Autism Society: Prepare now for peaceful holidays

This can be a busy, hard time of year for anybody. But the Autism Society of North Carolina says it can be particularly challenging for those with autism and the families and friends who love them.

Posted 1:59 a.m. Dec 18, 2013 — Updated 1:59 a.m. Dec 18, 2013

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

This can be a busy, hard time of year for anybody. But the Autism Society of North Carolina says it can be particularly challenging for those with autism and the families and friends who love them.

"The changes in routine, chaos of lights and sound, and social obligations can make life anything but joyful," says a post on the nonprofit's website.

The society shared some tips aimed at making everyone's holidays a little more peaceful. Many are great tips even for families who don't include somebody with autism.

Mark holiday events on a calendar or use a paper chain to indicate the number of days to an event. (Keep in mind that too much notice causes anxiety for some folks.)
Use a visual schedule to sequence events.
Provide a way to indicate a change in schedule.
Consider using a timer (or tangible number of objects) to indicate the end of an event.
Write a social story to share the details of an upcoming event.
If visiting a new place or people, consider sharing photos of these places and people prior to the event.
Keep routines as typical as possible.
Designate a “quiet space” in advance. Share with the child where they can go when it is time for a scheduled break and/or when they feel they need a break.
Plan some sensory activities/calming activities during the day.
Have a “bag of tricks” ready at all times.
Share with family members the special interests of the child prior to your visit
Think sensory and adjust accordingly! Typical holiday sights, sounds, smells and experiences may trouble some.

Sights: Blinking lights, multicolored lights, crowds of people, people wanting eye contact, furniture in a different location, and decorations

Sounds: Loud sounds, multiple people talking at once, bells ringing, musical toys and ornaments, unexpected noises, music, and caroling

Tastes: May be picky eaters, may not appreciate new holiday foods, may not know when they are hungry or full

Smells: Holiday aromas such as pine and cinnamon, baked goods, and foods

Touch: Hugs, kisses, people crowded into small spaces, the texture of certain clothing, and sitting with Santa

The society encourages parents (and this is a great reminder for all of us) to be realistic. If a child usually sits at the dinner table for just five minutes to eat, it's unrealistic to expect her to sit for 10 to 60 minutes for a holiday meal, the nonprofit writes. And if a child avoids hugging people, it's unlikely they'll want hugs from family members. And kids with autism might not be able to express gratitude for gifts as others expect, the group says.

"Help others [and] be realistic by sharing your suggestions on what they can do to make the visit easier," the group writes. Easy ideas: put way breakable objects; keep lights and music on low settings; and put foods your child can't eat out of sight.

If your family needs support, the Autism Society provides all kinds of resources. Click here to find the nearest Autism Resource Specialist. Click here to learn more about chapters and support groups.

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