Winter Wonderland
Winter days can be challenging for people with autism for two reasons. First, research indicates that shorter daylight hours and less exposure to sunlight can impact emotional well-being, so challenging behavior issues can be more likely to bubble to the surface during winter months. Secondly, winter weather delays and cancellations disrupt daily routines. Because most individuals with autism thrive on routine, some of our friends can be rather intolerant and agitated when school cancellations or other unexpected schedule changes disrupt their familiar routine. In today’s podcast, we will look at some winter activities that can help soothe frayed nerves and distract attention away from the negative aspects of winter.
or
continue reading
1. WEATHER STATION. If your friend is one of the many individuals with autism who enjoy numbers, help them learn to measure precipitation and temperatures and wind speeds. Use actual measurement devices at your home, or check on a weather website such as weather.com. Compile a notebook or a computer folder with charts for recording the statistics on an hourly or daily basis. The sophistication of the data collection and recording devices can be customized to match the sophistication and interests of your friend with autism.
2. LET IT SNOW. The intricate patterns of paper snowflakes often intrigue individuals with autism. Provide only as much supervision as is necessary to help your friend design, cut, and unfold their own snowflakes, using white and/or colored papers. Put the snowflakes in zip-lock bags so individuals who tend to tear or chew paper can enjoy holding and looking at their personalized creations.
3. GET OUTSIDE. If you live in a climate that allows for winter activities, bundle everyone up and enjoy some outdoor fun. Make snow angels, snow men, and snow balls. Enjoy sledding, ice skating, skiing, or just tromping through the snow. Outdoor activities add laughter, exercise, exposure to light, and stamina, all of which impact the physical and emotional well-being of all involved.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- Busting Winter Gloomies Many of us are prone to slugishness...
- Winter Blues I just heard a weather report forecasting...
- Chasing Winter Blues The winter mixture of short days, inclement...
- Dog Days “Because my daughter is echolalic, she has...
- Cooling Down The hot days of summer have arrived...