Holiday Guide Offers Tips For Special Needs Parents At No Cost

NEW YORK - Dec. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- During the holiday season, parents of special needs children are often depressed and isolated.  Many feel as though a spotlight is being shined on their lives, and that their families fail to measure up to the so-called “normal” families depicted in movies, TV shows and ads.  This can create feelings of guilt, loneliness and stress that can take all of the joy out of the holidays.

“This booklet offers proven techniques designed to help parents, not only survive and manage the holidays, but actually enjoy them with their family and friends,” said Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC and author of The Autism Parents’ Guide To Reclaiming Your Life (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1497581222).  The guide is available at no cost by downloading it at http://www.yourautismcoach.com.

Parents can apply these tips from Enjoying The Holidays With Your Special Needs Child:

· Don’t isolate yourself.  Your friends and family don’t like or love you less because you have a child with special needs.  In fact, they probably admire and respect you more than ever after seeing how difficult it can be to raise a child with a disability.  Don’t shut these people out of your life.  Spending time with those who care for you will make you feel good and recharge your batteries.

· Go where you’re comfortable. Attend holiday events and functions where you and your family feel at ease.

· Ask for help when you need it.  This season is the best time for seeking extra aid.  Allowing others to help you will also make them feel good about the holidays.

· Schedule some “me time”.  When family and friends ask what you want for a gift, do yourself a huge favor by requesting a few hours of “personal time”.  Do something that you truly enjoy, or that you simply never get the chance to do in your busy life. Let them come over to take care of your child in your home. You’ll know your child is safe and well-cared for, and there’s no child care costs.  Does life get any better than this?

· Give yourself permission to enjoy.  Parents of special needs children may feel guilty for a having a good time over the holidays, even if it’s only for a short time.  But there is no reason to feel guilty.  A bit of enjoyment is good for you, and believe it or not, beneficial for your child.  So make sure you’ve got child care arrangements you have confidence in, then go to that dinner with friends, that office function or that holiday party.  It will do wonders for your emotional outlook to unload the weight of your responsibilities for a few hours.

Your Autism Coach, LLC provides superior coaching services and seminars that address the issues and concerns of parents of autistic and special needs children. Now on Twitter (@yourautismcoach), look for the latest parenting tips and advice from Deanna Picon.