The holiday season is a joyful time, but as we all know, it can also be incredibly stressful. Nobody appreciates this more than the parents and families of children with autism, who already face unique challenges.

Routines and structure are more difficult to maintain during the chaos of the holidays, and kids with autism must deal with new faces, places and a disruption of their schedules. And, since many children with autism are also sensitive to noise, touch and light, the din of the holidays can become disorienting and overwhelming. This can mean a new level of stress and anxiety.

The following are tips provided by medical experts, educators and families of kids with autism. Several of the professionals and parents are available to discuss these and other ideas for making the holidays more fun for everyone involved:

• Plan ahead whenever possible. Compile a list of activities that can help your child fill his or her time wherever you go.
• Use rehearsal and role play to give children practice ahead of time in dealing with new social situations, or work together to write a "social story" that incorporates all the elements of an upcoming event or visit to better prepare them for that situation.
• If you are going to visit family or friends, make sure there is a quiet, calm place for retreat.
• Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety or distress, including an increase in behaviors such as humming or rocking - they may indicate it's time for a break.
• Engage kids with autism in repetitive activities such as stringing popcorn for trimming the tree.
• Practice unwrapping gifts ahead of time, which will help a child with autism learn the understanding and the meaning of gifts.
• Take toys and other gifts out of the box before wrapping them. It is more fun and less frustrating if a child with autism can open the gift and play with it immediately.
• Try to relax and have a good time. If you are tense your child may sense that something isn't right.
• Get a list of gift ideas for relatives from your child's teacher and therapists.
• Don't shield your child from the extended family. Family members need to understand the challenges you face.
• Take pictures when you and your child trim the tree, visit relatives, open gifts, etc. Make a book about your holiday by gluing the pictures onto construction paper, writing a short sentence under each picture, and stapling the pages together. When someone asks your child a question regarding the holidays, your child can use the book as a visual cue to help tell about the things he or she did.

Tips provided by: Dr. Gary Goldstein, clinical scientific advisor for Autism Speaks and president and chief executive officer of the Kennedy Krieger Institute; Dr. Fred Volkmar, director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic; Dr. Melissa Nishawala, clinical director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Service; Dr. John Brown, Director, Reed Academy; Dr. Ivy Feldman, educational director, The McCarton School; and Diane Marshall, mother of a son with autism.

Just like my son I have my high and low days. My little guy is non-verbal (he says words here and there but not on a high active level. For now ... bless it be ...) but he adores music and of course technology. Repeating parts of songs in his own special way whether it's lyrics or a sound of an instrument over and over and over and over again. You may actually hear him say it, sometimes he'll hum or make a noise that matches the length of the word or note. This can be the cutest thing and some days ehhhhhh... hearing the ending note of backyardagains over 10 times can work a nerve BUT that's when we break out the headphones.  (Hey I'm being honest, you want to experience my journey I give it to you REAL. The Good, Bad, Joy & Pain)

Anyway, I am always looking for much needed pick me ups when I'm haivng a rough day or moments of " what if .... wonders" many of us special needs parents have. I came across this video a year ago and this video right here always makes me say LOOK AT GOD !! It's from the UK show Autistic Superstars where they showcase kids with autism and the abilities they have developed. This young man has huge trouble with communicating but through music he has a voice. 

I love it, the first time I viewed it I CRIED I mean my G Wall (G-Wall- A wall you create to guard yourself from expressing emotion. One of my many momo-ism a language you will soon learn, understand and love !) came tumbling down in front of my computer screen for a moment. Emotions of joy, excitement, and even some of my what if' thoughts all balled up into a bunch of tears. It made me smile to see the way he rocks to music resembles my little Young Fresh. His pitch is close to perfect no lessons naturally given. This video is one of my golden nuggets, my pick me up, my keep on working and believing for Young Fresh future motivation. I don't know what the future holds for my son but having inspiration and faith boosters is always helpful.

The more I research, the more I see how amazing these individuals can be on all levels of the spectrum the more it assures me they were made to remind us that uniqueness is just that, it comes in rare forms most of the time uncomprehensible to man and how blessed am I to have a part of this uniqueness that's been placed on this earth. Enjoy the video !! 
Chow for now,
Artiste Monique

Being a parent of a child with autism is definitely an experience . A lot of people have so many questions they may want to ask so I decided to open the lines of communication with a Question and Answer series. Myself along with other parents of autistic children will answer questions they receive and I will post them to the site. Feel free to email me, facebook me with any question.
Chow for now
Artiste Monique

Greetings all ! 
Its that time of the year again where we show our support for Autism Awareness and Research. On April 2nd people across the globe will LIGHT IT UP BLUE for Autism. So please submit pics, post via instagram, twitter, facebook and etc showing how you light it up blue for 2013 !!
Chow for now,
Artiste Monique

I love when parents create resources and outlets for not only their children but other awesome kids as well. This lovely lady I not only follow on youtube for her hair and beauty reviews but I follow her because she too is a parent of two uniquely made young men. Check out her story.