| The holidays are all about being with family and | | | | hard enough to deal with the crowded stores alone. |
| enjoying the festivities. This can be very difficult for | | | | It could be miserable bringing an unhappy child along. |
| a child with Autism. This does not mean the holidays | | | | 6. Consider opening a few presents at a time. |
| are ruined, it just means that as a parent you will | | | | Opening Christmas presents is very exciting to a child. |
| have to take some precautions. Here are some tips | | | | To a Autistic child the excitement can become |
| for celebrating the holidays with your Autistic child. | | | | overwhelming. An autistic child often has issues with |
| 1. Plan visits with family and friends for short time | | | | over stimulation. By opening a few presents at a time |
| periods. If you plan short visits your child is less likely | | | | the child does become to overwhelmed, and can |
| to get over tired, or overwhelmed. Keep the visitors | | | | enjoy their gifts. |
| to a few at time. | | | | The value of this composition is achieved if after |
| 2. Do not force your child to participate in activities | | | | reading it, your knowledge on Autism is greatly |
| they do not like. If you are having a family dinner and | | | | influenced. This is how we find out that the meaning |
| your Autistic child does not want to sit at the table | | | | of Autism has really entered you! |
| with a lot of people let them sit where they are | | | | 7. If you have your child on a special diet make sure |
| comfortable. | | | | friends and family know this. You do not want other |
| The title of this composition could be rightly be | | | | people feeding your child things that could ruin the |
| Autism. This is because what is mentioned here is | | | | progress you have made. Some people might not |
| mostly about Autism. | | | | agree with your choices about your child's diet. Be |
| 3. Keep your child's schedule. If bed time is at eight in | | | | strong and stick to your beliefs. |
| the evening, stick to it. Explain to visitors that your | | | | We have written a humorous anecdote on Autism to |
| child's needs come first, and they need their sleep. | | | | make it's reading more enjoyable and interesting to |
| Taking a sleepy child somewhere will be asking for | | | | you. This way you learn there is a funny side to |
| trouble. If there is something that requires them | | | | Autism too! |
| staying up later in the evening try to get a nap in the | | | | 8. Remember the reason for the holidays. They are |
| afternoon. This will help the child enjoy the activity | | | | meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Enjoy |
| later in the day. | | | | the holiday with your Autistic child. Be thankful for all |
| 4. Spread holiday activities out over a few days. This | | | | you have in your life. |
| way your child does not become too overwhelmed. | | | | We did not write too elaborate an article on Autism |
| There is no rule stating that you have to visit all the | | | | as it would be then difficult for the common man to |
| family in one day. They would much rather see your | | | | read it. We have written this article in such a way |
| child in a happy mood than in the midst of a | | | | that everyone will be able to read and understand it! |
| meltdown. | | | | 9. Reward your child for their good behavior while |
| Even the beginner will get to learn more about | | | | visiting others. This will help with unwanted behaviors. |
| Autism after reading this article. It is written in easy | | | | The child will know they can earn a prize so they will |
| language so that everyone will be able to understand | | | | work harder on behaving. |
| it. | | | | 10. Relax. If your child senses stress or anxiety from |
| Our dreams of writing a lengthy article on Autism has | | | | you they will become uneasy. |
| finally materialized Through this article on Autism. | | | | The holidays with an Autistic child can be a wonderful |
| however, only if you acknowledge its use, will we | | | | time with a little extra planning. Forget about the daily |
| feel gratitude for writing it! | | | | problems and struggles you have. Remember all the |
| 5. Leave your child home while Christmas shopping. If | | | | good things you have. Most of all enjoy the holidays |
| your Autistic child does not like crowds do not take | | | | with your Autistic child. |
| them Christmas shopping. Leave them home with | | | | Learn to accept things as they are with Autism. Only |
| your spouse, or other responsible care giver. It is | | | | through this will you learn the true value of Autism. |