Tips and Tricks to make 2020 great for your child - By Nicole Paxton 

As we enter month 10 of social distancing, quarantining, and living within a global pandemic, a lot has changed. Many parents have moved their offices to the dining room table, children are trick-or-treating around their houses, and big adjustments have been made for all families. As we enter into the holiday season, we will also see some big changes to our usual holiday traditions. The minds of WAAA have come together to form some tips and tricks to ensure this holiday season is full of fun for your child on the spectrum.

1. Try to keep traditions where you can

Many of us know that kids on the spectrum and with other developmental disabilities love routine in their lives. Some older kids might remember past holiday seasons where they went to a grandparent’s house, sang carols with neighbors, or went to a holiday show. Try to maintain any tradition you can in a safe way at home.

Used to go to a holiday show? Have the whole family dress up and set up a viewing party of your favorite holiday show in the living room: 17 Holiday Theater & Musical Performances You Can Enjoy on Your Couch

2. Holiday decorating at Home!

A major staple of the holiday season for kids is making arts and crafts in school to bring home to parents. This year with social distancing, holiday decoration making might look different, if at all. Spread some holiday cheer by making candy cane artwork at home! Print a cutout of a candy cane and have your child rip up different colored paper to fill in! The sensory stimulation is great and you have a wonderful homemade piece of holiday art! 

Want more ideas? Check out this Pinterest board for craft ideas for families of all ages and abilities to enjoy all year long!

3. Ability to skip the sensory overload activities

In the great tradition of looking at life glass half full, think of the benefits of a socially distant holiday season! Major light shows and loud outdoor activities are sometimes a sensory overload for people with ASD. This year instead of risking overwhelming settings, you get to stay home with your family.

4. Baking holiday treats at home

While many parents have switched to working at home and kids are spending more time indoors, the ultimate plus is more family time. When the kids might usually be at a friend’s house or afterschool activity, take that time to bake a holiday treat for family members and close friends. Get your kid(s) into the holiday spirit with baking and most importantly, decorating holiday treats. Let them be creative and messy and give great treats to your loved ones.

5. Plan out your new holiday schedule

A lot of kids on the spectrum love their schedules. Schedules lessen anxiety, emotional shutdowns, and resistance to change. By scheduling out the new above traditions in advance, your kid(s) can see the change, and digest the differences from their day to day or old traditions. We recommend going over the holiday activities in advance and let them see the schedule many times beforehand.

2020 looks different in a lot of ways including the holiday season. A few things that remain constant are family, friends, and the season of gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives. We implore you to think of WAAA this holiday season for your charitable giving. Turn your passion into action—help children with ASD thrive.