Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders
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he holiday season is a joyful time of the year, but it also can be stressful for kids with autism spectrum disor- ders (ASD). Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress. Members of the Autism Parent Advi- sory Board at Children’s Hospital Los An- geles, a member of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, partnered with Kathryn Smith, RN, DrPH, nurse care manager in the Boone Fetter Clinic to pro- vide tips every parent and caregiver can use during the holiday season. Creating a visual story (a series of pictures or draw- ings) before each holiday can help your child prepare for the day’s activities - see one example here. The following are some ideas to help you and your child enjoy the holidays this year and every year.
T
Before a Holiday Event • Practice sitting at the table with the plates, lighting and music before the holiday gathering.
• Draw pictures about the holiday to help your child prepare for the events.
• Eat holiday foods in advance to deter- mine what your child does or does not like. Help them become more comfort- able with the food selection.
• Reflect on your holiday traditions and your child’s sensory and behavioral pro- file and how your child will interact with these traditions.
• Prepare for the family environment. Will you be at grandma’s house? An- other family member's? Consider prepar- ing an area for your child to play, or a space for your child to decompress if they become overwhelmed by the sensory stimulation. Encourage other children or adults to join your child.
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• Prepare an activity for your child, if you know they have an aversion to a holiday tradition, like watch- ing football on Thanksgiving Day. Your child may not like loud noises, so take your child out- side to play or have the children play games in another room.
• Talk to your occupational therapist for recommendations on how to prepare your child to handle the noise of the holiday season.
• Take your child to a small holiday-
themed store so they can look at lights prior to setting up a Christmas tree. Here are some things to think about:
> Are they attracted to the lights?
> Do they have an aversion to the lights? If so, do not use lights and add ribbons, paper chains and other festive touches.
Holiday Tips
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