Holidays
Holidays can be both the best of times and the worst of times for autistic individuals and their families. Changes in routine, increased social demands, crowds and gatherings, new activities, sensory overloaded events, unfamiliar foods and other out-of-the-ordinary experiences can all present challenges. The best way to prepare for them is to plan.
Resources to help prepare for the holidays
The following resources and stories, developed with autistic adults, families of autistic individuals, healthcare providers and other service professionals including members of our Autism Response Team, are a good place to start.
Fourth of July
Halloween
- Happy Halloween: Making the holiday fun for everyone
- Tricks to get treats: Autism- and budget-friendly Halloween costume ideas
- Halloween personalized teaching story
Thanksgiving
Winter holidays
- Autism-friendly holidays: How to make sure all is calm and all is bright
- Home for the holidays: Ways to make sure your autistic child enjoys their break
- How to make the holidays more meaningful for yourself and your autistic loved ones: Expert advice from an autistic advocate and her community
- Leaning into autism: Adapt the holiday season to fit your needs
- Santa Cares: Autism-friendly Santa events by Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks
- Tips for autistic people to make the holidays happy: Advice from an autistic self-advocate