Bushel & A Peck
  • Blog
  • Health & Fitness
  • Artist Biography
  • Paintings
  • Photography
  • Drawings, etc.
  • About Me
  • Contact Me






Autism & Christmas

12/26/2013

2 Comments

 
   Christmas is a very exciting time for children, I think that is a given! But for a child with Autism, it can also be extremely stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. I wish I understood what made Christmas so overwhelming for my son with Autism (I have some ideas)-let's be honest though, what "normal" adult doesn't feel overwhelmed at Christmas?! So, of course a child with Autism would feel it too!
Picture
Caleb as a 4 year old decorating the tree
    My son Caleb seems to have a "Christmas Threshold" where he can tolerate just so much, then he cracks.   
    This year, we are staying with family for around 10 days (not sure yet-it depends on how much we're falling apart! ). And I am just hoping for the best....so far, he's only had a few minor meltdowns. :(  He spent one night hiding in a dark bedroom away from everyone and everything. He was starting to fall apart, so we quickly ushered him into seclusion, and it did the trick, but it feels heartbreaking because he missed out on everything that night (including the family photo-he has a deep fear/distain for group family photos!).  
Picture
Playing with a gift. Caleb had that slinky broken in about 20 minutes!
    
​     In years past, we looked forward to Christmas with much (MUCH!!!) anxiety, knowing that Caleb could at any moment fall apart-and fall apart hard. He would seem fine, but then (with us not really knowing why) he would turn into a screaming, flailing, out-of-control little guy. It was so sad to watch, and then either my husband or I would take him into a quiet bedroom to let him continue un-raveling, or we would pack up and go (with people staring).
Picture
Caleb and old Santy-Claus. This was a very rare moment for Caleb in the holiday-he waited in a long line, then sat with a Santa for a photo-we were very proud of him that day.

     Last night and today he is spending time with a favorite relative, my brother-in-law Steve. Yes, he loves the rest of that family too, but he really loves Steve. I mean, he's a real cowboy for goodness sake (hahaha....those who know Steve know how funny that illusion is....) :) 

      Special moments, like visiting Steve, really make Caleb so happy during our visits to family, and help him to stay happy. It also gives my husband and I a much needed break. Do we love Caleb? Obviously we do! But do we need our moments away from him? We sure do!
​
Picture
      Caleb has had some shining moments this Christmas though-like his Christmas concert at school. Just a few years ago, he had a crying, upset fit because we had gone to school in the evening (not normal), we were with him there (not normal)-it was all just "off" to him, so he fell apart. This year? We got to school, he went where he needed to go, and put on a great show (see the fabulous picture below of him "Rocking around the Christmas tree"!) 
Picture
Caleb rocking out at his school Christmas concert. I'm not sure where he got his dramatic flare. ;)
     This Christmas, let yourself become aware of how this upside-downsy season might make someone feel who is constantly trying to make sense of the world. A child who finds a "normal" day overwhelming is being asked to dress in their prickly church clothes, visit family who get in your face to say, "hi!" very loudly,  look at bright, twinkly lights everywhere, hear the sounds of ripping paper, & lots of chatter, smelling lots of foods, and perfumes-some of these things can be  fun-but really, too much for a kid with Autism.

     Be extra patient, extra kind, and show some extra love. That will help anyone have a great Christmas-but especially a child with Autism (and also their parents!). :)

2 Comments
JoAnne
12/25/2013 11:01:56 pm

Christmas with Aidan went really well this year. It was lovely to have him so engaged with the activities. We never take him to church with us however. There are limits.

Reply
Amy-Lyn
12/26/2013 02:53:50 am

Haha, there sure are limits!!! :) I'm really happy Aidan was engaged and enjoyed his Christmas! It's one thing to just get through the festivities, but it's another thing altogether to know that the kids actually enjoyed it. I hope you had a good Christmas too! xoxoxo

Reply



Leave a Reply.



    Welcome To
     Bushel &
    A Peck!

    Hi, I'm Amy-Lyn!

    Picture
    I am the lady behind this here blog! I live in the sticks with my animals, my super handsome husband, and my
    ​ 3 amazing kids! 
    Here you'll find things from recipes (gluten-free, paleo, and strait up junk food!), DIY ideas, thoughts on raising a son with autism, and whatever else pops into my brain! : )  

    Read more about me by clicking here!

    Want to Stay Connected?

    RSS Feed


    Subscribe to my mailing list!

    * indicates required

    Find What
    ​You're Looking For on the Site!



    Vitacost.com

     Most Popular Posts

    Meat & Potato Casserole
    Gluten-Free Meat & Potato Casserole
    Picture
    D.I.Y Tea Cup Bird Feeder
    Picture
    Mini Caprese Kabobs

    Featured in The Huffington Post

    Picture
    Paleo Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies

    Featured in Woman's Day

    Picture
    Chicken Bundles


    Categories

    All
    Antiques
    Autism
    Birthday
    Breakfast
    Chocolate
    Dessert
    Diy
    Family
    Five Minute Friday
    Giveaway!
    Gluten Free
    Health-fitness
    Lunch/Dinner
    Miscarriage
    Motivational Monday!
    Muffins
    My Thoughts...
    Nifty Ideas
    Paleo
    Primal
    Recipes
    Sandwiches
    Soup
    Tea Party


    Some of my favourite products! 


    Archives

    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

    my foodgawker gallery
  • Blog
  • Health & Fitness
  • Artist Biography
  • Paintings
  • Photography
  • Drawings, etc.
  • About Me
  • Contact Me