How to Make Your Home More Autism Friendly for the Holidays [ARTICLE]
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Its that wonderful, busy, stressful time of year: the holiday season.
For many of us, the excitement and joy of the holidays may feel like the most wonderful time of the year, but for individuals with autism who struggle with change, sensory sensitivities, and social situations, the holiday season feels anything but wonderful. Individuals with autism can feel overwhelmed, anxious and withdrawn. So, how can you help someone you love with autism make the holiday season a little more friendly?
Try a few of these suggestions:
1. Decorations.
Holiday decorations are a big part of the holiday season for many families, but for individuals with autism who often crave routine and sameness, moving the chair in the corner to make room for the Christmas tree may be very upsetting. Include the family member with autism in the decorating process by giving them a little control over where the decorations go.
2. Food.
Food often takes center stage during the holiday season, however, for people with autism who may have a limited diet, those holiday meals can be overwhelming. Make sure to include one thing the person with autism enjoys so they can feel part of the celebration.
3. Smells.
If you love the smell of pine candles and the cozy feeling a basket of cinnamon scented pinecones gives to your family room, keep in mind the sensory sensitivities of many individuals with autism and resist the temptation to fill your room with all those holiday scents.
4. Gifts.
For many people, the holiday season includes gift giving. Give family and friends some sensory friendly gift suggestions for your loved one with autism and if opening gifts and not knowing what is inside makes an individual with autism anxious, have them open their gifts in a quieter area on their terms and in their time.
5. Traditions.
If any of your family holiday traditions overwhelm an individual with autism, ask family and friends if some of those traditions can
be changed and if they are resistant, maybe its time to start your own family traditions.
The best part of the holiday season is spending time with those we love. Making sure all members of our family can feel this love is the best gift you can give this season.
@Heather225
I think this article is so important.
People see the holidays as a time where everyone is excited and no-one considers the effect of things that are meant to bring happiness and joy to others. Its especially important to consider that most who have a diagnosis of Autism also have sensory needs too and so all of the lights and music can cause an extreme sensory overload.
Of course, the holidays are an important time, especially for spending time with family, but its always important to remember that those of us with Autism dont always like to be surrounded by people, especially in places we arent particularly sure about. If anyone wants to host a family get together, it is much better to do it in a place where the individual with autism has a safe space to retreat to such as their bedroom or a quiet room so they can have time to process things that are going on.
I love this article, i think it would make people think about things which they wouldnt normally consider.
Thanks for sharing it 