TeachUS ABA December Newsletter

As we wrap up the year and dive into December, it’s a perfect time to reflect on all we’ve achieved together and the hurdles we’ve overcome. This month is about celebration, connection, and the excitement of fresh starts ahead. In this newsletter, we’ll share some ideas, provide updates on what we’ve been working on, and some great ways for you to get involved as we gear up for an exciting new year.

Thank you so much for your amazing support and commitment to our mission. We hope your holiday season is filled with joy, peace, and many wonderful moments with your loved ones!

The holiday season is filled with joy and excitement, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for many kids with autism. The bright lights, loud sounds, and busy atmosphere of Holidays can sometimes be a challenge for little ones who are more sensitive to sensory input.

Let’s join forces this December to ensure our children have a wonderful holiday experience! Here are some friendly tips to help manage sensory overload during the festivities:

1. Create a Cozy Retreat: Set up a quiet space at home or find a peaceful corner during gatherings where your child can take a break and recharge when overwhelmed.

2. Get Ready for Fun: Discuss the agenda before heading out to holiday events. Visual aids or social stories can help your child know what to expect, making them feel more at ease.

3. Pick and Choose: Be selective about which events to attend based on your child's comfort level. It’s perfectly okay to skip the busy parties if they seem too much!

4. Bring Comfort from Home: Pack familiar toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets in your bag. These items can help your child feel safe and comfortable in new environments.

5. Encourage Little Breaks: Let your child know it’s completely fine to step away if they need a breather. Taking regular breaks can help them enjoy the festivities even more!

Being mindful and understanding, we can help our kids navigate the holiday season with smiles and joy. Let’s all work together to create a festive atmosphere that’s friendly and enjoyable for everyone.

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love, laughter, and peace!

Finding the perfect gift for a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s essential to consider their unique interests and sensory preferences. Based on the toys and activities children enjoy at the center, here are some thoughtful gift ideas that can promote engagement, comfort, and joy.

Happy Gifting!

Here are some simple and engaging holiday crafts and activities that families can enjoy together while being mindful of sensory needs:

1. Sensory Snowman

- Materials: White socks, rice or cotton balls, buttons, fabric scraps, and markers.

- Activity: Fill a sock with rice and tie it off to create a snowman shape. Use additional pieces of the sock for the hat and scarf. Decorate with buttons for the eyes and use fabric scraps for the nose. This tactile activity encourages creativity while allowing engagement with different textures.

2. Holiday Sensory Bottles

- Materials: Clear plastic bottles, water, glitter, small holiday-themed items (like mini ornaments or beads), and food coloring.

- Activity: Fill the bottles with water, add glitter and holiday items, and a drop of food coloring if desired. Seal tightly. These calming sensory bottles can be shaken and observed, providing a visual and tactile experience.

3. Holiday Playdough

- Materials: Homemade or store-bought playdough, holiday scents (like peppermint), and cookie cutters.

- Activity: Create or use scented playdough for a fun sensory experience. Kids can roll, cut, and shape the dough into holiday-themed creations. Scents can enhance the sensory experience.

4. Nature-Inspired Decorations

- Materials: Pine cones, twine, paint, and natural elements (like leaves or berries).

- Activity: Collect pine cones and decorate them using paint or wrapping them with twine. Add natural elements for a rustic holiday feel. This activity encourages outdoor exploration and creativity.

5. Festive Sensory Bins

- Materials: A large bin, rice or dry beans, holiday-themed items (such as mini trees, ornaments, or figurines), and scoops.

- Activity: Create a sensory bin filled with rice or beans and holiday-themed objects. Kids can explore, scoop, and create their own festive scenes. This activity promotes fine motor skills and imaginative play.

6. Holiday Greeting Cards

- Materials: Cardstock, markers, stickers, and stamps.

- Activity: Have kids create holiday cards for friends and family. They can use stickers and markers to personalize their messages. This craft encourages creativity and is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer.

These activities bring families together and provide opportunities for sensory exploration and creativity, making the holiday season enjoyable for everyone.

Happy crafting!

Remember to collaborate with your BCBA to increase session frequency for better progress, particularly during school breaks, such as vacations, half days, or professional development days!

We will be closed on Christmas Day (12/25) and New Year's Day (1/1).

Please remember that our Center will be open during the last two weeks of December (from December 23 to January 4). If you'd like to schedule additional hours, please work with your BCBA to plan sessions at Home or the Center. I have included a link to a google form for you to fill out in terms of December dates. You can check your preference of time and location for each date, if you don't have a preference you can select multiple options. We are working on staffing and having your preference will help us support your family during the Winter Break! https://forms.gle/kQzPt7MJyBYskkFb9

We recognize that not everyone celebrates Christmas, so we will also explore various holidays celebrated during this time.