6 ASD Tips For The Holidays

Get ready for the festive season! As families plan unique gatherings, it’s crucial to consider preparations, particularly for children with ASD. Here are six tips to help you and your family navigate the holiday season.

TIP 1: Maintain Consistency in Routine

Children with autism often find it challenging when their daily routine faces disruptions. Amidst the holiday hustle of managing household chores and organizing gatherings, creating a task list can be a lifesaver. This list, including chores like tidying up, meal preparation, gift wrapping, etc., can help reduce stress for both you and your child. Set a specific time for discussing the “Tasks of the Day” and provide clear, step-by-step demonstrations to guide your child through each duty.

TIP 2: Connect with Guests in a Comfortable Way

For children with Autism, large gatherings can be overwhelming, particularly if they’re unfamiliar with the attendees. But don’t fret, we’ve got solutions. This month, our highlighted NESS activities offer two engaging crafts aimed at helping your child feel more comfortable when guests arrive.
Check out the NESS Family Book and NESS Family Puppets — fantastic tools to familiarize your child with holiday guests. (You can easily access printouts directly from the NESS Library)