What To Do In The Holidays

Christmas means holidays, and lots of time to spend with family and friends. It is certainly a fun and busy time for all, but can present a challenge to adapt for those who encounter sensory difficulties. 

All kids benefit from sensory-based activities and with the holidays allowing us a little extra time to relax and breathe, it is a great time of year to engage children in activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are just a few ideas.

Baking

Baking up some goodies in the kitchen is an easy and fun way to engage the kids, and they can sample all their hard work at the end. From measuring and mixing ingredients, following instructions, to the finishing touches in decoration and presentation, it helps give kids some ownership and productive input into the activity. The smell of yummy things cooking in the kitchen is a holiday memory for a lifetime.

Crafts

Christmas is the perfect time to get out the paints and glitter pens. Help the kids get creative and make some individual tree decorations. Making personalised Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift boxes also gives a special touch to any gift.

Music

Everyone loves a Christmas carol. Put on some music allowing everyone to sing and dance. Why not make some of your own music by getting some simple bells or even use some kitchen utensils. There is nothing more fun than playing and singing along to ‘Jingle Bells’ – all kids get a kick out of that.

So Many Colourful Lights

Check out the Christmas lights! Many neighbourhood houses will have a spectacular display of sparkling lights to spend time in awe watching. It’s great if there are some nearby to where you live, because it gives an excellent opportunity to take an early evening stroll with the kids and discover all the changing coloured light displays. But if there is nothing nearby, check listings for your area on the internet as you may find something quite close.

Christmas is by far one of our favourite times of year as there are plenty of fun things to see and do. Do you have a favourite activity?

Musical Toys - Hitting The Right Note

Music is such an important part of people’s lives and has an impact on us in many different ways. It can relax us, make us want to dance, tap a beat or sing. Music is used as therapy for many different situations and for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In 1943, when psychiatrist Leo Kanner first introduced the term "autism", he observed that several of his patients showed a real love for music. Ever since then, therapists and researchers have agreed that children with autism often respond to music, melody and rhythm.

Music is a form of non-verbal communication which is non-threatening and can soothe and calm an autistic child. Music enables children to communicate and express their feelings.

Some simple music therapy to try at home:

1. Get a simple instrument such as finger cymbals or hand clusters and play it next to your face. This will help your child become more comfortable with eye contact.

2. Sing some simple songs while holding a doll or stuffed toy. Act out the song using the doll.

3. Using some castanets or maracas, take it in turns to play a rhythm.

4. The rainbow sound blocks are a wonderful toy that can not only make music with the beads in each block, your child can also look through the different colours as well as stack and construct objects.

We also have many other musical instruments including triangles, rainmakers and xylophones which are perfect for use at home with your child.

Parents and carers of autistic children usually find their child has a real affinity for music and will be able to recreate and remember songs. You might want to even consider getting your child lessons in a particular instrument which will provide both self-esteem and a creative outlet which will no doubt be of great benefit.