For Abigail and Allie, they struggle with the crowded stores, the extra time in the car due to all the holiday travelers, and seeing groups of people at parties that they are not used to.
They struggle with christmas trees and lights, the feeling of touching wrapping paper, the sounds of bells outside stores, and their changes in routines.
Abigail will struggle with 2 1/2 weeks off of school and the routine she craves so much. Allie will struggle with why her sisters are home when she is used to them being at school. She will have missed therapy sessions and the craziness of a routine that will change from day to day.
My two daughters with autism will not know why they need to sit still to have christmas pictures taken or why they have to open gifts. They will wander around our toy room on christmas morning while we "open" their gifts and show them as they pass by.
But for our middle child, Audrey, she is really into all that goes with this holiday. She wants the christmas tree lit up and wants to see Santa. She is learning how Santa delivers presents and is actually worried that she will miss his visit when she is at school.
Today, I had her help me fill out her christmas letter to Santa. At the top of this post you will see her wants for her christmas gifts. It is a telling letter of this little three year olds life. She amazes me with her maturity and compassion but also breaks my heart with the same qualities.
We plan and plan out activities for the two girls with autism to make this season less stressful for them. Now it is time to plan Audrey's season full of fun activities that show her she does not have to be the caretaker of her sisters at this time.
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