The Child with Asperger Syndrome and Easter
Explain Schedule Changes and Prepare for Visitors during Easter
Apr 3, 2009
Many kids with special needs are dependent on schedules. Schedule changes can be upsetting. Even a minor change or a one-time change can throw things off for week.
Consider the Changes
A holiday usually means lots of changes. Consider the following changes when preparing to talk to the autistic child about the upcoming holiday.
- What basic schedule changes will impact the child with autism? Consider changes in school days, childcare, and everyday routines.
- Will the family travel? If so, think about who will go, the travel destination, and the length of the trip.
- Will there be house guests? If so, think about who will come. How long will they stay? How will the normal household routine change during their visit?
Communicate Using Visual Cues
Plan a time to talk with the child. Make sure that there is enough time to allow for relaxed communication. A quick explanation of the Easter holiday activities when the parent is stressed about getting it done will not communicate the desired outlook to the child. Kids pick up on parent emotions. This is especially true for kids with Asperger syndrome. A parent who is upset will be upsetting to the child.
Refer to the Visual Cues as Needed
Consider the child’s communication. Children with Asperger syndrome are verbal, but very literal in their communication. Perhaps the child responds well to marking things (dates of a trip or of when guests will be in the home) on a calendar. Perhaps photographs of the people and places involved will be helpful. Give the child some form of visual cue that he can refer to again and again during the change in schedule and routine.
Be Prepared to Discuss it Again
At first, when a change in schedule is presented, there may seem to be little reaction from the child with Asperger syndrome. He is most likely trying to take in what is said. Later, he may act out with undesired behaviors as a result of the internal upset that changes bring. He may, however, bring up the topic of the trip or coming house guests again and again for discussion. He may repeat the upcoming changes again and again. Be prepared to talk about the changes more than once. Use the visuals to reinforce what to expect.
Change can be stressful for everyone. For the child with Asperger syndrome, change is even more upsetting as he tries to make sense of a confusing (and ever changing) world. Communicating plans early and clearly will ease the stress of the holiday.
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