By Janis D. Gioia, MAEd. Many children with special needs, and even typically developing children, struggle with anxiety and sensory overload at the holidays. With the disruption of routines, the frantic pace and the anticipation of things to come, many children spend the month of December having stress-induced meltdowns and other symptoms of anxiety. The following ideas offer some creative ways to help you calm your child with special needs at the holidays, and into the new year. Remember, you are the expert on your child.  What works for some children doesn’t work for others, and what works one day might not work the next. One of the best ways you can help your child calm down is by teaching them how to meditate. We’re not talking about sitting on a mountaintop in complete silence for hours…we’re talking kid-friendly meditation that is easy and fun and can be done anytime and anywhere. Meditation is something children can do anytime, anywhere, and it’s especially beneficial when presented to children in stories. Every child loves listening to and learning through stories.  Stories are calming, in and of themselves, and when stories and meditation are woven together, the result is pure peacefulness for … Continue reading How to Help Kids with Autism, Anxiety and Special Needs Calm Down at the Holidays