Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen tackle the unique challenges of holiday celebrations with autistic children. From routine disruptions to the complexity of Santa Claus traditions, the hosts share personal stories of aggression, anxiety, and family adjustments. They discuss practical strategies including one-on-one visits, managing expectations, and creating new traditions that prioritize peace over perfection. The conversation offers honest insights into traveling with autistic children and the liberating reality that families can define their own holiday experiences without conforming to traditional expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Holidays break routines, which can trigger challenging behaviors in autistic children including aggression and anxiety.
• One-on-one interactions often work better than large family gatherings for autistic children.
• The concept of Santa can be particularly difficult for autistic children who need facts, proof, and concrete information.
• Pre-revealing gifts can reduce anxiety around uncertainty and unmet expectations.
• Test travel limits gradually during non-holiday times rather than attempting new challenges during high-stress periods.
• Social stories and therapist support can help prepare children for holiday travel and events.
• Give Santa an "expiration date" (such as age 8) to manage the transition away from the tradition.
• Avoid comparing your family's holiday experience to idealized versions—create traditions that work for your unique situation.
• Utilize airport sensory-friendly rooms and other available resources when traveling.
• It's liberating to prioritize what works for your family over traditional holiday expectations.

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Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com