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How to Create an Autism-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day?
The day to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day has arrived! For many, this date signifies a break from routine, a moment to celebrate with friends or family and enjoy the creative and colorful parades and various activities that come with this festive occasion. However, for individuals with autism, navigating the sensory overload and social complexities of such celebrations can be challenging. As we approach this holiday, it’s crucial to ensure inclusivity and create autism-friendly activities to ensure everyone’s participation in St. Patrick’s Day.
Parents, caregivers, and families with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) know that special days, festivities, and celebrations pose unique challenges, as they can disrupt the usual and predictable structure of the environment. The disruption of these routines can lead to anxiety, stress, and difficulties in adaptation for people with autism, who often find comfort and security in familiarity and consistency.
So, how to create an autism-friendly St. Patrick’s Day? Keep reading this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia, where we will provide a guide for all families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, Marietta, and other areas of Georgia on how to avoid affecting your child’s sensitivities while creating a dynamic, inclusive environment with friendly activities.
Understanding the Sensory Sensitivities in Autism
Sensory sensitivities are a common characteristic in individuals with autism, and these sensitivities can significantly impact their interaction with the world around them. Sensory issues often go hand-in-hand with autism and can be expressed as hyper-sensitivities (being over-responsive) or hypo-sensitivities (being under-responsive), according to Pediatric Research.
Sensory sensitivities in autism can manifest in various ways. For example, an individual might be hypersensitive to sounds, making them startled or distressed by noises that others barely notice. Others might be undersensitive to pain or temperature, not noticing when they’re hurt or when it’s too hot or cold. Some individuals may have synesthesia, a rare condition where an experience goes in through one sensory system and out through another.
These sensory sensitivities can make participating in everyday activities challenging for neurodiverse individuals. During celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, the combination of bright lights, loud noises, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar textures of costumes or decorations can quickly become overwhelming. It could trigger anxiety, meltdowns, or sensory overload, making it difficult for them to enjoy the festivities.
Autism-Friendly Activities for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day can be an exciting time to celebrate Irish heritage and culture, and with a few modifications, it can be made enjoyable for individuals with autism as well. Here are some enriching autism-friendly activities you can try:
1. Themed Crafting Sessions: Crafts are a fantastic way for children with autism to express themselves creatively while improving their fine motor skills. Hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed crafting session at home can be both fun and educational. Make crafts related to the holiday together using sensory-friendly materials like clay, felt, or paper. For instance, they could mold clay into shamrocks, decorate felt leprechaun hats, or make a rainbow out of colored paper.
2. Sensory-Friendly Snacks: Food can be a great way to celebrate any festival, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Prepare green-themed snacks that are visually appealing and easy to consume for those with sensory sensitivities. Green fruits and vegetables, like kiwi, green grapes, broccoli, or cucumbers, can be served. Alternatively, you can also make smoothies using spinach, kale, and other green ingredients. Baking green cupcakes or cookies together can also be a fun activity.
3. Virtual Celebrations: Traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often involve parades and crowded parties, which might be overwhelming for people with autism. Thankfully, many organizations host virtual events so families can enjoy the holiday from the comfort of home. Look for online storytelling sessions, virtual concerts, or craft workshops.
4. Nature Walks: Connecting with nature can provide a calming experience for individuals with autism. Taking a peaceful nature walk in a local park or green space can be an excellent way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Look for plants or animals that represent the holiday, like clovers or green birds. You can also use this opportunity to teach them about the significance of the color green on this day.
5. Music Therapy: Organize a music session featuring Irish-themed tunes to commemorate the occasion. By immersing in the melodic charm of traditional Irish folk songs, the rhythmic allure of Celtic instrumentals, or the tranquil resonance of nature sounds, individuals can engage in a calming activity. Moreover, this could enhance their social skills, reduce stress levels, and decrease distressed behaviors, according to Frontiers in Psychiatry.
6. Storytelling Sessions: Host a storytelling session at home where you can read or narrate Irish folktales, legends, or stories about leprechauns and pots of gold. Use visual aids or props to enhance the storytelling experience and keep the atmosphere interactive and engaging.
7. Adaptive Games and Puzzles: Adapt traditional St. Patrick’s Day games and puzzles to make them more accessible for individuals with ASD. Choose games that focus on cooperative play and problem-solving rather than competitive activities that may cause stress or anxiety. For example, you can organize a shamrock scavenger hunt where participants search for hidden clover shapes around the house or yard. Alternatively, set up a sensory-friendly puzzle station with jigsaw puzzles featuring Irish landscapes or holiday themes. Adjust the difficulty level and provide support as needed to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the games.
Remember, the key to an autism-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration is to keep activities flexible and to ensure they cater to the individual’s specific needs and interests.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from ABA Centers of Georgia
By understanding their unique challenges and preferences, we can create autism-friendly environments and activities that allow everyone to participate fully in the festivities. Let’s embrace neurodiversity and ensure that no one feels excluded from the joy and community spirit.
If you find yourself in need of additional support or resources for your kid or teen with autism, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ABA Centers of Georgia. Our dedicated team of professionals specializes in providing ABA therapy and a range of supportive services tailored to the unique needs of individuals on the spectrum.
To access personalized resources and assistance uniquely crafted to suit your child’s needs, contact us at (855) 929-5058 or drop us a message online. We’re here to help every step of the way. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
