Truth be told, this is not easy for those of us without special needs. The time change is tough. Schedules change, it is so much darker outside and our bodies need to adapt.
For our kids with special needs, we need to take into consideration that they may need some extra help to make it smooth.
Here are some ideas to hopefully make it a smoother transition.
- Keep routines as close to the same as you can. The first few nights of going to sleep may present some challenges, but keep your children doing what is familiar. If bathtime is 730, keep it the same . Reading at 830 – don’t change it. They will adapt and be comfortable with the routine.
- Make a social story for your kids to use. It will help them visualize what is expected and follow the steps in the story.
- Exercise . Even if you turn it into a game, they will exert some energy and hopefully be a little more tired for bedtime.
- Let them know they are doing a good job with the change. Praise is good for all of us!
- Patience. Be patient with yourself, other members of your family and your special needs child. No one is enjoying this, so remember to be kind to yourself, let go of some of the things you can and in a short time, this will all be behind us, until Spring!