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Autism & Id Holidays

While the holiday season is a blessed time to enjoy with family and friends, for some it can be overwhelming. Children with emotional regulation, social communication and unusually sensitive sensory systems such as children with autism can find maintaining ties with family and visiting loved ones stressful. In the spirit of enjoying a happy 'Id Al-Fitr, Dr. Amel Hussein Alawami shares tips to help parents of children with autism during this time.

Keep social visits short and to a minimum

Make only necessary visits and keep them short to prevent your child from developing unwanted behaviors. It is best to spread visits over the three days of 'Id so that your child is not overwhelmed on the first day.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep

The lack of sleep and the changes in sleep pattern after the month of Ramadan increases the likelihood of unwanted behaviors. Try to ensure your child gets some rest before Eid visits and celebrations. Allow them to nap and rest for an hour or two especially if their sleep has been disturbed.

Try on the 'Id clothes before

When choosing Eid clothes, try to avoid styles, materials, or colors that may increase your child’s sensory difficulties. Let your child get used to the new outfit by practicing wearing it beforehand. Your child does not need to wear Eid clothes all day as they can be impractical and restrictive. Celebrate at the beginning of the day and then change into more comfortable clothes later.

Limit the amount of sweets your child eats

You need to pay attention to the amount of sugar children consume as it can lead to mood swings, making it difficult to manage your child's energy and emotions. Serve your child a protein-rich meal before visits to reduce hunger and the desire for sweets. And remember to bring a few healthy snacks with you.

Openly communicate with your child

It is important to prepare your child for what is to come. Tell them whom they will meet if you plan to visit someone, show them pictures of the houses and the people they will meet, teach them some greetings and responses, read with them about Eid, and discuss the behaviors expected of them, such as asking for permission and speaking calmly. Reinforce these positive behaviors and maintain active communication with your child by reminding them of the agreed-upon rules and the consequences of not following instructions.

Observe and respond to your child’s behavior

Make sure your child tells you when they feel tired and want to leave, so they do not resort to unwanted behaviors. Keep your visit short and avoid sitting for long periods to avoid unacceptable behavior. Watch your child’s nonverbal cues and be aware of changes in behavior. Be prepared to leave the house at any time.

Spend time playing outside

During Eid, children should play active games in the garden, backyard, or farm under adults’ supervision to ensure the safety of the group. You can create a program for children with organized, dynamic, fun group activities and prizes where all participants are winners to avoid competition, keep them occupied and limit undesirable behaviors. Allow your child to carry a favorite toy or a blanket to feel safe and regulate their emotions when needed.

Limit screen time and find alternatives

It’s okay for kids to spend some time on screens doing fun activities like playing video games, but try to limit the daily screen time to 3-4 hours a day. If you want to completely avoid electronic devices, you need to find alternative activities, such as playing cards, Uno, Monopoly, Carrom, or other fun group activities.

Be aware of sensory overload

The abundance of sensory stimuli and the high energy present in the Eid atmosphere can cause some children to lose their emotional balance and the ability to control their reactions. To support your child:

• Stay close to them, assess the situation and provide appropriate intervention as needed.
• If you notice your child is upset or out of control, it is best to intervene directly and/or remove the child from the situation and reassure them.
• Provide the sensory input they prefer, such as a hug, to make them feel safe and secure.

One final note

A critical part of parenting is overlooking behaviors that are not dangerous to self or others. It is okay to be lenient on some things during 'Iid. Also, please remember to always praise the child's desired behavior to encourage them to continue positive behavior even when it is not 'Id.

We all need to spend quality time with family members, and there is nothing more blessing than strengthening our family ties during 'Id.

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