Sinterklaas has left the country again, but the children have not yet regained their peace. Christmas also provides children with a great deal of stimuli. If your child has autism, you know better than anyone that the holidays can be quite intense for you as a parent. Fortunately, we at HappyKido have the handbook to survive the holidays if your child has autism.

Preventing overstimulation during the holidays

Children with autism struggle with transitions, changes in routines and overstimulating environments. The holidays are full of these. Planning and thinking ahead as a parent is therefore essential to protect children with autism as best as possible from the stressors of this hectic period. Consider the following tips:

Tip 1: Be extra prepared

As you probably know, children with autism do not cope well with unexpected changes. When you know that something is going to change unexpectedly, always make sure that you discuss this clearly. To ensure that your child can prepare well for the changed situation, it is important to discuss the following points:

• Where are we going?
• Who will be there?
• What are we going to do?
• When are we leaving?

So always be prepared for this, better too much than too little!

Tip 2: Sensory toys on hand, in case of emergency ;)

Sensory toys are always a good solution when your child needs to withdraw for a while to process all the stimuli calmly. Of course, it is logical that you cannot take your sensory swing with you everywhere. A super good alternative is, for example, the Sensory Body Sock. The advantage of the Sensory Body Sock is that you can easily take it with you and your child can wear it for a longer period of time, for example while playing. The Sensory Swing, just like the Sensory Swing, exerts constant pressure on your child, which has a calming effect, ideal during the busy holidays!

Okay, we also understand that a body sock is not always a good solution, for example if you go to the mall with your child. A mall is one of the places with the most stimuli. If it is unavoidable that your child goes to the mall with you, make sure you have the following sensory aids with you that can calm or distract your child, if necessary:

• Fidget toys
• Chewing gum
• Wet wipes
• Sunglasses
• Weighted blanket for on the lap

These tools will help you account for all the sensory input your child may experience in a shopping mall during the holidays, preventing overstimulation. As long as your child has something to fiddle with or tinker with, you’re good!

Tip 3: Sufficient and good sleep

During the holidays, you and your child(ren) may lose track of how much sleep they get. A child with autism may have extra difficulty with lack of sleep and an irregular sleep schedule. Irregular and poor sleep can have long-term consequences for children with autism. For example, this has an extra negative impact on the ability to regulate themselves during the already irregular holiday period.

Irregular sleep schedules are unavoidable during the holidays with all the parties, overnight visitors and school holidays. However, you can ensure that the quality of sleep that a child with autism has is increased. An ideal tool for this is, for example, the Sensory Sleep Tunnel .

The sleep tunnel exerts constant pressure on your child while they sleep. The constant pressure feels like an endless hug and creates a comfortable and safe feeling. Ideal for children who have trouble falling asleep or children who need extra sensory processing therapy at night. The result of a sleep tunnel: a great night's sleep!

Let us know what you think of our manual and if the tips helped!