A Guide for Prepping for the Holidays

December 17, 2024
April 8, 2025

The holiday season is often filled with hustle and bustle, bringing extra stress, noise, and disruptions to routines. For a child with autism these changes can be particularly overwhelming. The increased sensory input and shifts in daily structure may lead to challenges, making it harder for them to navigate the season's demands. Understanding and preparing for these shifts can help support your child through this busy time.

At Positive Development, we understand that the pre-holiday and holiday season can be especially challenging, and we're here to help. To support you in preparing for upcoming commitments, we want to offer some practical options that may be beneficial to you. Our goal is to help make this busy time more manageable for both you and your child, creating opportunities for a smoother, more enjoyable holiday season, wherever you may be!

Children with autism typically don’t respond well to surprises or sudden changes, so it's important to prepare them in advance by notifying them about upcoming schedule changes and people that may be visiting or that will be present. This helps reduce anxiety and supports a smoother transition into the holiday season. Here are some options to consider before the holidays begin.

• Create a visual schedule that counts down the days until visitors arrive or any holiday commitment.
• If your child will see people they aren’t very familiar with, consider printing out photos of them. You can turn it into a memory game to help prepare your child in the days leading up to a gathering!
• Make sure to reassure your child that these plans are temporary and you’ll be returning home, a familiar and comforting place.

On the day of a holiday, it's important to create a plan that helps your child stay comfortable and regulated. Ensuring they feel secure and supported will make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

• Create a to-do list and schedule that is specific to the day of your holiday plans. For example, if you have plans on Christmas, create a visual that clearly shows items that must be completed. Be sure to have some items suitable for the car ride!

  • 10AM - Get dressed after opening gifts and having hot cocoa!
  • 11AM - In the car - to Grandma's we go!
  • 12PM - Time for Christmas lunch
  • 2PM - Outside time if it's nice 🙂
  • 4PM - Let's go home and watch a Christmas movie with our favorite blankets!

• Ensure there is a quiet space where your child can take breaks. Bring noise-cancelling headphones, especially for larger gatherings or boisterous settings.

• Pack communication supports/modalities for non-speaking children to express their needs and desires. Ensure your child's favorite "comforts" are packed - favorite fidget toy, stress ball, stuffed animal, blanket, etc.

• Review deep breathing exercises or alike in the case your child becomes overstimulated.

We understand that autism is unique to each child, as is the way they regulate, interact with others, and communicate. These suggestions are just a few possibilities— as the options are endless based on the needs of each child 🙂 As always, please remember to be kind to yourself, which is just as important!