Christmas is a time for everyone to enjoy.  With the change in routine, the surprises under the tree, the family gatherings etc… it can be a very stressful time for children on the spectrum.  Here are 10 practical tips from Sue Larkey for a happy ASD Christmas.

1. Use visuals and schedules

Make sure the child knows the schedule for each day as soon as you know it.

 

2. Keep them in the know

Clearly identify any changes in the daily routine and PRE-WARN – even the slightest change can be upsetting for the child if they don’t know it is coming.

 

3. Understand their challenges

Church, concerts etc can be sensory overwhelming for some children – have them sit on the end of rows (not in the middle) and let them leave if it becomes too much. Let them wear earplugs or an iPod if they have sensitive hearing.

 

4. Find ways that help their deal with challenges

Use sensory toys as they often calm best when they have something in their hands.

 

5. Keep Busy

Give the child jobs to do to occupy them. The more focused and clear their job the less stress they have.

 

6. Help them understand

Write  a social story about rules around presents. For example “Sometimes we get presents we like” Sometimes we het presents we don’t like” then talk about saying thank you and what to do.

 

7. Make social exchanges less confusing

Make a list of all the people they will see at Christmas gatherings and let the child know “how to greet this person”  ie Grandma likes a 10 second hug, Grandpa likes a Handshake, etc…

 

8. Set times

Use the time timer or clock so the child knows HOW long they are going to stay at people’s houses, PLEASE don’t extend this could cause a meltdown. If possible take two cars so you have a quick escape if necessary.

 

9. Know their triggers

Beware of sensory issues like balloons, party poppers, music, food smells, new clothes and MORE!

 

10. No surprise is a good surprise

Most important for kids with ASD – NO Surprise is a Good Surprise. Pre-warn, Pre-warn, Pre-warn! Even label on the outside of gifts with photos/words what is INSIDE the wrapping.

 Beat the mid-holiday tantrums and headaches by working through our list of fun, educational and cheap holiday activities happening in the local ares!!

1. Urban Jungle Adventure Park

With five courses and over fifty aerial activities, the Jungle Adventure Park is sure to deliver an exciting a different day out! Your Urban Jungle adventure will take up to 2 hours and your ticket includes entry to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre so you can make a day of it.

 

Where: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

When: All year round – weather permitting

Ages: 8 years and above (must be at least 1.25 meters tall)

Cost: $35 for children and adults.

Contact: 9905 2559

 

2. King Street Theatre

King Street Theatre is showing two school holiday programs this Spring. Gran’s Bag, presented by SmallShows and Fractured Fairytales, presented by The Nitwits both promise to be a light-hearted and entertaining watch.
Gran’s Bag: “When Gran comes to visit, she brings her beautiful big red bag. It is a treasure trove of secrets and small delights. All sorts of surprises emerge, and lots of great stories. The best story of all is about how Gran found her magic carpet bag – or did her bag find her?” Weekend Notes

Fractured Fairytales: “Forget what you think you know about the fictional characters of your childhood – grown-ups always get the story wrong. Little Red never wore a hood, she lived in it, Rapunzel’s long luscious hair grew out of her eyebrows and Goldie-Locks’ story is actually a lot older than you think!” Weekend Notes

 

Where: King Street Theatre

When: Call 0423 082 015 for session times

Ages: All ages

Cost: $20-$25

Contact: 0423 082 015

 

3. Kidtopia 2016

This is the Splendour in The Grass of Kids Festivals. For three jam-packed days, Parramatta Park is transformed into a dream-world of live music, food stalls, roving entertainers, petting zoos, fun-rides, face painters, kids yoga, science shows, even a circus school will be pitching tents. For the littlies, Littleopia, a designated safe haven, provides a space away from the noise and excitement if it all gets too much. To top the extravaganza, families are given the opportunity to relax with an open-air cinema at the end of each night.

 

Where: Cow Paddocks, Parramatta Park in Parramatta

When: 7-8-9 October 2016, 10am – 8pm

Ages: All ages

Cost: From $10.00

Contact: http://kidtopiafestival.com.au/

 

4. Pine Street Creative Spring School Holiday Program

While slightly on the pricey side of the list, these in-depth workshops will be the highlight of your child’s holidays! The variety of classes provide kids with the opportunity to explore their artistic side and gets them interacting with like-minded creatives.

The classes are arranged by age and run over one or two days. Ranging from stencil printing to ceramics and jewellery making, artists will be on hand to inspire and teach children in different mediums and further explore their creative side. From 5-year-olds to 17-year-olds, programs are specially designed with budding artists encouraged to work at their own pace in the fully equipped studios under expert guidance.

 

Where: 64 Pine St Chippendale & Cnr Shepherd & Ivy Sts Darlington

When: 26 September 2016 – 6 October 2016, 9am – 5pm

Age: 5years – 17years

Cost: $75-150

Contact: Call 1300 438 849

 

5. Space Racing for Kids

Part maths, part geography, part treasure hunt – this is orienteering for kids (no compass required). It’s great exercise and a bit of brain work (but don’t tell them that!).

Kids discover Bicentennial Park as they race to get to as many checkpoints as they can in the 45 minutes allowed. No need to book – but please email to indicate your attendance.

 

Where: Sydney Olympic Park, Education Centre

When: 6 October 2016, 10am-12.30pm

Ages: 8years – 14years

Cost: $13 (accompanying adults are free)

Contact: Call 0416 040 135 or email marketing@onsw.asn.au

 

At Cherished Minds we know that managing anxiety‬ is easier said than done. It takes a lot a dedication and bravery to address the triggers that fire up our anxiety.

Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of the little things we can do to bring ourselves back to the present. The things in this list may seem superficial but they focus on mindfulness‬, building a support network and positive thinking.

We hope this list will give you some easy strategies to employ for yourself or to talk to your children about.

 

Your child would benefit from some one-on-one time outside of the classroom, but you know a mainstream tutor won’t provide the support your child needs.

Our qualified special-needs educator is experienced in working with a variety of additional needs including ASD, Developmental Delay and ADHD. She is also the mother of an additional needs child, which has seen her spend the last 15 years developing study techniques aimed at minimizing the stress and anxiety experienced during learning.

If you are interest, or know someone who might be, give us a call on 98228630 or email us at info@cherishedminds.com.au