Holiday tips from autism experts
by Matt
When a local freelance writer named Dana Young decided to write a story offering holiday tips and advice to parents of kids with autism and other disabilities, she knew one place she could come to find experts: right here at Easter Seals Bay Area! Her finished story is called Special Joys, Special Challenges, and it’s in this month’s issue of Bay Area Parent. Not only does the story quote our clinical supervisor Michelle Ficcaglia, but it also quotes … me!
Matthew McAlear, the vice president and chief program officer for Easter Seals Bay Area, suggests using role-play to give children practice ahead of time in dealing with new social situations. He also suggests they work together with parents to write a “social story” that incorporates all the elements of an upcoming event or visit to better prepare them for that situation.
In the story, Michelle encourages parents to have their kids help plan for the trip themselves.
“Counting down a trip by marking off days on a calendar with your child is often very helpful,” says Michelle Ficcaglia, Ph.D., the clinical supervisor for the East Bay Autism Project. “Additionally, you can try to prepare your child for a plane, car or train ride by reading books about the mode of travel you will be using.”
I was very pleased with the published story. It features many other tips and ideas from Michelle and me, plus advice from other experts, too. As the author so wisely puts it: “Celebrating the season with special-needs children has its own set of challenges – as well as unique joys.”
October 30th, 2022 at 3:57 am
Thnaks to share it