Rethink Autism offers free holiday tips for families

By Staff Writer

The holiday season is typically a festive time of year for many Americans, but it can be difficult for children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Annual events around the holidays - such as family-get togethers, gift-giving and special foods - can be a challenge for children who have an ASD, who may find these activities to be unpredictable and difficult to navigate. Rethink Autism - an educational technology company that produces online treatment tools for parents and professionals - recently offered some suggestions and free online videos that are designed to help families of autistic kids.

When preparing an autistic child for a large gathering of people, the organization recommends creating a picture book that includes photos of people and locations that the family will be visiting. This book can be used as a review tool for children, explaining to them what will occur at these social events and what is the appropriate way to behave around these people.

Furthermore, if there are sing-a-longs or interactive games at this gathering, it may help to practice these events with autistic children several times before the event. All of these suggestions are intended to help kids with an ASD feel more comfortable and socially accepted among their friends and family members during the holidays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an ASD.