Tis the Season

"Tis the season to be jolly" they say. Beautiful lights, the smell of pine and cinnamon, happy screeching children, the wrapping paper, bows, carols, family, friends, meltdowns, jingling bells...wait, meltdowns? That's right, meltdowns. Your loved one with Autism will be subjected to more sensory input now than most times of the year. Holidays are always a challenge, even for high functioning kids like Aiden.

Aiden has been particularly sensory sensitive for about a week and a half now. We've had a cold front move in, so all his clothes are long sleeves and pants. People in the neighborhood are putting up Christmas lights. Almost every store you walk into is blasting Holiday music and the smell of pine and cinnamon are almost obnoxious to me, so to him I can only imagine. Out of town family is on their way if they aren't here already. Everything is just so busy and don't think for one moment the stress of the season isn't impacting them too.

How can you help them? Its more simple than you think. First, your out of town family. They, especially to little ones, are practically strangers. Some people believe that being family there is an implied consent to touch, hug, or kiss, your little ones. For typical kids this is acceptable and they can withstand it for brief moments, not so for kids with Autism. Its not that they're being mean, but if touch is few and far between for people in their every day lives, then it is certainly unacceptable for people they hardly know to touch them. So what do you do? Send your out of town family a list. Tell them what the likes and dislikes are for your child and allow them to exercise the "likes" within reason. Most people don't know what to do around a child with Autism, so they over compensate, almost to a sickening level. Your loved one's mannerisms may be unsettling if the behavior isn't understood. If you notice your loved one connecting with a particular family member, take them aside and talk to them. "I see that (insert name here) has really taken to you. That bond is really something special, its hard for (insert name) to connect with people, but you've made it easy for him/her to connect with you. Thank you for being so great with him/her."

How do you handle stores? First know what your child is sensory sensitive to. Aiden isn't particularly sensitive to smell, he will point it out unmercifully, but he can push past it for a time. If you notice a store with strong smells, try to go alone. I know that's tough. Can you order your items online? Sometimes shipping fees are worth it to avoid sensory meltdowns. If not and you must take them call the store the day before. Explain your situation and ask if they will pull the items for you, so you can just go right to check out. I'd be willing to bet 99% of stores will accommodate your request and if your store falls into that 1% that won't, then their competitor will.

Sound is Aiden's Achilles heel, as most of you know by now. We solve that problem with ear protection. Its relatively inexpensive and you can pick up a pair at most surplus, big box, or hunting supply stores. Just keep a pair in the car or in your purse and a pair in the house. That way they can enjoy the same things you are, not be tortured by them.

The holidays can be fun for everyone with some help from you. You're an important part to your child's successful holiday season.

We here at Aiden's Heroes want to wish you and your family a very safe and Happy Holiday and New Year. We hope this next year is better than this one and that you continue to join us on your Autism journey.

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