The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition. However, they can also bring unique challenges for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, and routines can feel overwhelming, and transitions or sensory overload can sometimes lead to meltdowns. AT FOCUS Therapy, our pediatric therapists providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy (ST), and occupational therapy (OT) understand the hurdles of navigating holiday celebrations. But we don’t want our patients or their families to miss out on any of the experiences that make this season special!

The key to a successful holiday experience is preparation, flexibility, and building skills that empower your child to embrace new experiences. Here’s how to make holiday celebrations enjoyable and enriching for your child while minimizing stress.

Importance of Embracing New Experiences

Holidays offer a wealth of sensory and social experiences. These include an array of potential triggers for children with autism and/or sensory processing difficulties. These include:

• Sounds: Loud music, crowded gatherings, and overlapping conversations.
• Sights: Flashing lights, intricate decorations, and unfamiliar environments.
• Scents: Aromas from candles, cooking, or seasonal décor.
• Foods: Unfamiliar textures, smells, and tastes.
• Transitions: Changes in routines, travel, and time spent in new places.

Each child’s sensory profile is unique. While some children may be thrilled by holiday lights, others might find them overwhelming. Understanding your child’s preferences and sensitivities is the first step to planning an inclusive celebration.

We understand that trying to coordinate some of these experiences while incorporating your child’s needs can feel daunting. Some parents are tempted to skip certain events altogether. We give parents a great deal of grace in these situations and recognize that they know their child best. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that exposure to new environments and traditions helps build flexibility and adaptability—skills critical for a child with autism. Early childhood is an ideal time to foster these abilities because the brain’s neuroplasticity is at its peak, meaning new neural pathways are more easily formed.

Research supports the importance of exposing children with ASD to diverse stimuli over time. A study published in Autism Research and Treatment (2019) highlights that sensory integration strategies can help children adjust to new experiences, leading to better social and emotional outcomes.

Strategies for a Successful Holiday Celebration

1. Create Predictability with Social Stories
   Social stories can prepare your child with autism for what to expect during holiday events. The U.S. Department of Education found that social stories (which they refer to as “social narratives”) improve understanding and reduce anxiety in children with ASD. Use clear, simple language and visuals to describe:
   • The sequence of events.
   • How they might feel.
   • How they can respond to challenges.
2. Use Visual Schedules and Timers
   Visual schedules can break down the day’s activities into manageable steps, making transitions smoother. For example:
   • Morning: Breakfast at home.
   • Afternoon: Visit Grandma’s house.
   • Evening: Return home for quiet time.
   Pair these with timers to help your child transition between activities, particularly during preferred activities like opening presents or playing with cousins.
3. Practice New Experiences
   Before the big day, simulate parts of the celebration. For example:
   • Try a small meal with holiday foods.
   • Introduce festive lights or music at home.
   • Practice greetings or social interactions with family members.
4. Prepare the Environment
   Make holiday gatherings more sensory-friendly by:
   • Providing a quiet space where your child can retreat if overwhelmed.
   • Using unscented candles or fragrance-free decorations.
   • Keeping the music volume moderate.
5. Involve Your Child in Planning
   Give your child choices when possible, such as selecting decorations or deciding which family activity to participate in. This sense of control can reduce anxiety.

Preparing Family Members

It’s equally important to prepare family members for the celebration:

• Share Insights About Your Child. Explain your child’s preferences and potential triggers.
• Educate on Communication. If your child uses alternative communication methods, such as picture exchange or AAC devices, brief family members on how to interact effectively.
• Set Expectations. Let relatives know that flexibility is key. Your child might need breaks, may not engage as expected, or could have a meltdown.

Preventing & Managing Sensory Overload

Despite the best preparation, sensory overload can happen. Here are steps to mitigate it:

• Identify Early Signs. Watch for stimming behaviors, withdrawal, or irritability.
• Use Coping Tools. Noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys can provide comfort.
• Have an Exit Strategy. Be ready to leave or take a break if needed.

How Fort Myers ABA Therapists & Occupational Therapists Can Help

As an early intervention therapy clinic, our team at FOCUS Therapy can help preparing your child with autism for the holidays:

• ABA Therapy. Focused on building flexibility, social skills, and emotional regulation.
• Occupational Therapy. Helps with sensory integration and adapting to new stimuli.
• Speech Therapy. Supports communication strategies, whether verbal or through alternative methods.

We collaborate with families to create personalized plans that address the child’s needs and goals, ensuring they can participate in meaningful traditions. We can even incorporate preparation for an upcoming big holiday event into our regular therapy sessions. (We do this a lot in other scenarios too, such as preparing a patient for a dentist appointment, a haircut, or travel by airplane.)

If your child is not a patient at FOCUS but struggles with behavior issues that have you concerned about how you’re going to get through the holidays, we offer 1:1 Behavior Consulting / Parent Coaching.

Looking Ahead: Helping Your Child With Autism Build Skills for Life

It’s not just about “surviving the season.” Think of these experiences as opportunities to build lasting skills. Whether it’s learning to try new foods, adapt to changes in routine, or engage with relatives, these moments lay the groundwork for greater independence and resilience.

With preparation, flexibility, and support from therapy professionals, your child can not only navigate but thrive during the festivities.

If you need assistance creating a holiday strategy tailored to your child with autism, talk to your FOCUS therapists. Together, we can make this holiday season a memorable, positive experience for the whole family.

Call FOCUS Therapy at (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online. We provide early intervention therapy – including ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior consulting – for pediatric patients in Lee County, Florida including those Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and Estero – at our centrally-located Fort Myers clinic.

Additional Resources:

Making the Most of the Holidays for Your Family and Autistic Child, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University, Bloomington

More Blog Entries:

How ABA Therapy Can Help Fort Myers Kids