The start of a new year is a time of celebration and excitement for many, but for children with autism, the sights and sounds of New Year’s Eve can often be overwhelming. Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces can create sensory overload, making it challenging for children with autism to fully enjoy the festivities. However, with a little creativity and planning, you can help make the countdown to the new year fun, engaging, and comfortable for kids with autism.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can create an inclusive New Year’s celebration that is both fun and sensory-friendly, drawing on techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and autism behavior support to make the night enjoyable for everyone.
Understanding Autism and Sensory Sensitivities
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. Many children with autism experience heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded environments. These sensory sensitivities can make traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations, with fireworks and busy parties, difficult to enjoy.
ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a therapeutic approach widely used to help children with autism navigate social interactions, manage behaviors, and develop skills in a variety of settings. It focuses on positive reinforcement and structured support to help children learn and grow. When planning a New Year’s celebration, incorporating principles of ABA therapy can help address sensory sensitivities and support children with autism in a way that fosters comfort, enjoyment, and a sense of accomplishment.
Tips for Creating a Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Celebration
1. Create a Quiet Space
A loud countdown with fireworks or party horns can be overwhelming for kids with autism. To avoid sensory overload, designate a quiet area where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This space can be equipped with soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, calming music, or even sensory toys like fidget spinners to help them self-regulate.
2. Visual Countdown Adaptations
The traditional New Year’s Eve countdown is often marked by a ball drop or fireworks. For children with autism, these visual cues might be too intense. Instead, consider creating a visual countdown using simple tools like a printed timer, or a digital clock with a large, easy-to-read display. For a more tactile approach, you could use a countdown chart with pictures representing the time left. This helps children with autism anticipate when the new year is coming and allows them to engage in the celebration without being startled by sudden changes.
3. Incorporate ABA Therapy Techniques
For families who use ABA therapy at home, the strategies learned in therapy can be incorporated into the celebration. Positive reinforcement, a key element of ABA therapy, can be used to reward kids for staying engaged in the countdown or for participating in New Year’s activities, such as singing songs, using noisemakers, or joining in on a dance party. Reinforcers such as small treats, preferred activities, or a special toy can be offered when children meet these social or behavioral goals.
4. Sensory-Friendly Decorations
While traditional New Year’s Eve decorations are often bright and flashy, it’s important to take sensory sensitivities into account. Opt for decorations that are more subdued in color and texture. Consider using dim lighting with soft fairy lights or LED candles instead of blaring strobe lights or neon colors. If your child is sensitive to particular textures, avoid overly shiny or glittery decorations, as these can sometimes be uncomfortable.
5. Incorporate Structured Activities
Children with autism often thrive in structured environments where expectations are clear. Plan out a set of activities leading up to midnight, such as games, crafts, or a movie marathon. Use visual schedules or timers to show the sequence of events, so children can anticipate what comes next and feel more comfortable. You could even include a small celebration in the earlier hours of the evening, giving kids the opportunity to enjoy the experience without staying up too late.
Benefits of Using ABA Therapy and Autism Behavior Support During the Celebration
When planning an inclusive New Year’s celebration for children with autism, there are several benefits to incorporating ABA therapy techniques and autism behavior support. These approaches can:
- Improve Social Engagement: ABA therapy can help children with autism develop social skills, and participating in the New Year’s celebration can be an excellent opportunity to practice those skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether it’s saying “Happy New Year!” to a family member or engaging in group activities, children with autism can learn to interact with others in positive ways.
- Reduce Anxiety: Many children with autism experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations or when their routine is disrupted. Using strategies like visual schedules and positive reinforcement can help reduce anxiety by providing predictability and promoting a sense of control over their environment.
- Enhance Communication Skills: ABA therapy focuses on improving communication skills, which can help children with autism express their needs and preferences during the celebration. Whether they are using words, sign language, or picture exchange communication systems (PECS), giving children with autism a way to communicate what they want during the festivities makes the experience more enjoyable.
- Support Sensory Regulation: By creating a sensory-friendly environment and providing sensory breaks, children with autism can self-regulate and enjoy the celebration without becoming overwhelmed. Offering choices like noise-canceling headphones or sensory toys can help children manage sensory overload, making the celebration more inclusive and enjoyable.
New Year’s Eve can be an exciting and memorable time for families, but it’s essential to make accommodations for children with autism to ensure they feel comfortable and included in the festivities. By using the strategies above—such as creating a quiet space, incorporating ABA therapy techniques, and offering sensory-friendly options—you can help kids with autism feel more engaged and less stressed as they count down to the new year.
At the heart of this inclusive approach is the goal to make celebrations fun, accessible, and enriching for all children, regardless of their sensory needs or behavioral challenges. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a New Year’s celebration that’s enjoyable for the whole family—helping children with autism feel celebrated and supported as they embrace the new year ahead.
If you’re interested in learning more about autism behavior support or ABA therapy, consider reaching out to one of our dedicated ABA therapy professionals for more guidance and resources tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Checkout our Blog page for more informative resources like Holiday Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Families, Soft Snowflakes with Felt and Yarn: A Sensory Craft for Autism Support, and How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Celebration.
