It's Easier to Enjoy Visits with Friends and Families Than You Think
Visiting friends and family when you have kids can be stressful. If you have a child with autism, it can become even more of a challenge. Maybe the recent holiday season provided you with first-hand experience of what it’s like.
If your visit didn’t go as hoped, don’t give up on future get-togethers! There are things you can do ahead of time that can reduce your stress, put your hosts at ease, and give everyone a chance to have a nice time.
Seven Tips for Less Stress
1. Talk to your hosts about your child’s autism. They care about your family and can take an active role in making simple changes to their home environment to make your child more comfortable.
2. Let them know what your child likes or doesn’t like. Does your child like hugs? Does your child react to loud noises? Do animals scare them? What should they do if your child gets upset? Answering these questions before you visit can lower everybody’s stress level, including your child’s, and help set everyone up for success.
3. Ask what foods will be served during your visit. If your child is a picky eater, it may be best to pack food for them and let your hosts know that’s what you’re planning. They may be able to provide something your child likes to eat.
4. See if your hosts can designate a safe space in their house for your child. If your child becomes overwhelmed during the visit, they can retreat to the quiet room or space. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that will benefit your child!
5. Prime your child for the visit. Set their expectations so there are no surprises. This means talking to them beforehand and explaining what is going to happen. For example, “Tomorrow we’re eating dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, and then we’re sleeping over!”
6. Try to keep to your child’s routine as much as possible. This may not always be possible when you’re away from home, but maybe your child can still eat and go to bed around the same time each day. This will help your child know what to expect and minimize unwanted behaviors.
7. Pack a few of your child’s favorite toys or items. This is really a no-brainer for any child. Toys and other items help keep children occupied, but they can also be used to calm your child down if they become overwhelmed.
A visit with friends and family should be a time full of fun and good memories. Hopefully, with these seven tips, your future trips will be!
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The Behavior Exchange is a Behavior Health Center of Excellence® and an in-network provider.
written by Amber Barbroski, BCBA