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

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at [email protected]

If you want to change your life and become Not Your Average Autism Mom, get all the details at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

We would love to walk alongside you on your unique autism parenting journey.