Happy New Year! Tips on how to navigate New Year’s Eve with an autistic non-verbal child

The holidays are almost done!! We still have a big one to get through, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! To my neurodivergent parents hang in there! The holidays for families with autistic children, the festivities can bring unique challenges. One of the significant hurdles that parents and caregivers often face is the disruption of their child’s carefully crafted schedule. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of interrupted schedules on autistic children during the holidays and discuss strategies we have implemented to help them navigate this potentially overwhelming time.

Understanding the Importance of Routine: Autistic children often thrive on routine and predictability. A consistent schedule provides a sense of security and helps them manage sensory sensitivities and social interactions. During the holidays, this routine can be disrupted by changes in school schedules, family gatherings, and various events, leading to increased stress and anxiety for autistic children.

Holiday celebrations are notorious for being sensory-rich experiences with bright lights, loud music, and bustling crowds. For autistic children who may already be sensitive to sensory stimuli, the holiday environment can be overwhelming. The sudden change in routine combined with sensory overload can contribute to meltdowns, increased anxiety, and challenges in communication.

The holiday season often involves social gatherings and interactions with extended family and friends. Autistic children may struggle with the expectations of social engagement, making these events emotionally draining. Parents may face challenges in helping their children navigate social situations and may worry about potential judgment from others who may not fully understand their child’s unique needs.

Here are some things we have implemented this year that have helped us as a family navigate the busy holiday season.

I hate to say the phrase, preparation is key, and one can never be too prepared, but it has helped us. We communicate what the next day’s schedule will look like, sometimes with the use of PEC cards and the first/then model. Using visual aids, social stories, or calendars has helped Robert understand the holiday schedule.

Designating a quiet and calming space where Robert can “decompress” and feel safe when he becomes overwhelmed has also been a huge help. While we are at home, he has a preferred space in our home where he can retrieve to, and he can regulate his nervous system which has made him feel overwhelmed. When we are not at home, we try to bring familiar comfort items, such as toys or sensory tools, to provide a sense of familiarity.

We try to maintain some elements of the regular routine, such as mealtimes or bedtime rituals, to provide a sense of stability. Bath times can be pushed back by 15-30 minutes, but overall, we try to keep some aspects of his routine as close to “normal” as possible.

We offer choices when appropriate. We allow Robert to have some control over his environment by offering choices within the holiday activities. We provide alternatives for participation, such as his communication device, his iPad and headphones to manage noise or sunglasses for bright lights.

While the holiday season can present challenges for autistic children due to interrupted schedules, thoughtful planning and open communication can make a significant difference. By acknowledging their unique needs and implementing strategies to support them, families can create an inclusive and enjoyable holiday experience for everyone. At the end of the day, we as parents of neuro divergent children, all we can do is our best by loving our children and allowing ourselves some grace. Rest and recharge when you can. It is important that you take care of yourself as much as possible. We can’t take care of others without taking care of ourselves first. We can do all the planning in the world, do everything “right” and our children may still struggle and that is ok! They will be ok and we as their parents will be ok!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!