Celebrating Christmas with autism can be a challenge, but with the right guidance and support, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Check out our tips and ideas to make the most of your Christmas celebration with autism in mind.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for everyone, but for families with autistic children, it can come with a unique set of challenges. How can parents create a safe and welcoming environment for their autistic children to have a successful and enjoyable holiday celebration?
In this article, we will discuss the importance of awareness and acceptance of autism, ways to create a safe space for autistic children, tips for celebrating Christmas with an autistic child, and adaptable Christmas activities that are autism-friendly. Let’s get started!
Relating Autistic Children
Christmas is an exciting time of year for most families. However, celebrating Christmas with autistic children can present unique challenges. It is important to understand the needs of children with autism to make the holiday season more enjoyable while respecting the boundaries they may have.
First and foremost, autistic children often require consistency and routine. This means that decorations, gifts, and activities during the holiday season should be well planned for and prepared months in advance.
Prepare for potential changes and disruptions that could occur during the holidays, as well as provide consistency in the day-to-day. For example, ensure the same caregiver is present for each activity. Other strategies that can help are setting boundaries on noise, activity, and socialization, to reduce possible triggers.
Christmas decorations can also cause sensory overload for autistic children. Consider making a sensory-friendly environment, such as setting aside a calm area with low lighting, soft music, and minimal decorations.
If possible, include sensory activities in the environment, such as setting up a tent or calming ocean sounds. This can help autistic children feel more comfortable during the holiday season.
Finally, it is important to recognize that Christmas can be a stressful time of year for autistic children and their families. It is important to take breaks when needed and make sure everyone is getting enough rest. If possible, consider seeking out support from family or friends to help ease the burden. With the right preparation and understanding, Christmas can be a fun and enjoyable time for everyone.
Creating a Safe Space
Christmas can be a joyous time for many families, but for those with children on the autism spectrum, it can be particularly daunting. Celebrating the holiday season with autism can often bring fear and worry. To ensure a safe and stress-free holiday season, parents of children with autism should take extra precautions to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
One of the best ways to create a safe space is to plan ahead. Decide on a plan of action that will be comfortable for your child and family. This may involve actually writing out a schedule of activities and discussing how you will handle different scenarios if they arise.
This includes talking about how to approach potential triggers like loud music, crowded spaces, and certain foods. Make sure to have a “Plan B” in case things don’t go as planned.
Another key to creating a safe space is to involve your child in the planning process. It’s important to make them part of the conversation and include them in conversations about holiday plans. This will help them become more comfortable with the idea of celebrating the holidays and give them a sense of control over their environment.
Finally, it’s important to be flexible and understanding. While having a plan is important, it’s also important to remember that plans can change in an instant. If something doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to change your plans and come up with something else. Allow yourself to be flexible and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
Read also: Help Your Child Overcome the Challenges of Down Syndrome
Tips for Celebrating Christmas with an Autistic Child
Christmas can be an exciting, magical time of year, but it can also be a daunting time when living with an autistic child. With all the festivities, decorations, and new activities, it can be difficult to ensure your autistic child is comfortable and safe during the holiday season. With a few basic tips, however, you can help ensure your autistic child’s holiday is filled with joy and excitement.
The first tip is to plan ahead. Determine what activities and festivities you will take part in and plan accordingly. Consider your autistic child’s individual needs when making decisions and plan how to prepare them for any special activities you have scheduled. It is also a good idea to give your child plenty of warning ahead of any big changes or events, so they can be as prepared as possible for the upcoming events.
Another important tip is to maintain structure. Autism is a disorder that often thrives on structure and routine, so it’s important to stick to a structured routine during the holiday season. On Christmas Day, make sure the same structure is still in place and establish a safe space for your child to relax if necessary.
Finally, it’s important to remember that Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. Don’t let the stress of the season overshadow the importance of spending quality time with your family and creating special memories. Take time to enjoy the festivities and embrace the holiday spirit.
Read also: 5 Strategies to Make Christmas Magical For Autistic Children
1. Be Flexible
For parents of children with autism, celebrating Christmas can be both a joy and a challenge. Although children with autism may have a difficult time following traditional holiday customs, parents can still make the season a memorable experience. To do this, it’s important to be flexible and keep the focus on the fun and joy of the holiday.
For starters, plan ahead by mapping out a routine that works with your child’s individual needs and abilities. This can include helping them adjust to any new items or changes, such as a new holiday toy or decorations. It can also mean taking breaks as needed and ensuring they have a safe and comfortable space they can retreat to if they need time alone.
When it comes to decorations and activities, look for unique decorations and activities that are both festive and fun for your child. Bright and glittery lights, shimmery colors, and interesting textures can make for an interesting and stimulating ambiance. And for activities, look for activities that are engaging and familiar such as holiday movie night or baking cookies.
Finally, remember that the holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect. As long as your child is safe, happy, and enjoying time with family, it will be a successful one.
2. Prioritize Routines
When celebrating Christmas with autism, it is essential to prioritize routines and make sure to leave room for flexibility. Being aware of the sensory and social triggers can help families plan their Christmas season accordingly.
It is important to keep a consistent routine and structure as Christmas approaches. Autistic individuals often struggle with change and unfamiliar situations, which makes a regular schedule all the more important. Being consistent with the time that they wake up, the food they eat, and the activities they do can help to provide stability and comfort.
It is also important to make sure that there is enough time for decompressing and taking breaks from activities, such as quiet time and moments away from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations.
Families should also plan for moments of flexibility. If a situation becomes overwhelming or too stimulating, having a safe space for a break can be beneficial. Using strategies such as providing visuals when introducing new activities can help to prepare children for a change in routine.
Adapting activities to the individual needs of the autistic person can also help in making the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, communication and understanding can help to ensure that everyone is comfortable during the holidays.
3. Include Autistic Children in the Planning
Christmas is an important time for family and friends, and making sure that autistic children can be included in the festivities is essential. Planning for the holiday season should involve autistic children from the start of the event to the end. It is important to consider their needs and preferences when making decisions about decorations, activities, and food.
When planning for Christmas, it is important to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere. This may include removing any busy decorations or music that could be overstimulating for autistic children.
Activities should be planned in advance and it is important to remember that autistic children may have difficulty with social interaction. Therefore, activities should be limited in time and not overly demanding. It also helps to let autistic children know what is expected of them during the event.
It is also important to support autistic children in developing communication skills. For example, setting aside a quiet area where they can talk and express their feelings can be very beneficial. Celebrations can also provide teaching opportunities, such as basic manners and simple conversations.
Food is another important part of celebrating Christmas, and it is important to remember that autistic children may have specific dietary needs or preferences. It is important to include them in the discussion about food and provide them with food that they can enjoy.
Overall, Christmas can be a great time to celebrate with family and friends, and it is important to remember to include autistic children. By following these simple tips, everyone can have a happy and memorable holiday season.
4. Communicate Expectations and Rules Ahead of Time
For families with children on the autism spectrum, planning ahead is an essential part of making sure that Christmas celebrations are enjoyable for all.
Before the festivities begin, it’s important to communicate expectations and rules to your child with autism. This is especially important for children with autism who might have trouble understanding social cues and expectations.
Start by setting clear boundaries and explaining what activities are expected from your child on Christmas day. You should explain the different activities you plan to do and talk about expectations for taking part in the celebration.
For example, it’s important to discuss the need for children to respect the property and maintain appropriate behavior throughout the day. It is also helpful to explain that certain activities are not allowed, such as running around the house, throwing gifts, or playing with toys in a way that could damage them.
Creating expectations and rules ahead of time will help make it easier for children on the autism spectrum to understand and follow the rules while participating in Christmas celebrations. After establishing expectations, it is important to talk about the consequences of violating the expectations, such as losing privileges or having to take a break.
Finally, it is important to provide positive reinforcement when your child follows the expectations and rules. This could be in the form of verbal praise or a reward such as extra screen time. With these tips, you can ensure that Christmas is an enjoyable and stress-free celebration for everyone.
5. Be Prepared for Extra Stimulation
Christmas can be a stressful time for families struggling with autism, due to the added sensory stimulation that comes with it. All of the sights smells, and sounds associated with the holidays can be overwhelming for those on the spectrum. Therefore, it is important for families to be prepared for the extra stimulation that comes with Christmas.
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, families should be aware of any potential triggers that could be difficult for their loved ones and adjust accordingly. Christmas lights can be especially difficult, as they can be too bright, too colorful, and too distracting. It is important to find a balance between ensuring there is enough Christmas atmosphere and ensuring your loved one is not overwhelmed.
When it comes to holiday gatherings with friends and family, it is important to seek the input of your loved one in advance. Knowing who they are comfortable being around and how much time they want to spend with others can help you plan a gathering that works best for everyone’s needs. It is also important to allow your loved one to have their own space if they feel overwhelmed or need a break.
Finally, it is important to find ways to keep your loved one entertained during the holidays. Consider activities like baking cookies, making crafts, playing board games, or even going on a winter walk. These activities can help create a sense of holiday cheer without overwhelming your loved one.
Christmas Activities for Autistic Children
One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their autistic child is the ability to enjoy Christmas without any added stress or anxiety. For many individuals on the autism spectrum, the holiday season can be a time of overwhelm. Here are a few ideas to make the celebrations easier while still creating memories they can cherish.
The most important factor when planning activities for autistic children is to create an atmosphere that is calming and familiar. Setting up the decorations and activities ahead of time can help reduce their anxiety and establish a sense of safety. Keeping the decorations simple, such as classic holiday colors and symbols, can help provide consistency and familiarity for the child.
One fun activity for autistic children is decorating a Christmas tree together. Pick out a small tree that is easy to manage, and have fun decorating it with the child. Let them choose the ornaments, lights, and decorations that will go on the tree. During the holiday season, have them enjoy the tree by lighting it up and taking the time to admire it.
Creating a sensory-friendly space for the child can also be very beneficial. This could include setting up a quiet corner that is filled with calming items such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. The child can retreat to this space if they become overwhelmed or anxious.
Having a plan in place for the holiday season can help make it more enjoyable for everyone. Taking the time to talk to the child and ask them what they enjoy can help create a festive atmosphere that they can look forward to.
1. Arts and Crafts
The Christmas season can be a special time for families with members on the autism spectrum. Celebrating the holidays gives family members a chance to further bond and create lasting memories, but it can also be a challenge.
The extra hustle and bustle of the season can make it difficult for those with autism to navigate and feel comfortable. But even though it might be more of a challenge to find ways to celebrate the holiday season with special needs family members, it is more than possible! One of the best ways to do so is through arts and crafts.
With a little bit of creativity, crafting can be an excellent way to enjoy Christmas while also helping those with autism to better manage the sensory overload of the holidays. Not only can it bring the family together, but arts and crafts are also a great way to help those with autism develop their fine motor skills and build a sense of independence. From creating personalized Christmas cards to crafting festive decorations, the possibilities are endless.
One great idea is to make a Christmas tree out of recycled materials. This activity is a great way to keep family members busy while also helping to reduce waste. It’s also a great way to practice counting and sorting skills, which can be beneficial for those with autism. If you’re looking for a fun and accessible way to celebrate the holidays with special needs family members, arts and crafts are a great place to start.
Read also: The 5 Best Christmas Gifts For Kids With Autism
2. Sensory Play
Sensory play is an important part of celebrating Christmas with those with autism. Christmas is already filled with lots of lights, sounds, and smells, which can be overwhelming for those with autism. To make Christmas more enjoyable, parents and caregivers should think of ways to incorporate sensory play activities.
For visual stimulation, create a Christmas tree out of colorful construction paper. Cut the paper into different shapes and sizes and use tape to attach them to the wall.
Put a string of colored lights on the tree and watch as your loved one takes in the bright colors and lights. You can also hang materials from the tree, such as twinkle stars, ornaments, or even small pieces of folded fabric. Tease the senses further by adding scented oils such as peppermint to the ornaments.
For auditory stimulation, provide fun Christmas carols for your loved one to listen to and sing along with. You can also get creative with percussion instruments like drums, tambourines, and maracas or have a dance party with Christmas music.
Finally, add tactile stimulation with a variety of materials. Gather items like sand, jingle bells, pompoms, foam letters, or foam shapes for your loved one to handle and explore. Allow them to explore the different textures, smells, and sounds and have a blast in the process.
3. Christmas Puzzles and Games
Christmas is a magical time of year, and for those on the autism spectrum, it can be even more special. Finding the right activities to celebrate the season can be a challenge, but Christmas puzzles and games can offer a unique way to participate in the festivities. From jigsaw puzzles featuring favorite Christmas characters to memory and matching games, these activities can provide hours of fun for all ages.
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to build focus and concentration. Kids on the autism spectrum can enjoy putting together a festive Christmas-themed puzzle, whether it’s of Santa Claus, a wintery scene, or a favorite character from a holiday movie. Puzzles offer the perfect opportunity for the whole family to work together and celebrate the season.
Memory and matching games are another great way to get kids on the autism spectrum engaged with Christmas. There are a number of Christmas-themed games on the market, from matching Santa, elves, and snowmen to matching Christmas trees and ornaments. These games can also be used to help kids learn about the different symbols of the season, like reindeer, presents, and stockings. Playing these games can help to create a lasting holiday memory for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of another year, it is a time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what lies ahead. For families with autism, Christmas can be a time of great joy but also a great challenge. With a little planning and understanding, however, it can be a time to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
So whatever your plans are for this holiday season, take a moment to think about how you can make it special for your loved ones with autism. And from all of us at The National Autistic Society, we wish you a very merry Christmas.
