Supporting Children with Autism Through the Holiday Season: Finding Joy in What Works for Your Family

Supporting Children with Autism Through the Holiday Season: Finding Joy in What Works for Your Family

The holiday season brings sparkle, celebration, and connection, but for many families of children with autism, it can also bring unpredictability, noise, and new expectations. Amid the gatherings, travel, and changes in routine, it’s easy to feel pressure for things to go “just right.”

At Little Leaves, we know that every child experiences the season in their own way. The best traditions aren’t necessarily the biggest or busiest ones. They’re the ones that feel authentic and joyful for your family. The goal isn’t to change how a child experiences the holidays but to make space for them to enjoy it in a way that feels right for them.

This year, we asked our clinicians to share how they help families create holiday moments that truly fit.

Little Leaves Clinicians Share Their Holiday Tips and Traditions

“I’ve done so many gingerbread house decorating contests with our kiddos. I’ve found over the years, it’s something a lot of the kids really enjoy because they get to play with a lot of different materials in a creative way.” – Sam Young, Center Director, Middle River, MD

“Having a sibling on the spectrum– my mom did a lot of pairing preferred items with non-preferred or new things! Also, not scheduling novel routines or things during this time since there is an increase in social activities and changes. My brother LOVES holidays (holidays=presents), so he typically did well during holiday activities, but learned holiday routines by watching the holiday-themed TV episodes or movies, reading books about traditions, etc.” – Hannah Gilluly, Center Director, Alexandria, VA

“One of my favorite family traditions is skipping the whole formal Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, we each take charge of something — my parents are on entrées and appetizers, my brother handles decorations, and I’m always in charge of baking cookies. We all hang out in matching pajamas, watch The Grinch and Home Alone.” — Isabella Lanz, Supervising Behavior Analyst, Weston, FL

“Keep the holidays simple and do activities the kids enjoy regardless of the holiday hoopla. Often my SBAs will send parents ideas of a “gift guide” based on things they’re super into at the center which parents have really appreciated!” — Meg Orth, Center Director, and our Columbia, MD SBAs

“Christmas is not only my favorite holiday but filled with lot of traditions for the Moore clan! I deck out my house with gnomes – like it’s a bad obsession! Then, Christmas Day I host my family at my house. My parents, brother and Aunt spend the night, and we open gifts the next morning. We lay around, watch movies and relax together as a family.” – Chelsea Moore, Regional Director.

These moments show that success during the holidays doesn’t have to mean full participation in every event. Sometimes it’s about finding one meaningful activity your child enjoys or making a small change that helps everyone relax.

How ABA Principles Can Support the Season

At Little Leaves, ABA is about helping children build confidence and communicate their needs. The same tools that help children learn and thrive every day can also support them during the busy holiday season:

• Building Predictability: Previewing what’s coming through a visual schedule, photos of unknown places, or social stories, can make the day feel safer and more familiar.
• Flexibility through Choice: Offering choices (“Do you want to help decorate or play nearby?”) honors your child’s autonomy and helps them feel in control.
• Reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate the wins – of any size! Smiling for a photo, trying a new food, wearing a new outfit are all moments of joy and connection worth celebrating as a family.

These aren’t just strategies; they’re ways of creating an environment where your child can feel secure and confident, even when the world around them looks a little different.

Celebrate the Season That Fits You

Every family celebrates differently, and that’s what makes the holidays special. There’s no right way. What matters most is that your traditions feel good for your child and family.

“The holidays should be enjoyable for every child, just as they are. At Little Leaves, we want to support our clients and their families as they experience and create the little moments and the big moments – and the holidays are a perfect time to start!” Barbara Davis, Vice President of Operations

This season, take the pressure off. Celebrate in the way that feels right for your family, and find joy in the moments, big or small, that matter most.

We’re Here to Help

We know that navigating insurance and coverage decisions can be confusing—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re evaluating your current plan or preparing to make a change, Little Leaves is here to help you make informed decisions that support your family’s goals. Please reach out via our contact form or to call us at 866-553-2837 to speak with our Family Support Specialists who can assist you in navigating this process.

Little Leaves Behavioral Services provides high-quality, center-based ABA therapy for children ages 1 to 6 with autism. Our programs are individualized, evidence-based, and delivered in a supportive, preschool-like setting. With a 1:1 therapist-to-child ratio and a team of credentialed clinicians, we help children build meaningful skills in communication, social interaction, and independence. We proudly serve families in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida.