Published by Breakthrough ABA
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The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and family—but they can also bring sensory overload, unexpected changes, and social challenges, especially for children on the autism spectrum.
At Breakthrough ABA, we help families in the Greater Houston area prepare for the season with personalized strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The goal? A holiday season that’s not only manageable—but meaningful—for your entire family.
🎄 Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Children with Autism
Children with autism often thrive with routine, structure, and predictability. The holidays, however, tend to bring the opposite:
- Changes in routine (school closures, travel, visitors)
- Sensory overload (bright lights, music, crowds, new foods)
- Unfamiliar social expectations (gift exchanges, greetings, parties)
- Unclear communication about what’s happening and when
With the right tools and support, your child can navigate these challenges and even begin to enjoy the unique parts of the season.
✅ How ABA Can Help Ease Holiday Stress
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) breaks complex behaviors into teachable steps and uses positive reinforcement to build helpful skills. Here’s how we apply ABA principles to holiday planning
1. Create Visual Schedules 📅
Visual supports help children understand what to expect each day.
- Use picture-based calendars or first-then boards.
- Include special events (like “visit grandma” or “decorate tree”) alongside daily routines.
➡ ABA therapists can help create custom visual supports during sessions.
2. Practice Holiday Scenarios Ahead of Time 🎁
Role-play and modeling can reduce anxiety by preparing your child for common situations:
- Opening gifts
- Greeting relatives
- Sitting at the dinner table
- Attending holiday events or services
➡ Therapists may use video modeling, social stories, or scripts to support these goals.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement for Participation 🌟
Instead of forcing participation, ABA encourages involvement with reinforcers your child values.
- Praise your child for engaging in a holiday activity, even in small ways.
- Use token systems or offer preferred items after successful interactions.
4. Plan for Sensory Breaks 🧘
Too much stimulation can lead to meltdowns. Build in quiet time:
- Create a “calm corner” at home or bring noise-canceling headphones on outings.
- Teach your child to request a break using visuals or communication devices.
➡ ABA helps children identify signs of overwhelm and develop self-regulation skills.
5. Prepare Extended Family 👨👩👧👦
Sometimes the challenge isn’t your child—it’s helping others understand them.
- Share simple strategies with relatives: “He might not respond to hugs, but he loves high fives!”
- Let them know your child’s preferred activities, reinforcers, or sensory needs.
➡ We often help parents create family-friendly tip sheets during ABA parent training sessions.
🎅 Holiday Events in Houston That Are Autism-Friendly
Looking for local events that are more sensory-friendly?
Here are a few to explore:
- Houston Museum of Natural Science – Sensory-friendly mornings
- Children’s Museum Houston – Inclusive play times
- Houston Zoo Lights – Consider weekday visits for lower crowds
- Local libraries – Often offer storytimes for children with special needs
➡ Pro Tip: Call ahead to ask about sensory accommodations or quieter times.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Holiday joy doesn’t have to look like a perfect picture. For some families, success is simply:
- Attending an event for 20 minutes
- Eating one new food
- Enjoying a quiet night watching lights from the car
At Breakthrough ABA, we celebrate progress, not perfection. With ABA strategies tailored to your child, the holidays can become more accessible—and more enjoyable—for your family.
If you’re in the Houston area and want support preparing for the holiday season, we’re here to help.