Tips to Make the Holidays Less Stressful for Teens with Autism/Anxiety

The holidays are here and that can mean extra stress for many of us. In fact, the American Psychological Association says nearly 40% of Americans report high stress levels this time of year. For teenagers with mental health challenges, including autism and anxiety, it can be especially tough.

“The holidays, and the days leading up to them, have always been hard for Connor,” said Billerica mom Kristen Perriello. Her son, 19, lives with autism and struggles with anxiety. He receives ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) services from wwwwww.edinburgcenter.org, a local human services agency.

“The countdown to Christmas has always been really hard with the changes in routine, added stimulation and visiting other people’s homes,” Perriello said.

Carol Gillis, director of Autism Services at Edinburg, has 8 tips to help make the holidays easier.

1. Put the holiday on your family calendar and count down the days so no one is surprised when it arrives.
2. Have your teen participate in planning the holiday, and the days leading up to it.
3. Create a plan for what the day will look like and outline what the expectations are for everyone that day. Practice the roles and expectations in your home beforehand. Share that plan with everyone who will be there.
4. If your teen appropriately communicates that they need a break, honor the wish even if it does not come at the most convenient time.
5. Create a break space—a quiet space with calming activities that are easy to engage in.
6. If your teen is a picky eater, make sure their food preferences are available on the day of holiday.
7. Maintain consistency. For example, if your teen usually sits at the table to eat for 10 minutes, then let them leave the table after 10 minutes or once they’re done eating.
8. Adults should practice self-care leading up to the holidays. They should also remember to use their own calming/coping strategies during the holidays. Have those strategies written on an index card that is easily accessible.

“All families can benefit from these strategies,” Gillis said. “But they’re especially helpful for
teens with anxiety and on the autism spectrum.”

The Perriello family uses several of these strategies, especially previewing upcoming events by
writing them down in Connor’s planner and planning coping strategies (like going out for a walk
and putting on headphones with music) in advance.

“Previewing things definitely helps,” said Perriello. “At Thanksgiving, we previewed who was
coming and who was responsible for what. We used visual reminders, and he did a fantastic job
with all of it. We will do it again at Christmas.”

For more information about The Edinburg Center and its services, visit www.edinburgcenter.org.