It seems as soon as the summer has ended, and the daily school routines are starting to settle back into place, October quickly approaches and before we all know it, the holiday season is upon us.

Thoughts begin running through your head such as; "How am I going to fit in all of my child's ABA appointments?" Here at ACES, we know it may seem difficult but there is no better time than now to begin working with your ABA provider to plan for the busy months ahead!

If you are feeling overwhelmed about the busy holiday season and how much your schedule is going to have to change, ACES can help. Our team understands just how stressful this season can be for everyone and we want to provide you with the guidance, tips, and support you need to make it through the busy holiday season and make it the best one yet!

Keep reading to learn about some proven tips that might be helpful to you and your family this holiday season and contact our team today to see how our team and our ABA services can help you as the seasons change!

Halloween

• Use your ABA sessions to practice deciding on costumes, putting on costumes, practicing trick or treating, reading social stories about Halloween, taking trips to the store to decorate the house or buying candy to pass out to neighbors!
• Join ACES Halloween Spooktacular or a community event near you where the community is well equipped to help you and your family with your specific Halloween needs!

Veterans Day

• Use your ABA sessions to write a thank you note to a veteran or visit a local Veterans Day event
• Join an ACES event the week of November 5-12 as we offer special activities to celebrate our Veterans. Stay tuned for what is happening in your local office.

Thanksgiving Week

• Use your ABA sessions to help prepare your child for family gatherings using video modeling, social stories, and role playing.
• Do errands with your behavior interventionist and include your son or daughter in the process to work on functional living skills such as shopping and planning for meals.
• Visit a local shelter with your behavior interventionist to give back to the community!
• Join an ACES Extended WABA Program to keep your child experiencing a structured and social day with special
• Thanksgiving activities.
• Black Friday: ACES will be open for your child's ABA session so that you can recover from Thanksgiving or go shopping to find those great deals!

Christmas Week

• Use your ABA sessions to help prepare your child for upcoming events using video modeling, social stories, and role playing.
• Do errands with your behavior interventionist and include your son or daughter in the process to work on functional living skills such as shopping and planning for meals.
• Include your behavior interventionist in traditions your family may have like going to church, cooking a special meal or treat, or wrapping presents!
• Take your behavior interventionist with you to go see Santa!
• Join an ACES Extended WABA Program to keep your child experiencing a structured and social day with special Holiday activities.

Hanukkah

• Use your ABA sessions to help prepare your child for upcoming events using video modeling, social stories, and role playing.
• Engage your son or daughter in family time by helping them understand traditions and the meaning behind the holidays you celebrate!

Kwanzaa

• Use your ABA sessions to help prepare your child for upcoming events using video modeling, social stories, and role playing.
• Have your son or daughter engage in helping the family prepare special meals and traditions while teaching them the history of your celebrations!

Additional Tips Throughout the Year

• Ask your provider if your child's siblings can attend their ABA session or groups, this can help them to feel more comfortable being engaging in events.
• Add sessions temporarily for when you need it most like our Open ACES: Friday Night Lights or Sunday Funday!
• When you need to cancel for illness or emergency, set a time make up the missed session immediately and think about the above tips for making it during real life situations.

Here at ACES, we believe that every situation needs to be meaningful and applied to real life. Even though the holiday season may be chaotic and busy, it also provides so many real-life learning opportunities for your child.

Talk to your supervisor today to see how ACES can help you through the busy holiday season. We can't wait to be there with you to help capture the learning along the way!

Start Services Ready to get started? Sign-up Today!
Major Insurances Accepted: Aetna, BCBS, Humana, United, Cigna, and more!