Preparing For The Holidays With Children Wth Autism In Toronto

Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the holidays without any of the stress that goes along with them? The holiday season can be a joyful yet overwhelming time for families, especially those with children with autism Toronto. Changes in routine, sensory overload, and unfamiliar social situations can present challenges. However, with careful planning and sensitivity, you can create a holiday experience that is enjoyable and manageable for your family, your neurodivergent child, and yourself. 

Here are ten essential tips to help you prepare for a holiday break.

1. Create A Safe Space

When you are visiting a new dwelling, try to scope out some peaceful nooks and crannies in advance. Then, at the very start of the festivities, designate a quiet, calm space where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This could be a guest bedroom, a cozy corner of the living room, or even a portable comfort zone with familiar items like fuzzy blankets, headphones, sensory toys, and stuffed animals.

2. Work On Clear Communications

Keep it simple. Use straightforward language and descriptive visual supports to communicate the family’s holiday plans and map out the expectations that will be required of your child. Do a little role-play to help prepare your child for social interactions, gift-giving rituals, and a variety of other sensory experiences they may come across during the visit.

3. Always Be Prepared

Knowing is half the battle. It’s never too early to start preparing your child for holiday events and family gatherings. Arm them with all the information that they will need. The details are important. Discuss plans with your child. Walk them through step-by-step instructions that make use of colourful imagery, such as visual schedules, pictographs, and social stories. Ask and answer questions. This type of debriefing will help explain to your child what to expect. Not to mention, it’s a fun and gentle way to gradually introduce new activities and environments.

4. Maintain A Predictable Routine

There is a certain comfort in knowing what is going to happen next. This goes double for children with autism. Consistency is key. While some bumps in the road and schedule changes are inevitable, learning how to handle the hiccups is a big part of the development we work on at Monarch House. In the here and now, however, holidays can be particularly tumultuous, so try to maintain familiar routines as much as possible. You can help your child anticipate change on the horizon using visual cues and reminders. It’s a process. 

5. Find Sensory-Friendly Activities

Lights too bright, and noises too cacophonous can ruin a child’s outing. Be sure to choose activities that are mindful of your child’s particular sensory needs. Consider quieter or less crowded spaces, making use of noise-canceling headphones, and having a pair of sunglasses if needed. Always be at-the-ready with sensory-friendly toys and activities.

6. Work On Social Skills

Brace your child for pinched cheeks and awkward hugs. Don’t shy away from preparing your child with autism for some of the upcoming social situations they might face with a little role-play.  When they know what the expectations are around hellos, goodbyes, table manners, and taking turns with other kids, they’ll feel more comfortable in their own skin. Walking them through these scenarios in advance can help your child feel more confident and prepared for interactions with relatives and peers during family gatherings.

7. Be Mindful Of Food Sensitivities

It can be a nightmare to get a kid to eat their brussel sprouts at the best of times. Many children with autism have even more particular dietary restrictions and sensitivities. So be patient. Let your hosts know in advance. Explain the situation to them and offer suggestions about ways to incorporate safe, familiar foods in the festivities. You might have to get a little creative (and flexible). If your child abhors turkey, maybe a side of fried chicken is enough to maintain the spirit of the event. Talk it through with the hosts and be open-minded about alternatives to traditional holiday meals. 

8. Establish Clear Expectations And Boundaries

When it comes to children and holiday events, there are going to be a few things they’re not going to want to do. And they’re going to have to do them regardless. Prepare yourself for stubborn reluctance by clearly communicating your expectations and boundaries way in advance. Prepare them for what they might consider unpleasant pleasantries (like hugging everyone in the room) with a little positive reinforcement and a few gentle reminders about the appropriate way to handle these scenarios you’ve gone over. 

9. Involve Them In The Preparations

Try to make the holidays fun. They’re supposed to be! Involve your child in the festive preparations such as decorating, baking, or making gifts. Let them build up some anticipation. Some seasonal music, a few festive cookies and snacks, and suddenly, it’s a party. This playfulness can provide your child with a sense of control and involvement, making the holiday season more meaningful for them.

10. Take Care of Yourself

Make some room for yourself in your plans. The holidays can be stressful for parents too. Take time to recharge and seek support from family members, friends, or support groups. Remember that self-care allows you to better support your child.

The holidays are never an easy time for any of us, but they can be fun with the right mindset and preparation. Navigating the holidays with a child with autism Toronto requires even more flexibility, understanding, and thoughtful planning. By getting your ducks in a row, building a routine, and being mindful of sensory needs, you can create a positive holiday experience for your child and make things easier for the entire family. When you are well equipped, you can fully embrace what makes your child special and celebrate the season in a way that is more relaxed and joyous. With compassion, patience (and a little levity) you can make lasting holiday memories that everyone can cherish.