Holiday Tips for Individuals with Autism

Holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Here are a few tips that can help ease the anxiety for individuals with autism (ASD) and their families

• Bring quiet sensory toys or activities for the individual to use.
• Arrive early at gatherings, allowing the person with ASD to get used to a growing number of people.
• Inquire about a quiet location that a person with ASD can be relocated to if they become distressed.
• Use social stories to prepare for parties or religious services.
• Reward individuals with ASD often, using words of praise or tangibles (food, toys, etc.).
• Bring someone with you for extra support while shopping or attending events.
• Allow the person with ASD to wear earplugs or listen to music.
• If attending a religious service, inquire about how the other people attending the event can support the family.
• Be aware of anxiety and offer breaks as needed.
• Practice unwrapping gifts or give gifts unwrapped to alleviate stress.
• Difficulty with change? Consider gradually decorating the house.
• Prepare the individual in advance for visitors, like a photo album to review.