As we all know, Christmas can be a very challenging time for children & young people who have additional needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder, attachment needs and anxiety.
We don’t have to tell you how schools and home life change at this time of year, the unexpected visitors dropping in, endless play rehearsals in noisy school halls, Christmas parties, watching films, decorations, glitter, dressing up, and as the whole atmosphere at school and home changes this can lead to some of children becoming very confused, overwhelmed and distressed at this time.
Sometimes we can forget some of the basics that help our children so attached are some resources you might find useful during this time including:
A sample of a social story to support children at Christmas time, which you will need to personalise.
Examples of additional visual supports that could be used.
Some tips for parents.
There is also a story written from the perspective of a child with ASD about how they find Christmas.
‘Our Story’ is a free ipad app that allows you to take pictures and then write a sentence, or record audio, which may be useful for preparing younger children for some of the changes at Christmas time. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/our-story-for-ipad/id681769838?mt=8
We also know that you will have other useful tips and bits of information - please do share these through our Facebook page so we can help each other.
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