The holidays can bring as much stress as they do joy for many people with autism and their families. Feasting, large gatherings, traveling and breaks in routine are among the top triggers of anxiety and behavior changes this time of year. In this edition of E-Speaks, we offer coping tips and tricks to help create an autism-friendly Thanksgiving.
It all starts with planning, according to our behavioral expert and vice president of services and supports, Arianna Esposito, and self-advocate, Dr. Anne Grego-Nagel. Among their advice is to set boundaries for conversations and incorporate familiarity, like a comfort food, into festivities. Hear from our contributor and self-advocate Brigid Rankowski who shares supports she has put in place to help her get through the holiday season in good spirits. “There are often jokes about needing a vacation from our vacations,” she says. “Yet that doesn’t have to be the case.”
Later, after the turkey and pumpkin pie are gobbled up, find out how you can kick-off Christmas with an autism-friendly visit with Santa. But first, we share a story of gratitude from one of our community members who reminds us there is always something to be thankful for.
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