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The holidays are all about being with family and enjoying the festivities and personal traditions. These
"unusual days"
can be jarring and thus very difficult for a child with Autism. This does not mean the holidays
cannot be enjoyed by your family... It
just means that as a parent you will have to take some precautions. Here are some tips for
celebrating the holidays with your Autistic child.
1. Plan visits with family and friends for short time periods. By planning short visits,
your child is less likely to get over tired, or overwhelmed. Keep the visitors to a few at a time.
2. Do not force your child to participate in activities they do not like. If you are having a family
dinner and your Autistic child does not want to sit at the table with a lot of people, don't make a big
deal about it.
Let them sit where they are comfortable.
3. Keep to your child's normal schedule as much as possible. If bed time is at eight in the evening,
stick to it. Explain to visitors that your child's needs come first, and they need their sleep. Taking a
sleepy child somewhere, will be asking for trouble.
If there is something that requires them staying up
later in the evening, try to get in a nap in the afternoon. This will help the child enjoy the
activity later in the day along with everyne else.
4. Spread holiday activities out over a few days. This helps to keep your child from becoming
too overwhelmed. There is no rule stating that you have to visit all the family in one day. They
would much rather see your child in a happy mood than in the midst of a meltdown.
5. Leave your child home while Christmas shopping. If your Autistic child does not like crowds,
do not take them Christmas shopping. Leave them home with your spouse, or other responsible care giver.
It is hard enough to deal with the crowded stores alone. It could be miserable bringing an unhappy
child along with you. That does not mean you need to leave him or her out of the gift shopping experience
Completely. Try a special shopping trip during the middle of the week or a few weeks before the
Christmas frenzy and see how that works out.
6. Consider opening a few presents at a time. Opening Christmas presents is very exciting to a child.
To a Autistic child, the excitement can become overwhelming. An autistic child often has issues with
over stimulation. By opening a few presents at a time, the child can appreciate the moment without being
overwhelmed, and can
enjoy their gifts.
7. If you have your child on a special diet, make sure friends and family know this. You do not want other
people feeding your child things that could ruin the progress you have made. Some people might not
agree with your choices about your child's diet. Be strong and stick to your beliefs. If you need to,
bring your child's own meal with you.
8. Remember the reason for the holidays. They are meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Enjoy
the holiday with your Autistic child. Be thankful for all you have in your life. Step back, relax and play whenever you
get the chance. Autisitic or not, children absorb what to do from their parents...
9. Reward your child for their good behavior while visiting others. This will help with unwanted
behaviors. The child will know they can earn a prize, so they will work harder on behaving.
10. Again, relax. If your child senses stress or anxiety from you, they will become uneasy.
The holidays with an Autistic child can be a wonderful time, with a little extra planning. Forget about
the daily problems and struggles you have. Remember all the good things you have. Most of all enjoy
the holidays with your Autistic child.
The NEW AUTISM Miracle Breakthrough - If you are intent on changing your child's life,
there is new research out for people with Autism that has helped dozens of children reverse the effects
of their condition.
To learn more about this AUTISM BREAKTHROGH, click here.
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About the Author: Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including:
Sherlock Holmes Pastiches,
The Chocolate Shop,
In the Trade - Stocks and Bonds,
Adoptions, and
Taste of the Grape - Wine.
News about Celebrating Holidays With Autistic Child
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