For most children, the holiday season is a magical experience, but it can be stressful and triggering for those with special needs. Children on the autism spectrum are especially vulnerable to overstimulation from too many people, bright lights, and music. Here are a few tips caregivers can use to make the holidays enjoyable for children with special needs.

How to Celebrate the Holidays With Children With Special Needs

1. Create Quiet Spaces in Your Home

Hosting friends and family members can make your house a noisy, bustling place. While you might love the activity, a child with special needs can find the unfamiliar sounds stressful.

Giving them a quiet place of their own can help them control their stress level. Just knowing they have a quiet zone of their own might make the holidays less overwhelming.

2. See a Sensory-Friendly Santa

Many malls and shopping centers host Santa visits in environments specially designed for children with autism or other special needs. These photo opportunities are quieter and more relaxed, with fewer people for your children to interact with.

Some locations even offer various services designed for children with different needs. These services give your children an opportunity to meet Santa like anyone else.

3. Watch Movies in a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Going to the movies can be triggering for many people with sensory issues or special needs. Many movie theaters now offer showings designed to be comforting for people with sensory issues.

These theaters may leave the lights on and turn down the sound, reducing the surprises that can be so stressful for children with special needs. With these specialized services, caregivers can give children experiences they’ll enjoy.

If you or a loved one need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting, and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits and caregivers, if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their caregivers and services.