Children with autism thrive when it comes to predictability and routine - both things that can be hard to come by during the holiday season. In the midst of unfamiliar faces and increased social obligations falls winter break. Not only do schools take a holiday hiatus, it’s also common for agencies that provide support services to also have an alternative schedule throughout this time.
The change in consistency can lead to heightened anxiety, challenging behaviors or skill regression. While this can be difficult to manage, there are strategies you can implement to help maintain a sense of stability and support for your child during an overwhelming time.
Five Strategies To Support Your Child During Winter Break
Create A Visual Schedule For Break: If you have a child with autism in your home - especially if they are engaging in ABA Therapy - there’s a good chance you have a visual schedule for their day-to-day life. To make winter break a bit more normalized, create a special winter break calendar that includes wake-up, daily obligations and bedtime, just as a typical schedule would be. Have your child help set it up (download one here for free that your child can color) and introduce the concept early if possible.
Incorporate Routine When Possible: Keep on routine as much as possible. Sleeping in might seem nice, but keeping a consistent sleep schedule will help your child stay more regulated. If you’re able to, plan time throughout the days for engaging activities or learning time to attempt to maintain a form of structure.
Prepare Your Child: Discuss the upcoming break with your child often and in detail so it’s not a surprise. It’s not always enough to just say, “winter break is coming.” Explain what that means, what their day will look like, and how long this new normal will last.
Suggest Sensory Breaks: Children with autism can often self-regular more efficiently with forms of sensory input. Set your family up for success by making sure there are plenty of opportunities for sensory input. This could look like fun activities (sensory bins, kinetic sand), movement breaks or calming jars.
Have Fun Together: Use the break to spend more time with your child. Plan engaging activities like crafts, outdoor play, board games, family movie nights, or baking (use step-by-step visuals for your child).
Tips For The Transition Back After Break
As quickly as the break begins, it seems that it comes to an end. This means yet another transitionary period to settle into. As the days flow closer to going back to the norm, start to gradually reintroduce elements of your regular schedule back into the days. Reintroduce the typical visual schedule back and talk about it often to remind your child about the change. Above all, be sure to offer your child plenty of encouragement and support. It’s normal for shifts in routine to create more anxiety and increase dysregulated behaviors, but don’t get discouraged. Things may not be perfect, but remaining patient, flexible and consistent can go a long way toward a more successful - and fun - winter break.
ABA Therapy with Bloom Behavioral Healthcare Can Help Set Routines
If your family is just beginning their autism journey, you may be reading this and thinking, “what routine?!” That’s okay! Establishing a structured routine can be difficult if you’re not used to it, but establishing a consistent schedule is extremely beneficial to those on the autism spectrum. ABA Therapy services - such as what Bloom Behavioral Healthcare offers - can help you recognize your child’s triggers, establish a sense of structure and teach how positive reinforcement can improve the way the world feels to your child, among other things. Contact Bloom today to find out how ABA Therapy could help your child thrive.
If you have any tried-and-true methods for how to effectively handle schedule disruptions like holiday breaks, let us know in the comments!
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