114. The Holidays Look Different in our House

Sometimes, in our autism homes, the holidays are as stressful as
they are joyful but much of that comes back to you and how
willing you are to do things differently.  Most people
assume that everyone enjoys receiving gifts, especially children
right? But if your child exhibits more stress and difficult
behaviors when they receive gifts, maybe it is time to try
something new this year.


I spent way too many years, expecting Jordan to show his
excitement in a way I believed was typical and how I thought he
should and being so disappointed when he didn’t react to his
gifts the way I thought he should.  What if instead of
following traditions or having unrealistic expectations you
explore ways to help your child learn to enjoy this special time?


I think it is important to not leave gift-giving from your family
open to random gifts. Take time to communicate with the people in
your life who will be buying gifts for your child. Taking the
time to do this ahead of time will make gift giving and receiving
so much better for not just your child but also for those family
members or friends who are giving the gifts.


Each of our children have individual characteristics and while
the holidays and gift giving and receiving may not be what you
imagined, like so many other things along this unique autism
parenting journey we are all on, it is important that you don’t
get fixated on how things should be or what normal looks like and
instead accepting your child and your family just as they are and
most important, being willing to do the holidays different and in
a way that works for you and your family without worrying about
what anyone else thinks it should or shouldn’t be.


Additional Resources:


109. Why Waiting is so Difficult


67. Changing your Script in the New Year


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on the podcast, email us directly at
info@notyouraverageautismmom.com


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We would love to walk alongside you on your unique autism
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