10 Tips to Help Autistic People Have A Better Holiday Experience!

If you or someone you know is on the autism spectrum, then let’s check out some tips to make the holidays this year one to remember!

While the holiday period is all about flashing lights, noisy music, and changing routines, for many people, it’s precisely these things that can make someone with autism dread the holiday period. However, there are some different things that you can do to make the holiday season go a lot smoother while making it more enjoyable for people with autism.
In the following article, we’re going to cover 10 tips to help autistic people have a better holiday experience!

10 Tips for this Holiday Season to Assist those with Autism!

1. Preparation Is Critical – If your loved one gets anxious about upcoming, unexpected, or big celebrations, then plan ahead and prepare them early. Things like marking days off on the calendar or explaining what’s going to happen and when can help make it less of a surprise.
2. Decorations Can Be Intimidating – Decorations such as tinsel, lights, banners, and streamers can all be very disruptive. Try to incorporate your loved one in the decision-making process about what decorations to buy and where to place them.
3. Take Your Time – If your loved one with autism struggles with change, then take your time with decorations and changes around the home. Instead of doing everything in one day or night, try to space things out a little more.
4. Gift Preparation – If your loved one tends to obsess over particular gifts or gifts, then be clear from the beginning about your intentions. Saying maybe or we’ll see if you have no intent to buy it will only cause more issues later.
5. Talk About the Day In Advance – Talk about what will happen if your loved one gets too overwhelmed on the day or needs to take a break. Let them know that if they need a break or time out, they just need to let you know that the option is available to them.
6. Prepare for Travel – If you plan on traveling for the day or overnight over the holidays, then help them pack a bag that contains their favorite or special items.
7. Be Prepared – Accept any well-meaning or unwanted advice with a smile, and don’t let
situations overwhelm you.
8. Practice Giving, Opening, and Receiving Gifts – A Good practice session around giving, receiving, and opening gifts is a great idea to help your loved one understand the process.
9. Prepare A Photo Album of Guests – If you’re planning on having people over to your house, then create an album with everyone’s photo and their name.
10. Think About Food and Drinks – If your loved one requires special foods or drinks, prepare them in advance or remember to pack some to bring if you’re traveling.

10 Tips to Help Autistic People Have A Better Holiday Experience! – Conclusion
There you go, 10 tips to help make these holidays a little better for those with autism. It’s easy during this busy period to forget that not everyone enjoys the flashing lights and noisy Christmas music being played.
As with anything, the more awareness we can raise, the better off we’ll all be, especially those dealing with the challenges of being on the spectrum themselves during the busy and bustling holiday period.
If you have any questions about autism products or would like to find more information about sensory products, then please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Our friendly and professional team is standing by to assist you.