hypersensitive to certain sensory inputs, ABA therapy uses gradual exposure techniques to promote tolerance towards the stimuli and independence in teaching self-regulation techniques.
For example, if a child is sensitive to loud sounds, a therapist may introduce background noise and gradually increase volume over time while teaching coping strategies that potentially lessen the sensory barriers.
The key to successful autism therapy services lies in a consistent, collaborative approach between caregivers and therapists. Caregiver training allows caregivers to learn how to implement ABA interventions effectively in real-life situations. It ensures that children are consistently supported in developing behaviors that help them navigate everyday life.