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Spread the word! Registration for Cohort 1 closes October 1st! Only a few spots left 🌟

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12/10/2022

Parents often look forward to their child skipping down the stairs on Christmas morning and tearing open their presents under the tree. However, the reality for some parents with autistic children can be very different.

Tips for families this gift giving season;

⋒ Focus on YOUR child. What are their interests? If it’s not toys, that’s okay! There is nothing wrong with getting a bag of bubble wrap or even a can with beans in it. Maybe it’s their tenth ABC toy because that’s what they love. Maybe consider an “experience” gift to the trampoline park or other locations they like. If it’s something your child enjoys then it’s perfect!

⋒ Don’t get “wrapped up” in the perfect delivery, Some children dislike the sound of tearing paper, or the idea that something is hiding under it. Try using gift bags instead of wrapping paper, and if even that is too much, just hand them the gift, unwrapped.

The holiday season can be full of expectations. Remember to take it day by day and each family’s journey is their own 💛

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11/22/2022

For many, Christmas decorating brings feelings of joy! Seeing your home filled with red and green, twinkly lights shining, and the smell of an evergreen sitting in the living room.

However, for some autistic individuals, this can be a stressful time that challenges their trust in their environment. That home they wake up to every morning is suddenly different! Their sense of order and understanding of how things work is violated. How do they know and trust that nothing else in their world will change?

Many families see an increase in dysregulation during this time and have a hard time determining the trigger.

Prior to decorating, keep this in mind and set your child up for success!
🌟 Discuss this change in advance or read social stories with pictures of the decorations from last year.
🌟 Validate their feelings.
🌟 Keep as much consistency in routine and decorations as possible.
🌟 Try having your child be apart of the decorating and give them a sense of control and ownership