Make the Most of your Holiday Season!
The joyous holidays that surround us throughout the last 2 months of the year like Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and all others can be a bit of a sensory overload for individuals on the autism spectrum. Well not to fret, here are a few tips to help you enjoy this season with ease.
How to make shopping for gifts a breeze?
We all know how chaotic our malls and stores can be especially during the day before Christmas! The over stimulation of lights and holiday smells might just be a little too much for your little one. Because of this sensory overload, we suggest that if you are going to take your child on a last minute gift run, that you allow them enough time to gradually adapt to the intense holiday stimuli that stores exhibit this time of year.
Encourage your child to not open gifts early
Any child will tell you that the anticipation of opening their Christmas gifts is one that tears them to pieces. For this reason, it is important that when you put your gifts under the tree, it’s highly recommended for the parent/guardian to explain to their child that they are to be opened at a later time. To minimize this temptation along with the possibility of your child unwrapping their gifts early, help encourage them to wait just a few more days!
Sharing is Caring
When it comes to the holidays, family gatherings and toys, it is always best to prepare your child to share their new gift(s) with other guests at any holiday event. If sharing isn’t a characteristic that your child is fond of, it might be necessary for you to consider providing them a quiet space to play with their own gifts.