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Do you have a question for The Birchtree Center's staff about strategies for families living with autism?

Please submit your question to our webmaster.  Every few months, we'll choose a popular question to answer on this site.

I have no idea how to manage vacation weeks with my child with autism. It is difficult enough to schedule two days over the weekend, but then it feels completely overwhelming when it is a much longer break such as a week-long vacation. Any suggestions?

Great question at this time of year – or any time of year! Overwhelmed is probably an accurate word to describe your feelings associated with your child being out of school.  BUT, with preparation and planning, this experience can become something that feels more encouraging. Keep in mind that you most likely put preparation and thought into even short errands or brief visits with relatives, so understandably a week-long vacation will take much more effort. That effort will be well worth your while and will increase the likelihood of a positive experience for yourself, your child and other family members. These tips apply to both vacation weeks at home as well as your going away someplace.

Halloween is coming up and I would like to try Trick-or-Treating with my child. Is there anything I can do to make it more successful? 

Halloween trick-or-treating requires a variety of skills from sensory tolerance of costumes to the social exchange of receiving candy at the door. Practice and preparation can help make Halloween successful for children with autism.

Costume selection is an important factor in Trick-or-Treat success. Materials should be lightweight, loose, and non-irritating. Your occupational therapist can suggest materials suitable for your individual child’s tactile sensitivities. The characterization of the costume is often less important than a child’s ability to tolerate the material! Hats, wigs, or masks may slip down over the eyes and may become distracting throughout the night. Costumes with tassels, beading, or sequins also may elicit physical stereotypy with the material. It is important to try on the costume and wear it around the house on several occasions before attempting to Trick-or-Treat. Practice wearing the costume will help desensitize your child to the material and movement of the costume. Sports figures, superheroes, and any other costume that simulates typical clothing or pajamas have been successful costumes for many children with autism in the past.

Help! I have no idea what to buy as a gift for my child with autism. Often, I have searched for and found what I consider to be the perfect (or at least an adequate) gift, only to discover that my child has no interest in the gift. Any suggestions?

This is a great question – and a common question. Parents of children with autism frequently encounter the challenge of finding birthday and/or holiday gifts which will actually be used.  As a starting point, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.  First, the age listings on packages are only recommended guidelines – and these guidelines are rarely an accurate match for children with autism. You not only need to keep in mind the developmental level of the child but also the common interests of the child. For example, a 10-year-old child with autism might be extremely interested in Sesame Street toys – toys that are typically at the recommended age for toddlers and preschoolers.