{"id":3817,"date":"2015-12-22T09:30:24","date_gmt":"2015-12-22T14:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/grafton.local\/?p=3817"},"modified":"2015-12-21T13:52:04","modified_gmt":"2015-12-21T18:52:04","slug":"reducing-holiday-stress-for-children-with-autism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafton.org\/reducing-holiday-stress-for-children-with-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing Holiday Stress for Children with Autism"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the holiday season approaches, I can\u2019t help but wonder what this means for the children with autism served at Grafton. Take a moment and think about what we like most about the holidays; the beautiful lights, holiday music playing in every store, special schedules at school or work, a break from the normal routine, shiny new presents and surprises under the tree, the excitement and anticipation for the big day ahead, and socializing and entertaining others.<\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s think about these moments from the perspective of a child with autism.\u00a0 What if you are easily over stimulated by loud noises, flashy lights and new smells?\u00a0 How about a completely different schedule, lots of surprises, meeting new people at strange social gathering that you don\u2019t fully understand the importance of?\u00a0 As a therapist, on a normal day, I would recommend that a child with autism would need to be prepared in advance for any variation in the environment or deviation from the normal routine.\u00a0 If all of these items deviate from the norm, how would we expect for children with autism to respond or feel about the holidays?<\/p>\n

\"Tree\"<\/a><\/p>\n

At Grafton, we develop customized treatment plans, which build on our student\u2019s strengths and structure an environment where individuals can succeed.\u00a0 There are many strategies that we use every day that can be utilized during the holiday season so that everyone is able to enjoy the beauty of the season.\u00a0 For example, using a visual schedule, understanding a first\/then sequence and teaching alternate ways to express the need for a break are some strategies that can be replicated and oftentimes will decrease anxiety and consequently behaviors of concern that may arise when faced with unexpected circumstances and situations.<\/p>\n

If you were to apply these strategies to your child with autism, what would it look like?\u00a0 First, it is important to create a visual schedule outlining all the activities for the holiday, so the child will know what to expect and be prepared for the deviations from the normal schedule.\u00a0 For the activities on that schedule where you feel, your child may have difficulties, set up a reward system with a specific set of goals.\u00a0 Use the first\/then sequence to engage your child in achieving the goals you collaboratively set for the outing, so they are rewarded after successfully completing a challenge that was difficult to them.\u00a0 Ensure your child has an appropriate means to express the need to take a break or escape a challenging situation.\u00a0 Whether that is an icon, a specific word or signal that the child can use to alert you that they need a quiet place, a preferred or comforting activity.<\/p>\n

Here are a few questions to consider so that the holidays more manageable for clients:<\/p>\n