Humbug Holidays
Although some people really thrive on all the excitement of the holidays, others are not so filled with holiday cheer. The ups and downs of the season can be challenging for everyone, but particularly for individuals with autism.
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The holidays tend to be times of either feast or famine – either long periods of boredom while waiting for things to happen, or festivities filled with excessive people, noise, lights, and excitement, stretching the patience of people with sensory sensitivities. Being aware of seasonal strains helps us make holiday plans that will increase joy for all. Let’s look at some of the stressful situations that arise during the holiday season.
FREE TIME. Major changes in daily routine at school and home, including extended periods of unstructured free time during holiday or vacation time. These changes can be difficult for people of all ages who are diagnosed with autism.
UNEXPECTED EVENTS. Holiday celebrations are filled with unexpected events, often spontaneous. We might just suddenly announce a ride in the car to see holiday lights. It works better for most folks with autism if they can anticipate what is happening in a day.
SENSORY INPUT. Some individuals with autism are simply not able to process or tolerate the myriad of sensory input – holiday lights, seasonal sounds, the smell of new foods, tree decorations, pretty packages, and lots of people.
Check in tomorrow’s podcast – Happy Holidays – for more challenges encountered by individuals with autism during the holiday season.
Note to FAQautism.com listeners and readers: 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. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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