Dear Mom…Christmas and Your Child with High Functioning Autism

Your child and changes are like oil and water. He thrives on a predictable schedule and you have to work hard to get him back on track when things don’t go as planned.

The holidays are practically the definition of change from your daily routine.

There’s school parties and special events, Christmas Eve services and family reunions. Different decorations around the house. Different food. Different bedtimes. Different everything.

Any one of those things would be tough, but to throw all of it at once at your child? It’s a wonder you both survive into January!

It doesn’t help that most people don’t understand either.

It could be a well-meaning friend who offers your child candy she shouldn’t eat because it causes a behavioral reaction later.

It would never be an issue for most people and because your child looks and acts normal much of the time, your friend doesn’t think about it. But you pay for it later. Big time.

Your great-aunt is offended because your child won’t try her prize-winning green bean casserole. You try to explain that you’re not raising a spoiled child; it’s a sensory issue, but she doesn’t believe you.

There’s the guilt trip because you need to leave a gathering early because your child is approaching his limit.

Does anyone understand?

The Christmas chaos might be gradual for you and your child. She might be okay at the start of Christmas vacation, but as time progresses, she gets more agitated because everything is wearing on her.

You begin to see small behavior changes – things you thought he had moved passed – creep back in. He’s tired and you can tell.

So are you.

You explain to friends and family that your child was doing great and she’s “not normally like this.” But they pat you on the back, with a pacifying “Sure, honey, of course she is” as he begins to spiral downwards because she’s overstimulated.

For all the “autism awareness” out there, there certainly isn’t much patience for your child (or you) when he melts down at the store.

You promised yourself you’d stop worrying so much about what others think, but those looks and comments still sting.

No one else understands those little accomplishments from your child that you hold so dear to your heart.

It’s the simple things most people take for granted, like the time she said “thank you” for a gift.

It’s not easy raising a special needs child in a world that just doesn’t get it. But you’re doing the best you can.

Christmas is a time of setbacks for many of us moms with children who have high functioning autism. And while most people look forward to “the most wonderful time of the year,” it’s okay to dread this part.

Dear Mom, be kind to yourself. Don’t let others make you feel guilty. You are an amazing mom.

And you are not alone.

I get it. And hundreds – thousands – of other moms of children with high functioning autism get it too.