Hi Families! I'll admit it. I didn't always love December or the holidays. Growing up in a big, Italian, Catholic family lent itself to a lot of crazy, loud gatherings, hugs and gifts from people I barely knew. It wasn't until I met my husband and had my own children that I really started embracing December and all the wonderment that comes with it.  

Let's face it, though, this time of year can be a lot to handle for a neuro-typical person, let alone someone with an autism spectrum disorder. The stores are busier, the lines are longer, and the music plays louder at the mall. Not to mention that nothing looks the same, smells the same, or just is the same as usual. It is stressful and can be even harder to manage if any person(s) in your family has special needs. Here are some tips to help us all be a little more sane and full of holiday cheer.