Navigating the Holidays: 5 Tips for Families with Special Needs Children

The holiday season is right around the corner. Although this time of year is fun and exciting, it presents unique challenges for special needs children and their families. 

Without the right strategy in place, activities like cross-country travel and lengthy shopping excursions can be exhausting and take a physical and emotional toll on your child. 

Our team of doctors, nurses, and therapists at Little Angels PPEC, with locations in Longwood, Orlando, and Apopka, Florida, regularly helps parents prepare for this time of year. Read on for our five top tips to make this holiday season your best one yet.

Tip 1: Plan ahead

Caring for a special needs child makes holiday events more complex, including travel, decorating, and seeing loved ones. 

These activities are challenging on their own, but if your child needs special accommodations, like regular medication, even small setbacks, such as a flight delay, can throw your plans off. 

The good news is that planning ahead can help you pivot quickly and adapt. For example, creating a checklist with all your child’s must-haves, including medications, mobility devices, and comfort items, can ensure you have everything they need at a moment’s notice. 

It can also be helpful to prepare friends and family before your arrival. If your child has special dietary needs, make sure your destination has the necessary snacks and drinks so you don’t have to go grocery shopping as soon as you arrive.

Tip 2: Keep schedules consistent

A consistent and predictable routine is one of the most effective ways to help your special needs child feel safe and secure. Holiday activities can make sticking to bedtime and meal schedules challenging, but they can be done with a bit of planning.

Try to schedule any events around your child’s routine. Don’t forget to include time for occupational therapy and doctor’s appointments. These important activities can be tempting to put on the back burner, but they play an essential role in helping your child thrive.

Tip 3: Prepare for sensory challenges

Many special needs children are sensitive to lights, sounds, and smells, which are all common aspects of the holiday season. Some families stay home to avoid these triggers, but a little preparation can help your child enjoy the festivities. 

For example, packing a bag with noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys can help minimize distractions that might feel overwhelming. You may also want to ask friends or family who are hosting to establish a “quiet zone” for your child. A cool, dark room that’s away from the hustle and bustle can prevent sensory overwhelm and give your child a place to regroup.

Tip 4: Communicate needs clearly

Before bringing your child to a holiday event or get-together, let the hosts know about their food sensitivities, sensory limitations, and behavioral challenges. These needs may be obvious to you because you see them every day, but it’s important that others understand as well. 

Clear communication up front reduces the risk of friction and helps your family provide the support your child needs in new or unfamiliar settings.

Tip 5: Focus on joy and connection

With so much to think about and plan for, it’s easy to focus on “getting everything right,” but you don’t have to be perfect for your child to enjoy the holidays. 

Remember that this time of year is about connecting and spending time with loved ones. Your child may have special needs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make memories, create new traditions, and enjoy the season.

Challenges will inevitably arise over the next few months, but with a prepared mindset and strategy, you can navigate the holidays.

Learn how we can help your family this holiday season

If you’re concerned about the holiday season, partnering with our expert team can provide peace of mind. 

To learn more about how we can help, contact the nearest Little Angels Pediatric Extended Care office in Orlando, Apopka, or Longwood, Florida. Call our office or book your appointment online. 

We offer a variety of services to support special needs children, including medical therapy, home health care, and prescribed pediatric extended care (PPEC), a program that provides ongoing medical and therapeutic support for children with special needs.