Holidays ...

4/12/2020

Autism from a mama who has been there. I am hoping to post every day this month. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Holidays:

Any disruption in the schedule and routine can be distressing to your autistic child. Yet the opportunities to experience family traditions, share in bonding moments and make memories have to be weighed against the confusion caused by change. Advance preparation can open up more of the world for your child.

Whether you use a calendar, paper chain, or a chart, let your child know that a holiday is approaching. Count down with your family. Talk about, and possibly show pictures of, the prior year’s holiday. Discuss what can be expected, what activities are going to happen, and with whom. Surprises can be fun for most but, not your autistic child. Enlist the aid of other family members. They can speak about what they enjoyed in previous years and how much they are looking forward to this upcoming celebration. Remind them to keep expectations realistic.

Happy Easter and I hope you don’t have any unpleasant surprises.

Celebrate the small stuff. Be flexible. Laugh.

13 Comments

Kathy Evans

4/15/2020 09:14:49 pm

I bet you did a lot of learning through experience. I mean, from what I hear of autism, there are varying degrees of severity and symptoms or "triggers" for each individual.

Kaylynn Johnsen

4/16/2020 10:29:05 am

It was all through experience. You are so right. Each individual is different. When I was working in the Early Intervention Pre-School I had to recognize the different triggers for each of our special needs students. Maybe I should add an addendum to the family motto: Ever Vigilant.

Johnathan

4/15/2020 09:28:18 pm

These comments and stories are pure gold. Working with children that are experiencing their life with autism, once you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve just met one child with autism...so unique in their individual paths. The spectrum is great and our opportunity to learn from these wonderful and beautiful individuals is great. I am so happy to see you writing and sharing your thoughts and experiences. The holidays especially can be overwhelming for many of us but helping to guide someone with autism through this and experience those family traditions is so important. Thank you Kaylynn for taking the time.

4/16/2020 10:31:31 am

I really appreciate your stamp of approval. You are the Master of Christmas. Thank you for reading and for your input.

Donna Johnson

4/17/2020 06:16:56 pm

That’s perfect : “once you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve just met one child with autism.” The range of capabilities and the range of challenges is intense. And each one is distinct with their own personalities and needs. There is no way to read a book and “master” dealing with a child with autism.

Eva Wong Nava link

4/16/2020 12:09:09 am

Keeping routines is very important for most neurotypical folks but all the more important for those on the spectrum Thanks for this post. If you're caring for someone on the higher end of the spectrum who can understand verbal cues and communication, this period when all of us have had our routines disrupted, is a good time for bonding and communication--let them know that you're there for them and that you udnerstand cos you're experiencing it too first hand. :) Thanks, Kaylynn, for always trying to find answers and meaning to what we all do. Much love.

4/16/2020 10:37:27 am

I greatly appreciate the way you've taken this post of holiday experiences and worked it as a benefit for these uncertain days. It is so true, communication is key.

Sandra

4/16/2020 01:52:47 pm

What a great reminder to keep expectations realistic at these times of the year - not just every day!

4/17/2020 04:46:12 pm

I remember when we went to the Petrified Forest. My son was so upset that there weren't any monkeys. I learned my lesson.

Nathan

4/17/2020 01:33:55 pm

That’s really insightful. Sometimes we forget that not everyone can react the same way to the celebrations that draw so much general excitement.

4/17/2020 04:48:36 pm

As was mentioned in a comment above I think we can take this thinking into our person by person interactions. There are so many invisible strains on people that we can't see and may not know. The holidays are a stressful time to many people. And the perfect time to show more kindness and be gentle with ourselves and others.

Rob McMaster

4/17/2020 11:18:55 pm

What a patient and loving momma!!! Thank you for taking this challenge on in the pre existance!! And you Warrior of a child as well!!! Prayers for strength!!! Xo

4/20/2020 09:40:17 am

Thank you Rob, I can always use the prayers. Families are Forever and Love is the Key.

Austism Mama Writing

Holidays ...

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Kaylynn Johnsen

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