FAQautism

Some families have a tradition of holiday shopping on this day after Thanksgiving. The event can be great fun, or it can involve long lines, crowded stores, and congested parking lots. The hustle and bustle of the scramble to meet deadlines for gifts and bargains is daunting for everyone, but particularly unnerving for individuals with autism.

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Many individuals with autism resist close contact with people and often find it difficult to wait patiently. The twinkling lights, sparkling decorations, and booming holiday music designed to create a holiday mood can be a catalyst for an emotional meltdown for people with autism who have difficulty processing sensory input. What steps can we take to avoid outbursts and to decrease agitation?

1. Timing. Although we can save dollars by making the rounds of holiday sales at peak times, it is probably wise to shop when the stores and parking lots are less packed. Light crowds allow our friends with autism to soak up the sights and sounds of the season without the stress induced by large, bustling crowds.

2. Internet. On-line shopping is a bonus for individuals with autism who are averse to crowded conditions. It also gives us time to leisurely browse through options, allowing us to make wiser choices.

3. Expectations. All of us have seen items on store shelves that we think we simply cannot live without. Individuals with autism can become obsessed with items, making repetitive and annoying requests for the desired toy or game or other item. Walking through the mall can just add more and more items to that “must have” list. We can avoid the excess and keep the peace by selectively shopping on targeted websites.

4. Giving vs Receiving. If we plan in advance, we can help our friend with autism focus on giving to others rather than on receiving a large number of gifts. Encourage them to make a list of family members and friends, assisting if necessary. Then help them make small gifts or shop on-line for some inexpensive, but meaningful gifts for their loved ones and friends. Individuals with autism can also help with gathering gifts for children and families in need.

TIP FOR THE DAY. With careful planning, individuals with autism can enjoy the holiday season by avoiding common traps in our “shop-until-you-drop” culture. Because of the complexity of holiday shopping, individuals with autism will need some assistance in developing a plan to deal with the challenges so their holidays can be filled with joy to the world and peace on earth.

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

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