Wondering how to get through the holidays? You're not alone. Many families with a loved one on the autism spectrum feel overwhelmed this time of year and contact Milestones for some extra support. Below, we answer some of the most common questions we hear during the holiday season.

What can I do to make traveling easier for my loved one?
Milestones has compiled tips for you to ensure that your travel for a vacation or family gathering starts and ends on a positive note. Read the Milestones Travel Tips Toolkit for ways to make your flights successful!

When possible, have your loved one visit the airport and go through a "mock run". Also, check to see if there are school groups or organizations like Wings for Autism in your area who can help your family with this.

How do I make my home welcoming for autistic loved ones?
Reference our "How to Make a Place Welcoming" quick tips! Don't be afraid to ask the autistic teen or adult or their parent how to make gatherings better for them. They will be grateful you asked instead of assumed.

How do I encourage my child to come out of their room to spend time with family?
Make a contract with them and negotiate when and how long you would like them to participate with the family. Assure them you are not trying to take away all their downtime or screen time. The pleasantries and increased social expectations of the holidays may be lost to our loved one or may not matter to them at all. That's okay - use what does matter to them (another ten minutes on their video game) to motivate them to join you at the dinner table.

There is so much to do this month - how will my family juggle it all?
Take time to prioritize what's really important to you and your family during the holiday season. If getting a picture with Santa is important enough to struggle through a possible meltdown, make that the goal and support your child with visual supports, reinforcements, and social stories to help them reach that goal. If having your child sit down as part of the family meal or service is the top priority, make a plan to help your child understand the schedule and provide their favorite reinforcers through the activity.

Can my child's other caregiver(s) and I enjoy our holiday season too?
Make sure you are planning a break for everyone, including YOU! Your child's teacher and therapist get a winter break - do you or your child's other supports, like your partner or their siblings, get a break too?

Even if it's 20 minutes of secluded ice cream time after dinner, make sure you are taking breaks for yourself. If you need more in-home support to get your break, reach out to Milestones to get referrals for respite providers or aides. Remember, you do not have to go it alone.

I am worried my child will get restless during downtime. How do I help my child enjoy their winter break?
Make a plan to keep your loved one engaged while on break. Schedule a few specific activities that they will enjoy - a trip to see sensory-friendly Santa, a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley train, a trip to the zoo - these activities will help your child remain excited and motivated to work towards their desired activities (find autism friendly events here).

How can I help my child or loved one with some extra visual support at the dinner table this holiday season?
Check out these holiday placemats from Milestones that can be used to simplify communication during special occasions with family and friends. Visual supports such as this can be used in various settings to support nonverbal or shy individuals on the spectrum as they communicate and express their needs in new or familiar settings.

Simply download your favorite, print it, and place it on the table to use as a convenient visual guide!

How should I deal with friends or relatives who don't know my loved one is autistic?
People may have questions about how to best interact with them. Relieve their concerns and show them this list of suggestions on how to be a friend or relative to an autistic person.

As always, you can fill out an Intake form for our free autism Helpdesk if you need resources or further guidance.