Consider family plans for the upcoming holiday weekend. Many children with special needs are keenly aware of and dependent on routine.
Change in Routine Can be Upsetting
Routine helps them know what to expect in a world that can be very unpredictable and confusing. Will the routine be changed this weekend? Consider these points when preparing the child to react to change with upset.
- Changes in food
- House guests / dinner guests
- Special events and outings
- Time with babysitter
- Changes in the normal daily routine (mealtimes, childcare, parent in charge, bedtime)
The children who are most keenly aware of schedule changes are those with ADD, ADHD, and autism. One of two things happens to the child with special needs who encounters a change in schedule. He may become overwhelmed or agitated. He may seem to behave in an "out of control" fashion. This is because his internal system of understanding and dealing with the world and what to expect is thrown out of line.
Use Familiar Methods to Communicate Change
If there will be changes from the day to day norm, remember to prepare the child by talking about what will happen. Include basic information (who, what, where, when). Talk about that the child can expect, and talk about expectations regarding behavior. If the child uses a picture communication system or some kind of a personal calendar, make sure to utilize the appropriate tools.
When talking about Canada Day or Independence Day, use crafts and simple recipes to further explain what will happen. Anything with patriotic colors will be a start to talking about the flag and the special events of the weekend.
Create a Holiday Memory Book
Use this opportunity to create a book of holiday memories. Use magazine pictures, photos, flyers, etc. to create inexpensive memory book pages for the child to visit and revisit. (If the child is old enough, consider letting him take some of his own photo memories with a disposable camera or an inexpensive digital camera.) The book will be a great way to encourage conversation. It will also be a valuable tool when the next holiday (and its changes) comes up.
Add more holiday information with new pages on each new holiday. The child will learn about important family customs and traditions as well as how to communicate (questions and new vocabulary) with the book as a spring board.
Communication is the key to any change. The child with special needs most often has extraordinary needs in understanding changes in schedules and routines that relate to any time – especially a holiday.
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