Guidelines for a Christmas with children with autism spectrum disorder
The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and safety measures have been a difficult challenge for many families with children with various disorders due to changes in routines and uncertainty. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) , the overstimulation and changes in routines experienced during the holidays present a challenge in themselves.
There are different strategies that can be implemented to reduce the stress that can come with celebrating the Christmas holidays. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Unit (UnimTEA) at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona has shared some very helpful guidelines for these families .
One of the keys is prior planning shared with children with ASD, so that it helps to reduce the stress that an excess of stimuli and changes in their daily routine can cause.
For example, you can create a visual calendar that includes important dates and routines related to independence. This way, children can anticipate what will happen on each date, know who they will be interacting with, and remember what safety measures they need to follow. Close family members, especially those who share these important dates, can also help with logistical aspects or by better understanding the child's specific needs.
You can read all these tips in the article published by the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona or download this infographic which summarizes the guidelines graphically.
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