Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common issue in children nowadays. 1 in 8 children is diagnosed with autism, regardless of race and class. People with autism often lack the social skills to make friends or act normally in social situations. Children with autism can't interpret nonverbal cues such as verbal tones, facial expressions, and body language. Luckily, many treatment plans can be applied to ease autism symptoms and help children grow into high-functioning adults.
Furthermore, autism impacts an individual's ability to function normally. What does this mean? It means that activities and holidays are challenging to perform. Children with autism are often sensory sensitive, and they struggle with touch, smell, certain textures, or lights. For example, going to the mall might not be the best decision because it's crowded. This sensitivity makes holidays a huge hassle.
For many children, being away from school for the holidays can be an overwhelming experience. While a vacation is a breath of fresh air, a change in routine can be disruptive for people with autism. Christmas, for example, means your extended family comes over, and you are "forced" to infiltrate them into your autistic child's life. This disrupts their routine and might trigger meltdowns. Your family members are probably unfamiliar with autistic behavior and might "smother" the child with unwanted attention and touches. In addition, all the lights, carols, and brightly colored gifts can be somewhat overwhelming.
Christmas or any other holiday doesn't have to be a hassle to do. Your child can enjoy holidays like any other child, but you need to take several steps to make it happen. You need to be aware of your child's preferences and triggers. It's not that hard to do because we have prepared solutions and strategies for making holidays more enjoyable for everyone. With patience, love, and care, you'll be able to turn what seems to be a "disaster" into long-lasting memories that your child will cherish forever.
READ: Halloween Tips for Children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
