As a parent of a child with autism, you know that holidays can be a challenging time. The hustle and bustle, changes in routine and sensory overload can be overwhelming for individuals on the autism spectrum. However, with proper planning and understanding, you can create autism-friendly holidays that are enjoyable for your entire family.
Autism-friendly holidays are celebrations that are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism. These holidays are designed to minimize sensory triggers, provide structure and predictability, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and feel comfortable.
Challenges Faced by Families With a Child on the Spectrum During the Holidays
Families with a child with autism often face a variety of challenges during the holiday season. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Sensory overload: The bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells associated with many holiday celebrations can be overwhelming for individuals with autism.
- Changes in routine: The disruption of daily routines can cause anxiety and distress for children with autism.
- Social interactions: Large gatherings and unfamiliar situations can be stressful for individuals with autism, who may struggle with social skills and communication.
Essential Parenting Tips For an Autism-Friendly Holiday
As a parent of a child with autism, you play a crucial role in creating an enjoyable and inclusive holiday experience for your family. Here are some essential tips to help navigate the holiday season.
- Plan Ahead: Preparation is key when it comes to autism-friendly holidays. Start planning well in advance to ensure that you have everything in place to accommodate your child’s needs. This may include researching local autism-friendly events, making arrangements for any necessary accommodations, and creating a detailed schedule to provide structure and predictability.
- Communicate with Family and Friends: It’s important to explain your child’s unique needs to family members and friends who will be attending holiday celebrations. Provide them with guidance on how to interact with your child in a positive and supportive manner.
- Create a Visual Schedule: Visual schedules can be incredibly helpful for children with autism, as they provide a clear understanding of what to expect during holiday activities. Use pictures, symbols, or written instructions to create a predictable schedule that your child can refer to throughout the celebrations.
- Identify Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Designate a quiet area or room where your child can take breaks from the stimulation of holiday celebrations. This space should be free from loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells, providing a calming and comfortable environment for your child to recharge.
- Introduce New Traditions: Consider starting new traditions that are tailored to your child’s interests and needs. This can help create a sense of familiarity and comfort during the holiday season.
How ABA Therapy Can Benefit Children with Autism During the Holidays
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be tremendously helpful in supporting children with autism during the holiday season. At Wellspring Learning Centers, we work with our parents to address the specific situations and concerns they have for their child during the holiday season. We then create a “Holiday Tips and Suggestion” plan to help each parent provide a positive experience at home. In the center, we implement a pre-holiday preparation plan tailored to the child’s needs.
ABA therapy focuses on teaching practical skills and providing strategies to address the unique challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum. ABA therapy can benefit children with autism during the holidays in the following ways:
- Calming Sensory Activities: ABA therapists can work with families to incorporate calming sensory activities, such as deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or engaging in tactile exploration.
- Maintaining Predictability and Structure: ABA therapists can assist in creating visual schedules, social stories, and other tools to help children with autism understand and navigate the changes in their routines during the holidays.
- Coping Skill Development: ABA therapy can help children with autism develop effective coping strategies, such as self-soothing techniques and independent leisure activities.
- Positive Reinforcement and Praise: ABA therapists emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement and praise, which can be particularly beneficial during the holidays.
Finding Autism-Friendly Holiday Events And Activities in Nashville
Nashville is a welcoming city with a variety of autism-friendly holiday events and activities for families to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for sensory-friendly Santa visits, inclusive performances, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. Here are some Nashville-specific options to consider:
1. Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits in Nashville
Several locations in Nashville offer sensory-friendly Santa experiences designed to accommodate children with autism. For example, The Mall at Green Hills hosts their “Sensory Santa” special event on December 8th. Families are invited to a private photo session where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs to make this a magical holiday experience. Lights and music will be turned down to help create a calming environment.
2. Inclusive Holiday Performances at Local Theaters
Nashville’s vibrant arts scene includes sensory-friendly performances during the holiday season. The Nashville Children’s Theatre and Nashville Symphony often schedule inclusive holiday shows with adjustments like reduced sound levels, house lights left on, a special sensory room to watch from, and a relaxed atmosphere where audience members are free to move around. These performances are perfect for families who want to experience the joy of a live performance without the pressure of a traditional setting.
3. Autism-Friendly Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for an outdoor experience, Nashville has numerous parks and nature centers that offer a peaceful break from the holiday hustle. Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for their 10th Annual Holiday Lights – a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens illuminated by more than a million lights, or head to Radnor Lake State Park for a calming nature walk. Both locations provide a great way to enjoy the festive season in a serene and sensory-friendly environment.
Creating Autism-Friendly Holiday Memories in Nashville With Wellspring Learning Centers
The holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming for children with autism or their families. By planning ahead, communicating with loved ones, and incorporating sensory-friendly practices, you can create a joyful, inclusive holiday experience that meets your child’s unique needs. Nashville offers a range of autism-friendly events and activities, making it easier to enjoy the festivities in a supportive environment.
With centers in Belle Meade (West Nashville) and Antioch TN, our unique child-led, play-based ABA therapy services are here to support you every step of the way. From tailored strategies to manage holiday stressors to creating routines that provide comfort and predictability, we’re dedicated to helping your family enjoy a meaningful holiday season. Contact us by filling out our online form or calling us today at 615-236-6399 to learn more about how our ABA therapy team can support your child during the holidays and beyond.