How to handle the Holidays-October

They can be real tricky for a family with an autistic or mentally ill child.  So many things change.  Most of the year, the holidays are just one day or week-end celebrations and can be manipulated to be handled.  You will need to be aware of environment, people, traveling, etc.  When it comes to the fall, however, most of the holidays are drawn out for days, weeks and even months!
  Halloween is way too long in my opinion.  It seems the season gets longer every year.  It still poses problems in my house.  The constant bombardment of images, scary faces, cob webs, are everywhere and really affect children with autism.   Unfamiliar smells, sights, sensory usually means sensory overload can happen anywhere.  This makes simple trips to grocery store or even the dentist challenging for parents.  Then the candy, the temptations, the food coloring, the sugar messes up things, too.  People without special needs children rarely get that these seasons pose extreme upheaval in our households.

 There have been adjustments we have made throughout our journey.  Some of them worked, some didn't.  It's the old "try it and see" thing.  Here are a few survival tips from me.
  1)  Avoid everything you can!  If at all possible, don't go through the costume aisle in the grocery store when your child is with you.  Don't go to the party store with them, either.
 2) Forecast, forecast, FORECAST... When retailers pull out the decorations, forecast what they might see different in the stores before you go and that is just pretend.    When the time comes, explain the costumes, etc.  This can be such a scary time for children.  Most therapists work on preparing their clients, but even the older ones need reminded.  I still have to forecast to my older son.
Here are some other ideas:
  Plan the party at your house.
 Give other things than candy, toys, games, etc.
 We usually have to avoid the large parties or gatherings, so we plan a family movie night with a special
  movie.

The change of daylight savings, the adjustment of school, siblings leaving for college, change of the weather all gathers in my son's emotional state in October.  The bombardment of Halloween usually sets him completely out of sync.  We have to handle the stress of this season very carefully.

I will be sharing more about the holidays in the days to come as time allows.  Yes, we are out of October, but into another season of difficulties.  Be patient with me, for I am a mother on a journey with a special needs son who demands much of my effort and time.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynne