Survived the Holidays

Holidays are a little tricky when you have a child with special needs but especially with autism. Marissa gets over stimulated very easily and then begins to act out by hitting, screaming, throwing things and just over all whiney. While we had tried to make some changes in this years routine to make it more manageable for her, it still was not enough to help her. The break and lack of routine also don't help much with managing her behaviors. But school will be here soon enough and so we just enjoy this time that we get to spend with her.

Every once in a while I like to throw in a comment about what is great about having a child with autism. Marissa is a giver and not the best receiver of gifts. Christmas day at our house this year took almost 4 hours for her to open her gifts. (She only had 10). But its the enjoyment out of it, in everything there is a routine. "Read the bow (tag under the bow) whose it from", "all thank you mommy and daddy" (before she opens it), "thank you, I love it" (after she opens it). This year I switched from pattern paper to plain paper to see if that made a difference in how she opens a present. It seemed to help some as she was not ripping a pattern but I realized it was the thoughts and her thankfulness that she wanted everyone to know about. Also, she hates a mess. So after each present was opened the wrapping paper would have to be immediately put in the trash bag. No lingering paper on the floor here.

I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. This year I just took time to enjoy the day. Whether you have a child with special needs or not Christmas time can always be a challenge. I wish each of you the best in 2012. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and allowing me to share this journey with you. Each of your comments help me realize that I am not doing this alone and that I do have people who care about Marissa, Steve and I. All I can say is that you are appreciated more then you know. Happy New Year!