Traditionally I post about Christams time activities and how it affects our kids....
The sensory overload of sounds, sights and smells..not to mention the change of routine and schedules, traveling, visitors, school programs etc...we as "typical" people have to put our highest coping mechanisms in place, can you imagine what it must be like for our "kids"???
Many scoff it off as "it's that time of the year" and even many parents who have special needs children will power thru and even "coerce" their children to COPE......by reasoning that it's just part of life and the year. I can honestly say that this year inparticular has been extremely hard for me...be it age, health or emotional condition something's "in the air"!
I cannot fathom how it would feel to have autism and deal with all the "holidays" have to throw at us...
Christmas Eve is upon us and most of the craziness is passed so it should taper off. There will always be residule effects some that may stick around for a month or two and others that potentially will hold on for quite a bit longer.
if you are out and about and for some reason you see a person struggling with repetitious behavior or vocal stemming, chewing fingers, twisting hair, talking to themselves or completely withdrawn..just know you are probably near the world of autism and are witnessing coping skills.There will be parents or caregivers close by,give them a hug with your eyes.....I can't tell you how much that means to us....
For the moment Merry Christmas and here's to a New Year..chocked full of new adventures!
