The month of December is tough on our kids.  The schedules are changing, the decorations are not just changing, but getting out of hand!  The food is changing – again!  The stress is rising.  Many families wonder if their child’s medications need to be increased.  Some ask for meds for themselves (some kidding, some not so kidding).  

So let’s all take a deep breath together…   There, doesn’t that feel better?  Do it again.   Remember all the things you love about the season.  Watch some favorite holiday movies.  Have a glass of wine, if you’re so inclined.   Say a prayer for all those poor souls who don’t have an autistic person in their lives to help ground them, if you’re so inclined.  

Jesus couldn’t have been an easy child to raise.  He spent all his time learning scripture, instead of playing with the kids.  He knew scripture better than some adults.  I’ll bet the kids teased him about that and called him names!  Mary must have had days where she got mad and said “get your nose out of that Torah and set the table for dinner!”  Our kids on the spectrum are as special as any children, and even though we have to adjust things for them, they make everything richer as a result.  When the season is getting to you, take 5 minutes to calm your heart and remember how lucky you are.