The countdown clock is ticking as you and your loved ones prepare to celebrate and embrace the potential and promise of the coming year. When you think of New Year’s Eve, you undoubtedly envision confetti, New York crowds, and loud celebration: all things that, while celebratory, might overwhelm your child with autism. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you usher in the new year in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable for you and your child.
What Time is It?
You can create your own countdown clock and make the eve special any time of the day, without letting your child lose sleep.
Watching Fireworks
For children with autism, the bright colors and loud sounds that fireworks may be very unsettling for your child. You can enjoy the fireworks with your family from home. By watching videos of fireworks on your t.v. or laptop, you can control the volume of the fireworks and even the brightness. Instead of loading up your family into the car and driving to your nearest community center for fireworks, you can save yourself the hassle and enjoy the bright flashes from home.
If you are planning to see live fireworks with your child, set aside time to explain and/or show what the fireworks event will be like. Showing videos or pictures is a great way to prepare your child for the experience, so your son or daughter is less overwhelmed when you start watching the live fireworks.
Family Cooking Time
There’s no such thing as a great celebration without good food. Bring your child into the kitchen to help prepare easy-to-make hors d’oeuvres, a family-favorite meal, or dessert. This is a fun activity that you can share with your child to make the holiday more engaging, all while creating more memories together.
Want more cooking tips? Read, “Cooking with Your Child with Autism.”
Holidays, when approached with mindfulness, are a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your child. At Hidden Treasures ABA Therapy Services, our team of specialists is here for you. Whether you are seeking information about advocating for your loved one, or you are looking for support and therapy services for your child with ASD, you can contact our team TODAY!