It’s the holidays! And for autism families this can be a very stressful time of year. This episode kicks off our Autism Holidays Survival Series as we discuss how to handle family gatherings. Extended family can be a source of stress for many, and for our kids on the autism spectrum family gatherings can be difficult. This episode will provide some tips on making it a success and things you may not have thought about.

 In this episode you will discover:

• How to handle the comments and questions from your family that you dread most.
• What you can do to prepare your child for family gatherings.
• Why forcing your kid to kiss grandma is a bad idea.
• What to do about dietary issues when eating at someone else’s home.

 Show Notes

How To Deal With Family Gatherings:

1. Use a social story before the event.
2. Don’t force your child to give hugs or kisses.
3. Encourage others to respect your child’s dietary needs or restrictions.
4. Don’t use family gatherings as a time to show off your child’s new skills.
5. Take turns with your spouse or significant other, so you can both have time to enjoy the gathering.
6. Don’t allow others to talk about your child in front of them, as if they aren’t there.
7. Keep your expectations realistic and remember your child is doing the best they can…always.

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