Can Individuals with ASD Participate in Celebrations?
It is a common belief that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty enjoying or fully participating in celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day. However, this misconception overlooks the incredible capacity for enjoyment and participation when parents, family, and friends create autism-friendly activities and appropriate sensory accommodations.
Now, you may ask, can individuals with ASD really engage in celebrations? The short answer is a resounding yes. While it is true that some aspects of traditional celebrations may present challenges for neurodiverse individuals due to sensory sensitivities or social communication differences, it is crucial to recognize that with the right approach, they can fully participate in the fun.
In this blog by ABA Centers of Tennessee, we will explore how parents and caregivers can make St. Patrick’s Day memorable for individuals on the spectrum and ensure that everyone feels included in the celebration.
How Can I Make St. Patrick’s Day Special for My Neurodiverse Kid?
One of the most common questions our ABA therapists receive is how to include children on the autism spectrum in celebrations. It is essential to promote an inclusive environment and keep in mind the unique needs of your kiddo. If you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any other event, ABA Centers of Tennessee recommends the following tips to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Routine and Structure: Many neurodiverse children thrive on routine and predictability. While St. Patrick’s Day may introduce some changes to the daily schedule, try to maintain familiar routines as much as possible. Prepare your child for any variations in their routine well in advance to minimize stress.
Sensory Sensitivities: Be mindful of sensory triggers when planning celebrations. Opt for quieter, less crowded venues if you’re venturing out, and consider providing sensory-friendly spaces or tools like noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys to help your child regulate their sensory input.
Visual Supports: Use schedules, social stories, or picture symbols to introduce and prepare your kid for the day’s activities. Use visual aids to explain the significance of St. Patrick’s Day, any changes to their routine, or what to expect during celebrations.
Respect Individual Preferences: While some children may enjoy dressing up in green or participating in traditional St. Patrick’s Day activities, others may find these overwhelming or uninteresting. Tailor the celebrations to suit your child’s preferences, whether it’s through quieter activities at home, exploring nature, or engaging in their interests related to the holiday.
Sensory-Friendly Activities: Be creative, but also think of activities that suit the sensitivity and unique needs of your loved one.
7 Autism-Friendly Activities to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a time of celebration and fun. Still, for families with children on the autism spectrum, it can sometimes be challenging to find activities that are both enjoyable and autism-friendly. Here are seven activities that can make celebrating St. Patrick’s Day an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
1. Sensory-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
Crafts are a great way to engage kids on the autism spectrum. Create sensory-friendly crafts such as rainbow collages using different textured materials like cotton balls, felt, or glitter paper. This activity not only promotes creativity but also provides a sensory experience that can be calming for some.
2. Cooking Green Foods
Cooking can be a fun and educational activity. Try making green foods together, like avocado toast, green smoothies, or green cupcakes. Cooking can be an excellent opportunity to work on life skills and sensory experiences related to taste and touch.
3. Pot of Gold Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can encourage problem-solving and motor skills. Build a simple scavenger hunt around your home with clues leading to a “pot of gold” (a bowl filled with small treats or their preferred toys). Make sure to adjust the complexity based on your child’s abilities.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Home
Parades can sometimes be overwhelming for kids on the autism spectrum. Why not bring the parade to your home? Dress up in green, play some Irish music, and march around the house. This activity can be a fun way to celebrate the holiday without the stress of crowds and loud noises.
5. Calming Shamrock Bottle
Make a calming shamrock bottle using a clear plastic bottle, green glitter glue, water, and plastic shamrocks. When shaken, the glitter and shamrocks will slowly swirl around, creating a calming visual experience.
6. Leprechaun Traps
Building a leprechaun trap can be a fun STEM activity. Use materials like boxes, paint, and glitter to create your trap while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
7. Storytime with Irish Folktales
Reading together can be a calming activity. Choose some Irish folktales or books related to St. Patrick’s Day and read them with the family; it also is an opportunity to educate your child about the history and traditions of the holiday.
ABA Centers of Tennessee Wishes You a Happy St. Patrick’s Day
We hope that families in Brentwood, Hendersonville, Nashville, and Madison can utilize some of these autism-friendly activities so that everyone can participate in St. Patrick’s Day!
Find support and guidance to create sensory-friendly spaces in your home, establish routines, and foster positive skills in your child on the spectrum with ABA Centers of Tennessee. We offer a scientifically proven approach to address the most challenging characteristics of autism while developing new skills and knowledge through ABA therapy.
Don’t hesitate to call us at (844) 423-9483 or share your contact information with us. Our compassionate team will verify your insurance coverage and provide comprehensive services that cater to your unique needs.
