Autism Society of Maine

The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, but it also can be stressful for kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress. We hope that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessen the stress and anxiety created by the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

December 3rd, Saturday - Santa is Coming to Town with ASM!
Virtually! 10 minute time slots on Zoom! There are a few visits left so hurry and register your child before they are all taken! Information and Registration Here

This Page Includes:

Tips and Strategies
Giving Back for the Holidays
Social Stories
Activities/Crafts/Events
Gift Ideas
Traveling
FREE Holiday Themed Apps

Tips and Strategies

The Real Reasons Autistic People are Stressed During the Holiday Season NeuroClastic

Thanksgiving and Preparation Tips The Autism Community in Action

Autism and the Holidays: 10 Tips on How to Prepare Psychology Today

Holiday Tips CDC

Autism and Preparing for the Holidays Autism Society of America

16 Ways to Prepare Children with Autism for Holidays Cathy Pratt, Ph.D.,BCBA-D

Autism and the Holidays TACA

Making the Most of the Holidays for Your Family and Your Son/Daughter on the Autism Spectrum Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Enjoying the Holidays While Caring for a Child With Autism My Autism Team

Center for Autism Research and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

Celebrating Thanksgiving with your Child with ASD

Celebrating Hanukah with your Child with ASD;

Celebrating Christmas with your Child with ASD

Giving Back for the Holidays

Give the gift of opportunity this year. $25 will help ASM provide advocacy, education, information & referrals, supports, and community for individuals and families affected by autism. Make your Donation

Social Stories & Visual Supports

Visual Supports for Holidays Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Visiting Family During Christmas Positively Autism

Visiting Family During Christmas - A Social Skills Article Positively Autism

Christmas Social Story; Little Puddins

Social Story / Say Thank You Teachers Pay Teachers

Activities / Crafts / Events

Christmas Kids Crafts Happiness is Homemade

25 Easy Christmas Crafts Crazy Little Projects

Sensory Bins And Next Comes L

ASM Calendar of Events See what's happening!

Gifts Ideas

Choosing Toys for a Child with Autism Autism Research Institute

Holiday Gift Selections Parenting Special Needs Magazine

16 Best Sensory Toys for Kids FIRST magazine

Best Gifts for Autism Linda Hodgdon

Guide for Gifts for an Autistic Child Autism Parenting Magazine

Toy and Gift Guide (kids and teens): National Autism Resources

Toys for Differently Abled Kids Got Special Kids

27 Timeless, Trendless Thought Bytes for Gifting Children with Autism Ellen Notbohm

Holiday Gifts and Meals for holiday resources available in your area, dial 211 to speak with a 211 Specialist or text your zip code to 898-211 to receive information or referrals directly to your phone.

AmazonSmile Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Autism Society of Maine whenever you shop on AmazonSmile

Traveling

Travel Tips Toolkit Milestones Autism Resources

Holiday Preparation Tips: Will you be Traveling by Air for the Holiday? Autism Society of America

Wandering and Safety AWAARE Colaboration

Blue Horizons for Autism Jet Blue

Up, Up, and Away: The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Autistic Children Jaco Aerospace

Traveling with Your Child with ASD TACA

FREE Holiday Favorite Apps

BridgingApps Holiday App List

Sago Mini Holiday Trucks and Diggers Sago Mini (iOS/Android $3.99)

Holiday Charades FatChicken Studios (iOS - FREE)

Shave Santa Bluebear Technologies, Ltd (iOS/Android - FREE)

Christmas Tale TapTale Ltd (iOS - FREE)

Elf YourselfOffice Depot (iOS/Android - FREE)

PNP-Portable North Pole UGroupMedia Inc. (iOS/Android - FREE)

Holiday Tips & Resources!