If you have someone in your home with Asperger syndrome or autism, then you know that the holidays can be very stressful. People that diagnosis do not like change and do as part of a routine and familiar. For years, it was a miserable experience to go on family vacations. So miserable, we wondered why we sat through the torture. However, we have two "typical" child who needed to have experience of their brother avoids. Through trial, error and education, we came up with solutions that make the holiday an enjoyable experience for all. These solutions may not work for everyone, but give some a try. Keep what works and leave the rest on the coffee table collecting dust.
For our family, we stumbled on a timeshare program. No matter where we are in a time-sharing network, our son can be assured of familiar things in each place. The units are primarily constructed, furnished and stocked the same. He knows he will have a double bed for himself in a room he will share with his younger sister. He knows he will have a TV in his bedroom and a bathroom connected to his room. He knows his own machine will be in the drawer of three high and dirty clothes go in the bottom drawer. He knows his PS2 or Wii will be compatible with the center of entertainment in the lounge. If timeshare is not an option for you, consider using the same hotel chain, camping, friends and family or holiday resorts to vacation.
Then we step up "routines or traditions of our vacation. For example, he knows that during spring break, we'll go to the timeshare complex near the park itself. We will ride the same rides, eat the same food and it will map the park itself. He knows that during the stay of his dad will take him and his sister to the indoor pool at least once a day and one night we go to the same all-you-can-eat buffet. We gave up Christmas with extended family for a week at another location part-time favorite. Relatives and friends are free to visit us for the day, the child who is easily excited to know the end of the day, he will have his time if necessary, space and routine.
Even if pain is significant and leads us to pack extra items, we also ensure we do the "holiday" Feel like home. He has sensory problems, so we bring the mini-trampoline with us wherever we go. Otherwise, he jumps on furniture or running backwards in the unit. We realize the bible of bed, pillow, blanket and stuffed animal. We also carry the backpack "survival" I mentioned in a separate article.
As the timeshare units are fully furnished apartments, I intend to take most meals. Is all I bring groceries with me for a week of meals, or I shop immediately after checking in. I make sure all meals are family favorites and include foods with which it 'll eat. I also keep his special cup on hand.
Finally, when he was young, it was useful to show pictures of where we go, show him the map of how we were getting there, and a schedule of what he could expect do every day. I think he did not need it as much now that he is older. It might be because we often go to the same places we've been before. More recently, I found I needed to create and publish a schedule of weekly activities and daily on the refrigerator unit timeshare. I bring so and after the plan current behavior, rewards and consequences. In this case, I print them in advance and keep refrigerator magnets in my "timeshare" box.
Of course, every child and every family is different, so all these ideas may not work for you. However, if some do, then you will find the holidays a little less stressful and more relaxing. I'm curious to know if it helped you. Please feel free to comment and let me know. Or give you some of your own tips.
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