HA! Any autism parent will likely contend that the entire month of December is truly NOT the most wonderful time of the year. Some of you parents of neuro-typical children may wonder why we can't just relax and enjoy the holidays. Let me try to explain...
I love Christmas. I truly, truly do! It used to be my very favorite holiday. Then along came KC. You see, kiddos with autism like routine, and structure, and sameness. With the holidays you get change in every routine while we try to fit in extra parties and programs and special visits. Out the door goes structure and sameness. The sights, sounds and even the smells are all different and over-the-top. People with autism typically cannot filter out background sights and sounds and smells and so it's all just overwhelming.
When you add the sensory overload to the anxiety and anticipation of getting presents that you may or may not love, it's really just horrible. At our house (and I would wager in many autism homes) all of December is like taking a month-long vacation to Meltdownville.
Considering our family was already in crisis mode, I am not certain we will last the whole month. I am trying to think outside of the box and make things easier for KC while not short-cutting AJ's Christmas experience. It's a tricky maneuver, indeed!
Maybe AJ can go see Santa with Gma & Gpa? Maybe we can have our household family Christmas gift opening BEFORE Christmas thus alleviating that anticipation earlier? (Like, um, tomorrow?) Any other suggestions out there??
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