5 steps event for Christmas

 

Christmas can be such a wonderful time of the year, but for some of us it can be full of anxiety, stress and uncertainty. The lack of routine and the uncertainty of it can really unsettle a child with ASD.Brad love Christmas. He is so excited for Christmas. Christmas happen  to be one of his favor Holiday. he cannot wait for the morning of Christmas to open his presents. It was all too overwhelming for him. Over the years I have learnt how to reduce this stress for Brad and for our family. Below I have put my  top tips to surviving an Autistic Christmas. 

1. Simplify 
Christmas is a time full of over stimulation. Lights, tinsel, music, more people coming and going and a lack of routine. 
Try to keep the Christmas decoration simple, choose low warm white lights on your tree instead of the colourful ones or ones that flash. 

2 Guests 
Only invite people that you know are going to help around the house and who are not going to get offended easily . You want people who are going to help you get dinner ready and who will help tidy up. Perhaps pre warn your guests that your child might not give the reaction they are hoping for when giving them a gift. Brad like to tell people exactly what he thinks of the present he receives . Sometimes he will just say “yes ok” and other times he will say “I don't like that” and storm off. 
3 Presents
Try and avoid surprises of any kind. Most children with ASD hate surprises and this is no different when it comes to presents. If your child is going to spend the build up to Christmas worrying about what they will get, then you are better off telling them what they are going to be getting. Mummy always has a direct line to Santa.
4 Time Out
Create a safe space where you are spending Christmas. If you are home make sure that your Child’s room is out of bounds for anyone other than them. This is their safe space where they can retreat too. If your going to family or friends make sure you ask ahead if there is a room or a quiet spot where you can set your child up his /her safe space. Keep their ear defenders and some toys or iPads in there so that they can check out for a little bit. Even better If you have a pop up tent take it with you as it will be a space that your child is comfortable with. 
5 Go With The Flow
Don’t make any plans to go out with friends or family. If your child is having a bad day, you don’t need the added pressure of feeling like you are letting anyone down. See how everyone is feeling on the day and if they are feeling good, you can then make some plans to go out. If family want to see you then tell them to come to you, its going to be a lot better if your child is in an environment they feel most comfortable in. Get them to bring food and snacks and help out.