Thanksgiving has come and gone and now comes the holiday season full of shopping and preparing for the holidays to come. Crowded malls, bright displays, and blaring music can take a toll on many holiday shoppers, but these things can be overwhelming for many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory overload is often something parents worry about when it comes to the holiday season. This can cause stress and fear for parents with children with ASD.

These 7 tips can help families lessen the stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Shopping Trips

Holiday shopping in crowded stores and malls can be stressful and over-stimulating, especially for children with autism and sensory sensitivities. Below are some quick tips for taking your child with you when shopping.

1. Preparation is key!

   1. Before going out to shop this season ensure that your child knows what to expect. Coming up with a schedule beforehand and making your child aware of it can help with what to expect while out shopping. Visual schedules are great for children, as they can see exactly what you have planned for your shopping trip.

2. Make it fun!

   1. Making a list that identifies the items you are shopping for can give your child an idea of what your shopping trip will involve. Make it a game to cross off all the items on the list, and as soon as all the items are crossed off giving your child a special prize for helping can help make shopping more fun and enjoyable for kids.

3. Noise

   1. For kids who have sensory sensitivities, especially to sound, will benefit from the use of noise-canceling headphones. If you have a pair, bring them with you on your trip.

4. Less is more

   1. Limit the amount of time you are out shopping. Most kids have a limit to how long they can handle being out and about. When it comes to shopping knowing your child's limit, and having a way of getting your child home if you're still out is a good idea. Having another adult with you to take kids home if needed, or to take them to a less busy and noisy place will help everyone involved with your shopping trip.

5. Pack comforting items

   1. Whether you’re heading out for a quick shopping trip, or for the day, bring items your child is familiar with. Having these on hand can help your child calm down during stressful times during your trip. It is also a good idea to bring food items your child likes for those times your child becomes hungry while out and doesn't like any of the food in your vicinity.

6. Take safety measures

   1. Holiday shopping days can be very busy. This means having a safety plan in place is a very good idea. Have your mobile phone number on your child’s arm or on a card on them. Take a photo of your child on your phone, and practice how to wait and how to ask for help. When arriving at your destination, review the plan and make sure your child understands it. Make sure to reiterate this every time you go somewhere new. Make sure to plan where to wait, who to ask for help, etc. if they were to get lost. Split your attention and always be aware of what your child is doing or where they are. (Van der Zande, I., 2018)

7. Celebrate!

   1. Celebrate all the things that went right at the end of your shopping trip. Give a reward for a job well done, and explain what they did to make the trip fun for everyone. Remember that things didn't have to be perfect or go perfectly for it to have been great! (Van der Zande, I., 2018)

Some other things you can look for this holiday season are stores that offer sensory-friendly shopping days or hours. Some stores that often have these days are Barnes & Noble and Target. You can also look for a sensory-friendly Santa program through Autism Speaks. You can find the date and times of this awesome event at this following link.

References:

Van der Zande, Irene. (September, 2018). Holiday Safety Plan. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org