Missionary Renegade: Autism Speaks in New York, New York, United States for Friday, 17 November 2017 "Your must-read Thanksgiving and holiday tips"

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Autism Speaks in New York, New York, United States for Friday, 17 November 2017 "Your must-read Thanksgiving and holiday tips"

Autism Speaks in New York, New York, United States for Friday, 17 November 2017 "Your must-read Thanksgiving and holiday tips"

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We're so thankful for everyone in our Autism Speaks family. Here are some resources to help ensure that you and your loved ones with autism enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday tips for people with autism spectrum disorders

The holiday season is a joyful time of year, but can be challenging for people with autism. Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress. So, we've assembled some tips to help.

The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, but it also can be stressful for kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress.
Members of the Autism Parent Advisory Board at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a member of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, partnered with Kathryn Smith, RN, DrPH, nurse care manager in the Boone Fetter Clinic to provide tips every parent and caregiver can use during the holiday season. Creating a visual story (a series of pictures or drawings) before each holiday can help your child prepare for the day’s activities - see one example here. The following are some ideas to help you and your child enjoy the holidays this year and every year.
Before a Holiday Event

Practice sitting at the table with the plates, lighting and music before the holiday gathering.
Draw pictures about the holiday to help your child prepare for the events.
Eat holiday foods in advance to determine what your child does or does not like. Help them become more comfortable with the food selection.
Reflect on your holiday traditions and your child’s sensory and behavioral profile and how your child will interact with these traditions.
Prepare for the family environment. Will you be at grandma’s house? Another family member's? Consider preparing an area for your child to play, or a space for your child to decompress if they become overwhelmed by the sensory stimulation. Encourage other children or adults to join your child.
Prepare an activity for your child, if you know they have an aversion to a holiday tradition, like watching football on Thanksgiving Day. Your child may not like loud noises, so take your child outside to play or have the children play games in another room.
Talk to your occupational therapist for recommendations on how to prepare your child to handle the noise of the holiday season.
Take your child to a small holiday-themed store so they can look at lights prior to setting up a Christmas tree. Here are some things to think about:
Are they attracted to the lights?
Do they have an aversion to the lights? If so, do not use lights and add ribbons, paper chains and other festive touches.
What is an alternative to having lights on your tree if your child has an aversion?
Is your child allergic to pine?
If your child likes to pull pine needles off the tree and eat them, consider an alternative, like an artificial Christmas tree or place a small real one on a high table, out of reach.
Do you have glass ornaments and is your child safe with these? If not, consider only plastic ornaments.
If your child doesn’t have fine motor skills, practice opening gifts. For example, have your child wrap little fun objects and open them.
Put pictures on the gifts instead of names because your child might not recognize everyone’s names.
Make a calendar so your child knows when the tree is coming and going to the recycle bin or getting discarded.
Count down when the gifts will be opened, “Ten days until we open gifts!”
Consider hiding gifts until it’s time to open.
Practice any expected behaviors in advance, like shaking hands with a guest, placing a napkin in a lap, etc.
Day-of Holiday Events
Prepare your child’s favorite foods and snacks in case the child doesn’t like the holiday meal. If you are going to another home, take your child’s favorite foods, music and snacks with you.
Schedule an early dinner or eat in advance to a family get-together.
Reward your child throughout the event and reinforce positive behaviors.
Use ABA/floor time techniques: “First, we will do this,” “Second, we will do this,” etc.
Assign tasks that you feel your child can manage, so they can participate on some level.
Keep your eye on your child for signs of anxiety or distress. If your child is very active take them to the park or a place where they can freely move to help them calm down.
Take great care to be sensitive to your children’s sensory issues.

Print this blog post and pin it on your bulletin board at home and share these tips with parents and caregivers for kids with autism spectrum disorders.
Is decorating your home part of your family traditions? Here are tips on safe holiday decorating from RN Remedies ® blogger, Rachel Blackburn.
If you have questions about the Boone Fetter Clinic’s autism, neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders services, we welcome you to visit CHLA.org/Autism or call the Autism Warm Line at 323-361-6102, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Boone Fetter Clinic is a member of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.
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The Autism Speaks blog features opinions from people throughout the autism community. Each blog represents the point of view of the author and does not necessarily reflect Autism Speaks' beliefs or point of view.

Autism and Thanksgiving: How to cope with the feasting and hubbub

Behavior analyst Kara Reagon reassures an autism mom, "The good news is that there are many ways to help your child cope with the excitement and bustling activity, as well as the unaccustomed over-abundance of delicious food."

“We have a big extended family full of good cooks. So Thanksgiving is a big deal. Unfortunately it often doesn’t end well for our 13-year-old who has autism. The combination of family hubbub and limitless food tends to be too much. Do you have some tips for avoiding the usual meltdown and, er, “upheaval.”

Today’s “Food for Thought” response is from behavior analyst Kara Reagon.
Editor’s note: The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist.
I’m glad to hear that your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with family and good food. Thank you for reaching out with your question. There’s no doubt that your son’s issues are shared by many children and adults with autism.
The good news is that there are many ways to help your child cope with the excitement and bustling activity, as well as the unaccustomed over-abundance of delicious food.
Start building skills
It sounds like your son’s difficulties indicate a need to develop a number of important skills that can be taught in a stepwise manner. Ideally, you’ll want to start working on these well before the holidays. For example, you could work with your child’s teacher and/or behavioral therapist to develop goals such as the ability to self-monitor or take your signal that a break from the excitement is needed. Additionally, teaching children to ask for what they want is important. Often, disruptive behavior stems from wanting something but not knowing how to communicate that want. Of course, we also need teach that “sometimes we don’t get what we want.” That involves teaching coping skills around disappointment, including how to show disappointment appropriately, making alternative choices and dealing with time delays.
Teaching appropriate mealtime behavior can be time intensive, but the payoff is worth it. It will allow you and your families to enjoy meals together both at home and with others. For more tips on these subjects, see “The Importance of Table Manners,” and “Helping a Messy Eater to Reduce Teasing at School.”

Try a social story
An illustrated teaching story is one way to help your son calmly prepare for the big day. Teaching stories can be particularly useful in helping an individual on the spectrum understand the changes in routine occurring on Thanksgiving. The Autism Speaks Family Services department has developed a teaching story specifically for Thanksgiving (right). (Download it free here.)

Visual supports are another way to help your teen prepare. The Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorder tool kit provides a step-by-step, easy-to-understand introduction to visual supports with practical examples of how to use them to help your child. (Download it free here.)
You might create a visual calendar to help count down the days until Thanksgiving, as well as separate daily schedule of events for the day itself.
A visual schedule to slow down eatingYou can also use visual supports to help your son slow down the pace of his eating. For example, you can build a visual schedule that first shows a fork with a bite of food. The next picture shows an empty fork placed back on the plate. The third picture shows a child chewing. The fourth – the child wiping his mouth with a napkin, and so on. Prior to Thanksgiving, start bringing this schedule to the table at mealtime. You or your son can move a token marker down the schedule to help him keep track of which step he’s on. (Also see, and “Help! 10 Year Old with Autism Gorges Till He Throws Up.”)
Tip for Thanksgiving DayWhen Turkey Day arrives, here are some general tips for enjoying a holiday meal with a child or adult who has autism:
* Dress comfortably. This probably isn’t the best time for your son to wear something new or different – especially if this has been an issue in the past. (Pick your battles.)
* Talk with your family about keeping conversation, music and TV volume at an appropriate volume. This may be difficult if your family is anything like mine. Another option is to have your son use noise-reducing headphones – either alone or with some music he enjoys. Wearing headphones may not be appropriate for the entire day. But it can be very useful when you sense that your son is becoming overstimulated.
* Create a quiet room where your child can retreat and relax while waiting for the big meal. This is a great place to keep a bag of your son’s favorite toys, books and other independent activities.
* Most importantly, remember to catch your child being “good” – that is, playing, socializing or eating in an appropriate and healthy manner. Be sure to provide plenty of positive feedback. You know what your son likes – be it praise, a hug or a small reward such as a sticker or favorite toy. I understand that it can be hard to remember to reward a well-behaving child while you’re juggling the demands of preparing a holiday meal. Consider having a kitchen timer in your pocket or set your cell phone alarm as a reminder to touch base with your child and provide that positive feedback before disruptive behavior occurs.
* Consider minimizing table décor, including scented candles. Remember, the day will be filled with the savory and sweet aromas from all the delicious food you’re preparing. It can help to reduce other sensory input at the table.
* If you’re worried that your child will gorge on snacks and appetizers prior to the meal, consider moving these treats out of sight or under cover. You may need to enlist the help of understanding family members. For example, consider placing the appetizers in one place in bowls and platters that have covers. Ask family members to take turns monitoring the “snack zone” and assist children with appropriate portions.
* Once at the table, you can help an over-excited eater slow down by placing small portions of food on his plate. You can always serve seconds.
* If your son has difficulty controlling his impulse to grab food, consider sitting him immediately next to you or someone else who can provide support and reinforce appropriate table manners.
* Another option – if the family is willing – is to plate food in the kitchen rather than pile the table with serving platters. This avoids grabbing and encourages more of a pause between servings.
I hope these tips prove helpful. Please let us know in the coming weeks with a comment below or by writing us again at foodforthought@autismspeaks.org.
For more holiday-related advice, see:
Autism, holiday travel and toileting: Five tips for success on the road

Also see the Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Guide to Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism. Research suggests that more than half of individuals with autism struggle with food issues that can affect health and emotional wellbeing. This tool kit provides guidance from experts in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.
Readers: Got more questions for our behavioral and medical experts? Send them to GotQuestions@AutismSpeaks.org.
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Holiday travel tips

Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year to travel. Preparing a person with for plane travel — and new techniques used at airport security checkpoints — can make a huge difference in making holiday travel a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Holidays are the busiest time of year to travel by
plane. Preparing a child, teenager or adult with autism spectrum disorder for plane travel - and new security techniques used at airport security checkpoints - can make a huge difference in making holiday travel a more enjoyable experience for all involved.
Start by providing the airline with advanced information. Offer to email or fax information to let them know you will be traveling with an individual with autism and the challenges the individual may face on travel day. A good place to start is to prepare a one page document with information stating the diagnosis, any allergies or medications, and other special information (i.e. communication ability).
Persons with autism should always carry identification. Make sure an ID tag is attached somewhere on the individual. You can order medical bracelets, necklaces and tags to attach to shoe laces. If the individual carries a cell phone, activate the GPS device as a safety precaution. Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight. Acceptable identification includes: Drivers Licenses or other state photo identification cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles.
To help prepare the individual for the trip, bring a special item to make him or her feel more comfortable. A favorite electronic device or book can help focus the individual during travel days, which are often filled with lots of waiting, Having special foods readily available, rather than standing in long lines for food, will help things go smoothly.
Remember to rehearse or discuss the travel plans with the individual prior to the travel day. You can use the following social story, "Adventures with Autism: The Airport Experience!" prepared by Autism Speaks, JetBlue and Wyndham Worldwide, or you can create your own!
Traveling by Plane
"I called the airport and explained that my 6-year-old son Marcel has autism and had never flown before, and we were planning a trip in December. Before our travel day, airport personnel allowed my son to do a simulation of what would happen when he went through the security checkpoint step-by-step. This made all the difference Marcel. If you can't do a practice run, at the very least alert security about your child's needs." (Marcy Mullins, Cincinnati, OH)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Getting Through the Security Process!
Every individual has to be screened regardless of age or disability before going through an airport security checkpoint. Security techniques include: walk through metal detectors, Advanced Imaging Technology (ITA), pat-downs and other types of security measures. Be sure to check the TSA website for airport listings and the techniques being used: www.tsa.gov.

“Passengers with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome or autism, can be screened without being separated from their traveling companions if traveling with one. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may also provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition.” (TSA website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures)
You can contact TSA Cares Passenger Support with your questions, suggestions or complaints at:
E-mail: TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov
Phone: 1-855-787-2227
What triggers a pat-down?
Pat-downs are used to resolve alarms at the checkpoint, including those triggered by metal detectors and AIT units. Pat-downs are also used when a person opts out of AIT screening in order to detect potentially dangerous and prohibited items. Because pat- downs are specifically used to resolve alarms and prevent dangerous items from going on a plane, the vast majority of passengers will not receive a pat-down at the checkpoint.
Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should...

Inform the Security Officer if the child has any special needs or medical devices.
Inform the Security Officer if you think the child may become upset during the screening process as a result of their disability.
Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.
Ask the Security Officer for assistance during the process by helping you put your and the child's carry-on items on the X-ray belt.
Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.
Know that if a private screening is required, you should escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.
Tell the Security Officer what are your child's abilities are. For example: can the child stand slightly away from equipment to be handwanded, walk through the metal detector, or need to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian.
Know that at no time should the Security Officer remove your child from his/her mobility aid (wheelchair or scooter). You are responsible for removing your child from his/her equipment at your discretion to accomplish screening.
Know that if your child is unable to walk or stand, the Security Officer will conduct a pat-down search of your child while he/she remains in their mobility aid, as well as a visual and physical inspection of their equipment.

Other Resources on Travel and Autism

Autism Speaks Air Travel Resources
Autism Speaks Social Story - "Adventures with Autism: The Airport Experience!"
Autism Speaks Community Connections: Travel Tips for Individuals with Autism
Download an app to your mobile phone that tells you in real time the waiting time at security checkpoints.
Visit the Autism Speaks Resource Guide. We welcome new submissions as we continue to build the National Resource Guide of Autism Resources.
Tell us about your travel experience! E-mail us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org.
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Thanksgiving for our family is so much more than just the food

Autism mom Shelley Neustupa writes a gratitude list before the first Thanksgiving since her son's autism diagnosis. The list includes lots of family and friends, therapists, her employer, Autism Speaks, and "the little things."

This guest post is by Shelley Neustupa, mother of two amazing boys. She and her husband Brad took some time to reflect on their first year after their youngest son's autism diagnosis.

I recently was approached by Autism Speaks to write an article and share what I am thankful for. I took a few weeks to really give this some thought. All of these things kept popping in my head but there was not just one that was stronger than the other. Imagine your family telling you that you are going to host Thanksgiving dinner at your home but all you are going to serve is the Lime Jell-O salad.

It would not be complete unless you were serving the Thanksgiving traditional meal, including a herb roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, perfect turkey gravy, green bean casserole, brown sugar buttered glazed carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, sausage and sage stuffing, all topped off with an assortment of homemade pies. Now that you are probably hungry, the point is, I am thankful for a lot. Thanksgiving is more than just the food. It’s a holiday when families gather together, share fellowship and their blessings, enjoy parades and watch American football. It’s more about the shared experience than just the Lime Jell-O salad.

As I gave this question thought, I realized, I am truly too blessed to be stressed. So, here is what I am thankful for during my first year after Cody River’s diagnosis…

1. My Amazing Cody Rivers

Why? In 11 months, he has attended 178 sessions of ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapy. His constant affectious smile never leaves his face even with the countless hours he has completed. His progress increases and he makes me incredibly proud every day.

2. Cody’s Biggest Fan

Why? Cody’s biggest fan is his big brother! There is a bond between them that is unexplainable. Cameron is a big part of his therapy every day and his newest thing before bedtime is to hang out in brothers’ room and re-arrange his trophies. If he asks for “sugars” he will lean his head in for his brother to give him a kiss.

3. My Mom’s Favorite Son-in-Law (This is an inside joke as he is her only son-in-law)

Why? My husband and I committed to being the best advocate for our Cody Rivers – Learning more about his unique needs and abilities along with reaching out for support has enabled us to be a better family to our boys and better partners for each other on this journey.

4. My Family

Why? Unconditional love and support. We constantly find ourselves always looking for the positive from the progress we see with Cody and our family reminds us at every moment, “small steps every day.” And the times we get down, they quickly help us back up remembering the progress from one time frame compared to another time frame.

5. My Extended Family, Friends and Neighbors

Why? They ask questions, check in on us and intrigued about Cody’s progress. I can post a photo of Cody wearing a Batman cape, and next thing I know, my neighbor sends him with a Batman figurine. My friends and their friends all over the US supported Cody during the Autism Awareness Month and shined a blue light at their home honoring him.

6. Autism Speaks

Why? I believe the first rule of autism is to talk about autism. Autism Speaks has given me those tools to share with our family. When Cody was first diagnosed, we sent them a letter along with the 100 Day Kit for newly diagnosed families of children with autism.

7. CR’s Therapists

Why? I've watched patient therapists capture my son's attention and work so diligently, week after week, to elicit even a vowel sound from him.

8. My Job (#CamdenGood)

Why? I work for a company that believes in a work/family balance and believes in me. It is just another reason why Camden is a Great Place to Work!

9. Families Living with Autism

Why? I've been blessed with all the friendships that I have made through Cody’s journey. We have come very close and continue to stay connected through a forum on social media even when we take different paths with therapies.

10. The Little Things

Why? Writing fuels my strength for our Amazing CR. Writing is like an invisible cape that makes me feel powerful, hopeful and strong for our family…..it’s a little thing but I am thankful for it.

Sometime this Thanksgiving or in the coming weeks, you and yours will probably share notes on the things for which you’re thankful. Perhaps you’ll take the basic approach, where everyone at the table mentions one thing. Or you’ll ask everyone to write an affirming note of some sort on every guest’s place card. Or distribute a pre-meal questionnaire. After a few tears and belly laughs, reflect on all that you are thankful for and you will see it’s much more than just Lime Jell-O salad.

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Happy Thanksgiving! A social story guide to a very special holiday

Teaching stories can be particularly useful in helping an individual on the spectrum understand the changes in routine that occur on Thanksgiving. Autism Speaks has developed a teaching story specifically for Thanksgiving. Download it for free.

Happy Holidays from Autism Speaks!

The holidays can be a hectic, stressful time for all families. This time of year can be especially overwhelming for families of individuals with autism. Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress. We have put together some tips and resources to help you ease your stress during the holidays, and enjoy this wonderful time of year!

New! Click here to view a teaching story to help prepare your child for Thanksgiving!

Holiday Tips to Reduce Stress and Have Fun!

Members of the Autism Parent Advisory Board at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a member of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, partnered with Kathryn Smith, RN, DrPH, nurse care manager in the Boone Fetter Clinic to provide tips every parent and caregiver can use during the holiday season.

Click here to read the tips for both before the holiday and during the day of!

Twelve Tips for Helping People with Autism and Their Families Have a Happy Holiday

Autism Services Foundation

Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress for Families of Children with Autism

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST)

Looking for a Great Toy Gift?

Earlier this month, Toys “R” Us revealed its list of ten toys that are great for children with autism for the 2013 holiday season. This toy guide offers parents, relatives and friends of individuals with autism an easy-to-use resource for finding toys that provide the best opportunities for fun and learning.

As a company that loves all kids, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has a long history of supporting the special needs community. For over 20 years, they have published the annual Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, an easy-to-use resource featuring specially selected toys that encourage play for children with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

toysRus.com/differentlyabled

Click here for a list of Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) list of Top Toys for Young Children with Autism.

Tips for Traveling

are the busiest time of year to travel by plane. Preparing a child, teenager or adult with autism spectrum disorder for plane travel, and new security techniques used at airport security checkpoints, can make a huge difference in making plane travel a more enjoyable experience for all involved.

here to read Travel Tips for individuals with autism.

Tips for Decorating

Decorating your home for the holidays can be very stressful. Check out Holiday Decorating: The Balance Between Safety and Fun, a blog post from RN Remedies ® blogger, Rachel Blackburn.

Tips for Family Photos

Get the best family photos during this holiday season! Jess Block, well-respected photographer and photojournalist, and mother of a son with autism, has provided us with ten tips to help you capture the best memories of your family during the holidays.

Positively Autism: Christmas and Winter Holiday Activities

Social stories and activities for individuals with autism and their families! Click here to check out these great resources!

Tell Us About Your Experience!

We would like to hear from you! Describe your favorite holiday moments and experiences. E-mail us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org.

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