It’s the last day of school before the holiday break, and while most of the kids in class are jumping up and down and excitedly gabbing about their holiday plans, Teddy shrinks back nervously. As a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Teddy tends to feel anxiety during the holiday season, since it can often come with sensory overload, inconsistent schedules, and an overwhelming amount of social interactions. If you can relate to Teddy or have a loved one with ASD like Teddy, the following strategies can help you have a smoother holiday break.

Review the schedule

A sudden break from the routine of school can cause anxiety for many children with ASD, so it helps to create structure for their time away from school. Before the break, make sure your loved one knows that they will have extensive time off of school, sort of like a long weekend. Cross the days off of the calendar and create a countdown to break, so the change in routine is less abrupt. Make sure they know your travel dates, when family or friends will be visiting, and other special events you have planned for the holidays. 

Structure free time with fun activities

Creating a structured schedule can help children with ASD feel more secure, but that doesn’t mean your schedule can’t be fun! Invite the whole family to participate in DIY crafting on weekday mornings to bond with one another and create a school-adjacent environment. Here is a page full of numerous DIY sensory craft activities: https://www.specialmomadvocate.com/sensory-crafts/.  You can browse and pick some that might work at your house to further comfort an anxious child like Teddy.

Create space for breaks

Although scheduling does create some much-needed structure, it should also include room for breaks. Plan quiet time during the day help manage sensory overload and allow those with ASD to relax and enjoy the holiday like everyone else. Remember the be flexible—sometimes children will decide at the last minute that they want to do something else and that’s okay! Even with a structured schedule, there is always room for rainchecks.

Make family time fun for everyone

If a loved one with ASD doesn’t like to be hugged or touched, be sure to alert any visiting friends and family members ahead of time so they are aware of this boundary. Make sure your loved one has a quiet space that he or she can retreat to if they ever feel overwhelmed, whether it’s in your own home or the home of a friend or family member. Prepare them for the potentially triggering holiday decorations they might see, and plan strategies for coping with them in public settings.

This holiday season, be sure to take a step back and think of Teddy and the many ways you can make the holiday enjoyable for everyone.