Living Life To Its Fullest

The holidays with their bright lights, loud noises, and breaks in routine can be a very difficult time for families and children with autism spectrum disorders.  I was happy to come across an online news article about a community effort to make a beloved Christmas tradition easier for these families.  A Morgantown, WV mall paired up with a local children's therapy clinic to provide a "sensitive Santa."  The mall opened early to provide children with autism spectrum disorders the opportunity to meet with Santa in a less stimulating environment. 

See the article here:
http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=90615&emc=lm&m=634062&l=4&v=2098062

Is there hope if you don't have such an event in your area?  Yes!  Frequently,  you can help your child, with a diagnosis on the spectrum or not, prepare for these stimulating experiences (like holidays with the whole family at Grandma's or shopping in a crazed mall) by role playing, verbal preparation, and supportive sensory input. 

1) Write a sensory story.  The story can be simple but prepare your child for what he or she is to expect.  It can start like this, "This is story about me, Abbey.  I am excited and nervous to meet Santa.  I know that I can play with my fidget toys or ask for a big hug from mom if I feel scared..."

2) Talk about the experience ahead of time.  After years of holidays at Grandma's house, you probably know to expect that Uncle Charley is loud and Aunt Judy loves to squeeze your cheeks.  Your child, however, may not prepare him or herself for this.  Talk about what to expect.   Even provide your child with coping tag line, like "sometimes I feel overwhelmed around loud noises," or "I need some time to myself."

3) Role play.  Practice saying the above phrases to siblings.  Even dress up!  The more the child uses the tag lines, the more he or she will be ready to use them when it really counts.

Happy Holidays!