Making the Holidays Merry for Families with Special Needs Children by Dr. Keri Chiappino

The hustle bustle of the holiday season can often be overwhelming for children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, anxiety and other neurological disorders. Advanced preparation is key to helping your child navigate the holidays. Dr. Keri Chiappino, a board-certified Chiropractic Neurologist and BrainCore neurofeedback practitioner who specializes in non-drug therapies for children with brain-based disorders, offers these tips to help make the most of the holidays for your child:

Minimize anxiety by preparing your child well in advance of your celebration.

Avoid crowded malls and other overstimulating venues.

Keep to a schedule as much as possible -- it will be hard to get your child (and yourself) back on track.

Expectations – inform your child who to expect will attend social gatherings. View family photos beforehand; review their names.

Involve your child in holiday preparations. Decorate gradually if he/she has difficulty accepting change.

Traveling during the holidays is stressful for everyone. Pack favorite toys/foods that calm your child.




Make sure the host/hostess offers foods your child can eat if he/she is on a special diet. Better yet, bring a prepared dish wrapped in a festive bow!

Educate those that will celebrate with you about your child’s needs or dislikes (i.e. hugs from relatives).

Role play – practice opening gifts, waiting for others, courteous responses.

Recognize the signs of overstimulation – if you sense your child is becoming overwhelmed, direct him/her to a quiet area.

Your child is the most precious gift of all – see the wonders of the season through the eyes of your child and have a joyous holiday!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Keri Chiappino and the staff at New Life Wellness Center in Smithtown!