Post by RS on Dec 1, 2013 15:27:59 GMT
Well another year is starting to come to and end and everyone is looking forward to Christmas, for many of the children this will mean a visit from Father Christmas, affectionately know as Santa.
But Christmas also bring with it a few problems of its own, it mean's a host of changes around the house and new and often exciting changes taking place. However as many parents will tell you changes to the day to day activity in the home can result it it's own problems.
For some children change no matter how little can cause difficulties. The only advice of which many parents will be aware of it to introduce changes slowly, and start to introduce Christmas decorations at the start of December so that children who find changes difficult will have time to adjust to the new, sights, sounds, smells and of course colours.
For any new parent of a child with a learning disability and this is the first Christmas which the child is truly experiences don't be afraid and take a chance to enjoy Christmas with your child, yes they will need your support as always but Christmas is a time for all Children and adults come to think of it to enjoy. Which ever way you as a parent introduce Christmas to your child, we hope you all have a lovely Christmas and please share your experiences.
Other top tips include:
Let people know what their gift will be. Although many enjoy the surprise around receiving a mysterious gift, a lot of people with autism can find this experience stressful and anxiety inducing, as they cannot prepare for what to expect. Why not try choosing the gift and wrapping paper together so they know what to expect on the day?
Don’t be disappointed. Watching someone open a gift you have chosen and seeing their happiness is a wonderful experience. But some people with autism may need more time to process the new information. James, who has Asperger syndrome, says, “people with autism do not always show an immediate response, as they have to spend time adjusting to the [new] gift”. Some gift-givers, such as extended family members, may be unable to accompany the person with autism to choose a present. Ask them instead to reveal what the present is before opening time to help reduce the anxiety.
Avoid peak shopping periods. Shopping centres and busy high streets can cause anxiety and aggravate the sensory needs of a person with autism. Sally, one of our supporters suggests, “Shopping online or using catalogues is a great way to avoid loud shops and long queues”.
But Christmas also bring with it a few problems of its own, it mean's a host of changes around the house and new and often exciting changes taking place. However as many parents will tell you changes to the day to day activity in the home can result it it's own problems.
For some children change no matter how little can cause difficulties. The only advice of which many parents will be aware of it to introduce changes slowly, and start to introduce Christmas decorations at the start of December so that children who find changes difficult will have time to adjust to the new, sights, sounds, smells and of course colours.
For any new parent of a child with a learning disability and this is the first Christmas which the child is truly experiences don't be afraid and take a chance to enjoy Christmas with your child, yes they will need your support as always but Christmas is a time for all Children and adults come to think of it to enjoy. Which ever way you as a parent introduce Christmas to your child, we hope you all have a lovely Christmas and please share your experiences.
Other top tips include:
Let people know what their gift will be. Although many enjoy the surprise around receiving a mysterious gift, a lot of people with autism can find this experience stressful and anxiety inducing, as they cannot prepare for what to expect. Why not try choosing the gift and wrapping paper together so they know what to expect on the day?
Don’t be disappointed. Watching someone open a gift you have chosen and seeing their happiness is a wonderful experience. But some people with autism may need more time to process the new information. James, who has Asperger syndrome, says, “people with autism do not always show an immediate response, as they have to spend time adjusting to the [new] gift”. Some gift-givers, such as extended family members, may be unable to accompany the person with autism to choose a present. Ask them instead to reveal what the present is before opening time to help reduce the anxiety.
Avoid peak shopping periods. Shopping centres and busy high streets can cause anxiety and aggravate the sensory needs of a person with autism. Sally, one of our supporters suggests, “Shopping online or using catalogues is a great way to avoid loud shops and long queues”.