A long-awaited holiday may become an overwhelming experience for anybody, especially a child with disability. Paying a visit to friends, setting on a journey, or having a family dinner can turn into exhaustive, stressful experience. This may sound a little discouraging, but don’t let the anticipated difficulties bring you down.

Here are some tips that will help you to breathe through this holiday season:

 

1.  Prepare: discuss the upcoming event with your child. Try to be descriptive and use short, simple sentences. Try to go over every detail to make sure nothing takes your child by surprise.

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2.  Stick to the schedule: try to elaborate a plan for each of the upcoming holidays and follow it as closely as possible. A special occasion doesn’t have to make your child step aside from the daily routine. Have dinner and go to bed at the usual time, do your everyday activities, such as playing, going for a walk, and so on.

3.  Make an escape plan: be prepared to sneak away from the noisy gathering. Find a quiet soothing space near you where your child can take a break and relax.