How can you help your child with Aspergers prepare for going to family get-togethers at Christmas and make it more enjoyable for him and everyone involved?

Children with Asperger's Syndrome are often overwhelmed by the family gatherings and outings that come with the celebration of Christmas.  The daily routine goes out the window, and in its place is something that resembles chaos.  Christmas decorations, lights, and music are not exactly normal to the routine, and so are the extra visitors and the fancy parties.  When you look at it all through your son's eyes, it is understandable that he may struggle with the holidays.

When preparing your child with Asperger's Syndrome for the craziness of the Christmas holiday season, the keys are to start early and to practice for the new social situations.  There are therapy-based options, as well as family-oriented ideas, that you can implement when preparing your child for Christmas gatherings.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Therapy options

*    Social stories can help prepare your son for any new situation.  Find stories that cover how to act during parties and large dinner gatherings, or write your own personalized stories.  These stories allow your son to visualize these unusual situations.

*    Behavioral therapy can help your son deal with the behavior problems created by his emotions.

*    Your son may benefit from social skills classes.  Children are encouraged to practice social situations with their peers while under the watchful eye of a therapist or facilitator.

Family-based ideas

*    Make sure your son's favorite foods and activities are included in the celebrations.  Any time that you can add in his special interests or some of his limited favorite foods, you will increase his comfort level.

*    If gifts are involved, inform gift givers of his specific interests.  Children with Asperger's Syndrome usually have a couple of special, sometimes obsessive, interests.  Your son may quickly forget any gifts that are unrelated to his specific interests.  Receiving unwanted items may even cause a meltdown.

*    Have an alternate plan for times when sensory issues become a problem.  A large gathering complete with unfamiliar food, faces, sounds, and smells is a recipe for a sensory breakdown.  Anything from a quiet place to calm down to cutting the evening short may be necessary.

It takes a bit of extra planning, but a child with Asperger's Syndrome can enjoy the family gatherings that come with the Christmas holidays.  As long as you work on your son's social skills, sensory issues, and special interests, you should find success.  Just remember always to have a back up plan.

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