Adapting to Holiday Routine and Schedule Changes

Adapting to schedule changes during the holidays can be overstimulating for everyone. With the holidays in full effect, there’s a possibility that events will pop up, relatives will visit, and some partying will happen. Autistic children and teenagers often thrive on predictable routines and schedules that make them feel comfortable. Changes to routines can sometimes include:

• Going to new (crowded) places

• Eating new foods (check out our food selectivity blog)

• Wearing new clothes

• Traveling to new places

• Not being able to complete activities (e.g. art projects, lego sets, games, etc.)

• Canceled activities such as bad weather or someone getting sick

Although routine changes cannot always be predicted, if your child has had a history of difficulties with routine changes, it may be helpful to start practicing ‘flexibility.’ Flexibility is the ability to accept changes accordingly. Understanding the trends of behavior can help you identify where you can help to support your child. Once you’ve identified the triggers, you can begin discussing and practicing scenarios that may come up during the holiday. If your child knows what to expect during unexpected events, they are able to cope with these changes better.

Try some of these strategies!

• 1. Social Stories

  Social stories allow for your children to visualize and predict what might or will happen in different social situations. For example, making a story about going to see Santa at the mall using pictures of Santa, Santa’s Elves, kids standing in a line and what the camera person will look like, can make the experience seem more predictable. Adding in possible “challenges” can prepare your child on what will happen during the appointment.

• 2. Timers

  Using timers aids in switching away from favorite activities. Making the expectation clear, and setting an end to the activities will allow for your child to prepare for transitions. If your child is having too much fun playing tag with their cousin but if on a tight potty schedule, set a timer to put a hold on festivities! Tip: The easiest way is to have your phone timer ready to go, but you can also download some cute Timer Apps on the Apple/Google Store.

• 3. Visual Schedules

  Even if you are not using a visual schedule daily, introducing visual schedules during the holidays can aid towards priming and preparing your child for the daily changes. For our little ones, adding in pictures of family members on your calendar to let them know that person might be visiting. Reviewing the schedule throughout the day will help remind everyone of what to expect.

• 4. Try to keep some routines even if you’re in a different setting

  Even if you are not home, you can bring home to you. Allow for your child to pack a small bag of their favorite things and toys to keep with them on your trip. If everyone takes a walk after lunch time, try to keep that routine by exploring a new place! Try your best to keep bedtimes, meal times, or even quiet time consistent (only if the schedule permits for it of course).

• 5. Provide Breaks and Patience

  When changes are made, sometimes it can take some extra time to accept these changes. To help your child regulate during big events, try spending a little more time with them before or during the events. If you are at a big family function on Christmas Eve, try putting on a nice warm coat and taking a walk in the backyard for a 5 minute break so they can get a break from all the hugs and kisses.

• 6. Seek Help from friends, and family

  Including other people in planning events can create a supportive environment for you and your child. Don’t be afraid to ask other people for help when practicing new skills. Siblings can be great at practicing social stories and modeling. Reach out to your Santa seeing even to see what accommodations can be made for your child. We cannot be certain until we ask. Ask if you can ‘practice’ or earlier in the day. It doesn’t hurt to try!

• 7. Encourage and Reinforce Flexibility

  Sometimes, the unexpected arises and we’re left with a big ‘surprise event.’ Try announcing it! “Oh we had a little surprise pop up today.” Start associating the word ‘Surprise’ with fun activities such as a surprise game or a surprise visit from their favorite Aunty. Even if it’s a surprise that changes the schedule a little bit, reminding your kids what the rest of their day looks like. Don’t forget to reinforce successful attempts at flexibility and don’t be afraid to boast about what a rockstar they’ve been.

Schedule changes can be hard for everyone and sometimes exhausting. Occasionally, we have no control over what might pop up. Autistic people’s adherence to routines can change depending on if they are feeling sick,  who’s around, or what kind of environment they are in. Always remember, try your best to be patient and sometimes we must keep practicing so that it’ll get better. If you are having difficulties with certain transitional changes, don’t be afraid to let your BCBA or support team know.