Welcome to Thriving Together, your go-to source for timely information, resources and support on the autism journey, sponsored by Metro Parent and Henry Ford Health. 

In this email, we dish about the holidays. Stressed at the mere thought? Experts share tips for a joyful holiday season, right through the New Year.

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5 Expert Tips for Navigating the Holidays with a Child with Autism

The holidays can be a magical time, but for families with a child with autism, they often bring extra stress. We spoke with experts from Henry Ford Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) in metro Detroit to get their best tips for creating a joyful holiday season for everyone.

Want more? Read a longer version (with more tips!) here.

1. Make a social plan
Extended family gatherings can be overwhelming, especially when relatives don’t recognize social needs and boundaries. Sarah Peterson, Manager and Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst at CADD, suggests planning specific times for social interactions.

“One of the things I have found to be effective is having a plan for your child,” she says. “Your child can socialize for 20 minutes, then take a break with music or an iPad.” Share this plan with family members ahead of time to set expectations.

2. Ask family members for help  

Many relatives want to support you but might not know how. Give them simple tasks that engage your child, says Katie Derkacz, Speech-Language Pathologist at CADD.  

“Can Uncle Joe throw the football around for a movement break? Does Aunt Imani know where to find the noise cancelling headphones?” she suggests. These small roles can strengthen relationships and make your child feel more comfortable.

3. Bring a favorite dish

Holiday meals can be tricky with new foods. Bringing a dish your child loves ensures they’ll have something familiar to eat.  

Peterson shares, “My aunt always serves rice pilaf because my brother, who has autism, looks forward to it. She even makes extra so he can take some home.”

4. Prepare for sensory challenges

New environments can trigger sensory challenges. If a relative has a pet, for example, Derkacz suggests showing your child pictures of the animal beforehand. And don’t be afraid to ask if the pet can be kept in another room, if necessary.

5. Practice communication  

Help your child prepare for interactions by practicing simple phrases or using assistive devices.  

“If your child uses an assistive device, program self-advocacy scripts and role-play scenarios,” says Derkacz. Or, create a little sign with a phrase like “Merry Christmas.” It’s a way for them to participate without pressure.

With a little preparation and support, your holiday gatherings can be more joyful for everyone. 

There's more to know! Read more about how you can enjoy the holiday season with your family at Metro Parent’s Your Top Kids Health Questions — Answered. 

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Holiday Celebrations at Every Stage: What You Need to Know to Grow With Your Child

Expertise from Sarah Peterson, Manager and Lead BCBA, and Katie Derkacz, Speech-Language Pathologist, at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) at Henry Ford Health.

• In young children: If extended family gatherings aren’t working for you, now is the perfect time to create your own new holiday traditions. Keep what works for you and jettison the rest, even if it means scaling way back on what you experienced as a child. Don’t be afraid to educate family members on why this works for you now.
  
  
• In middle stages: Kids are pretty receptive to helping each other, so if cousins are playing games your child enjoys, let them know and tell them what your child might need help with. Also encourage parallel play, so even if your child prefers reading while others play video games, they are still in the same room, enjoying each other’s company. Recognize that feelings of joy for your child might look different from their cousins. Sensory supports, like headphones, can help keep your child comfortable. And, make sure your child knows where to find you at all times.
  
  
• In transition to adulthood: Have a plan for how long you’re going to stay at the event. Knowing that limit ahead of time will allow you to leave on a good note, building a positive association for your kid. If one parent wants to stay longer, travel separately, if possible. Remember that your teen or young adult should be able to enjoy the holiday like everyone else, and if they look forward to reading quietly or listening to music, they’ll enjoy the holiday and look forward to it all the more.

…and read more articles that address your top kids health questions!

Resources: organizations, events and more

Autism Alliance of Michigan

Help, hope and answers, including AAoM’s robust MiNavigator, a state-wide resource for families on all issues related to autism. Visit AAoM for its comprehensive calendar of events.
877-463-AAOM

Autism Society of Greater Detroit

Offers peer-to-peer support groups, meet-ups and other resources for parents and families and those with autism.

Bluestone VOICES for Autism

Livonia, Mich. based nonprofit that provides financial and therapeutic support to enhance the lives of children and their families through fundraising events and grantmaking. Funds families of children with autism receiving ABA, speech therapy or occupational therapy in Michigan and individuals pursuing a BCBA degree.

The Family Center

Resource for building connected, resilient families. Provides connections to programs and resources, plus online information for parents and families. Based on Grosse Pointe Farms.
313-447-1374

MiABLE

Michigan’s flexible 529 savings account for individuals with disabilities who are eligible for SSI or SSDI.
844-656-7225

Autism Support of Michigan

Educational resources, materials and other services for individuals and families. 

517-882-2800

Early On Michigan

Michigan’s system for families with children birth-3 who have developmental delays or developmental disabilities.
800-327-5966

Michigan Autism Program

Resources and support for families and caregivers, including the Michigan ASD State Plan. 

Celebrating Family Rituals

One family loved attending church together, but their child with autism struggled to stand in the communion line. Parents worked with their ABA therapy team to help their child learn this ritual. “We worked on standing in line and we had a little ‘wait’ card that showed him he had to wait while he was in line. I gave the card to his parents and told them how we practiced. They watched in the clinic, and were able to replicate it out in the real world.”

—- Sarah Peterson, Manager and Lead BCBA, Henry Ford Health’s CADD.

Need More Support?

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