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.   Try a walking meditation. Take your child on a 15-20 minute walk outside.  For as much as they are able to, encourage them not to talk. Have them focus on their breaths and their body…their footsteps, the sensations in their body as their body moves along the path.  Remind them to focus on what they notice as they walk: the cool, crisp air, the sun warming their face, the caress of the wind on their cheeks, the sounds of birds overhead, cars driving by, the smell of pine trees or smoke from bonfires…whatever they notice … Continue reading How to Help Kids with Autism, Anxiety and Special Needs Calm Down at the Holidays