Helping kids with sensory issues enjoy holiday outings

Children who have autism and sensory issues are usually happiest with predictable routines and familiar places, so going new places can be difficult. Add blinking Christmas lights, sparkling decorations and loud music to the mix, and holiday outings can be especially hard for kids with autism or sensory challenges. They may cry, scream, refuse to walk or run away.

Some kids get excited and run toward Santa, grab presents under the store tree or pull at decorations.

Luckily, there are many things parents can do to make holiday outings easier and more fun.

Learn the skills in advance

The most effective approach starts with planning ahead so kids can learn skills they'll need to participate in holiday events.

For example, if you want to take your child shopping, he'll have to walk through a crowded parking lot.

Learning how to do this might start with looking at pictures or a video of parking lots, “parking” toy cars, walking around a small lot that's mostly empty and working up to a larger, busier lot with more cars.

A board-certified behavior analyst can break this and other holiday activities into specific skill groups, and then use Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to help your child learn them.

Get ready for new experiences

Videos, pictures and schedules are great ways to help children with autism get ready for holiday outings.

These “social stories” help reduce anxiety by letting a child know what a new place looks like and what will happen there.

If you're going to a family dinner, show your child pictures of the house and the people she'll see. Talk about the sequence of events so she knows what to expect (e.g., we'll open presents, eat dinner, sing songs and then go home).

Be sure to bring favorite toys or comfort items, and scope out a quiet place in case she needs some down time.

Speaking of meals, many kids with autism and sensory issues are particular about food. There's enough going on at holiday events without pushing a child to try unfamiliar items. If you're not comfortable asking your host to prepare food your child will eat, bring a meal and snacks you know she will enjoy.

Look for shortcuts

There are usually shortcuts to make holiday outings easier.

Visiting Santa is a special tradition most parents want to share with their kids. Yet it can be very hard for children with autism: lots of noisy kids, waiting in lines and people wearing costumes.

So in addition to using social stories, don't hesitate to call and ask about accommodations for kids with sensory issues.

Most malls can tell you when the crowds are smallest, and many will arrange an escort to the front of the line. Many stores also have sensory-friendly Santa experiences you can find online.

Similarly, don't try to do a lot of shopping at once — your child may be fine for 30 minutes but not two hours. Most kids will find it hard to resist the toy aisle, so buy those presents when your child is at home.

Keep it positive and keep trying

Try to make holiday experiences fun and positive, or they will be even harder next year.

Reinforcing good behavior can help. Some parents use tablets loaded with videos, books or bubbles to reward kids for waiting in line or not running off. A special treat in the car on the way home can be a good way to reinforce desirable behavior.

Not every experience will go well, but it's important to keep going new places and trying new activities.

Leaving your child at home might be easier and less stressful, but the more they're exposed to new environments and experiences, the better they'll become at adapting.

Of course, some holiday outings may not be right for your child, and you're the best judge of that.

For other activities, finding ways to make them easier and more accessible can help build lifelong adjustment skills.

Staying at a holiday party for hours may not be possible, but a child might be able to enjoy 30 minutes this year, an hour next year and so on.

Create new holiday traditions

Holiday events don't need to be big or loud to be meaningful.

Sledding with another family; having a cookie-decorating party with cousins; or hosting a winter picnic can build wonderful memories for the entire family with less anxiety for kids who have autism and sensory issues.

Trying to create the perfect holiday outing is a recipe for disappointment. If your child waits in line for 5 minutes, stays with you at a store or says hello to a relative, those are successes worth celebrating.

Because the perfect holiday activity is one that makes your family happy.

• Colette Gillis is a board -certified behavior analyst with Northbrook-based Autism Home Support Services. To find out more about ABA therapy or whether a board -certified behavior analyst can help your child, call (844) 247-7222 or go to AutismHomeSupport.com.

Sensory-friendly Santa

Autism Speaks is partnering with Cherry Hill Programs this holiday season to provide sensory-friendly Santa Experiences for families. All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment. Visit www.autismspeaks.org/santa#IL to locate a sensory-friendly Santa Photo Experience. Sensory-friendly Santa events are free and photo packages are available for purchase. An RSVP to reserve your spot is requested. Some local upcoming events are:

<span class="fact box text bold">Arboretum of South Barrington, South Barrington: </span>8:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9

<span class="fact box text bold">Fox Valley Mall, Aurora: </span>9:30-11 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9

<span class="fact box text bold">Gurnee Mills, Gurnee:</span> 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2

<span class="fact box text bold">Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee:</span> 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Dec. 9

<span class="fact box text bold">Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg:</span> 8-10 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9

<span class="fact box text bold">Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard:</span> 7:30-9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9