There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays ... Tips for Supporting a Successful Home Visit for Individuals with Special Needs Who are in Residential Care

By Charlotte Kerwin, M.S., LABA, BCBA

[This column was published in the West Springfield Republican on November 16, 2023.]

If the pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that spending time with loved ones is something we should never take for granted. Some families, though, must overcome additional obstacles to celebrate holidays with all their family members. For children and adults with profound autism or disabilities who live in residential care facilities, spending time at home or attending a holiday event may pose unique challenges. 

These individuals may need support in many or all areas of daily living, which at times requires 24-hour care in a residential placement (National Council on Severe Autism). Many families with children who require this level of care will visit them at their residence or bring them home for weekends and holidays. However, some families may be reluctant to do this if their child engages in challenging behavior or experiences distress with changes in routine. 

Below are some suggestions for a successful visit home in preparation for the holidays:

Always collaborate with your child’s school or adult team:

• If you have any concern before a home visit, consult your child’s team to set them up for success. Often, the team will have suggestions for preferred activities, best ways to successfully transition in and out of the residence, and how to identify and address any potential safety concerns.

Identify any potential barriers to success before the visit: 

• Some individuals have a hard time going on long car rides or staying overnight in a place they aren’t used to sleeping. Additional challenges could include loud noises at a party, several people in a new setting, unpredictable pets or young children, new foods and smells, different clothes, and any disruption to routines. 
• If you are able to identify what might make the holiday visit home difficult, you can plan ways to address these challenges ahead of time. For example, your family member may need a private space to go if there are several visitors present. Something that seems like a small change to you could be overwhelming to your family member.

Set up regular visits ahead of the holidays: 

• Setting up regular visits ahead of the holidays may be helpful. Practice makes perfect, and spending shorter times at home without the added stress of a holiday event may make the holidays easier. More frequent visits within the residence, taking trips to a preferred restaurant or store, visiting home for a few hours, or even staying home for one overnight on a regular weekend may ease the transition to a busier holiday weekend.
• During these home visits, providing your child or family member with time to decompress and relax in the home environment after the drive may ease the challenge of a changing routine. Provide preferred items and activities during the visit to make it a positive experience. 
• Similarly, stopping at a loved location like a favorite drive-thru on the way back to the residence will end the trip home on “a high note” and can help ease the transition back to the residence. 

When it comes time for the holiday event: 

• Bring toys and favorite foods your child loves to the party or event. This may make them more comfortable and ensures they will have food available that they like to eat.
• Be ready to change your plans if your child shows any signs they aren’t having a good time. Consider providing options like a quiet space, time outside, or a break from social interactions with an iPad or preferred device if the event becomes too overwhelming. 
• If you have to leave an event early or it doesn’t go as planned, try not to feel disheartened. This is a great subject to bring up to your child’s team to target for a future goal. 
• For more detailed information on setting your child up for success for a holiday party, please visit the National Autism Center at May Institute for additional parent resources. 

For more information on the National Council on Severe Autism, please visit their website: National Council on Severe Autism (ncsautism.org)
For more information on the National Autism Center, please visit their website: https://nationalautismcenter.org/.

Charlotte Kerwin, M.S., LABA, BCBA, is a Clinical Director at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Chicopee, Mass. She can be contacted at ckerwin@mayinstitute.org.

About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. May Institute operates five schools for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, including one in Chicopee, Mass. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.