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.

ASM's Calendar of Events

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

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

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

Hanukkah Social Story JTeach.org

Jewish High Holiday Gateways to Jewish Education

Thanksgiving Social Story Positively Autism

Activities / Crafts / Events

No Sew Sock Snowman Easy Peasy and Fun

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.

Traveling

Travel Tips Toolkit Milestones Autism Resources

Wandering and Safety AWAARE Colaboration

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

Holiday Charades FatChicken Studios (iOS - FREE)

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

Christmas Tale TapTale Ltd (iOS - FREE)

Elf Yourself Office Depot (iOS/Android - FREE)

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

Holiday Tips & Resources!