Mauro Family Christmas

I took this photo from the second floor of our house overlooking the living room. Mikey is sitting on the couch with his Aunt M, who is a one-on-one aide for an elementary aged child with Autism. She is great with Mikey and he adores her.

Tradition

Each year, my husband’s family comes to us for one day over the Christmas break. It is much easier on Mikey to be at home in his own space, so they do it as a favor to us and we deeply appreciate them making the trip.

It is a fun day with people we love, but it is also sometimes tough for Mikey. We live with contradictions like this every day. Our kids want to be included AND sometimes the events overwhelm them.  

One Idea

We invite Mikey to be a part of everything, and we accept no if that is his answer right then. He has several spots to sneak away if things get too loud. He can go to his room or the playroom in the basement. If even those are too loud, he sometimes opts to sit in his seat in my car in the garage. I turn on the garage lights, and the car stays off (obviously for safety). The cooler temperature of the garage and the fact that he can be alone allows him the space and time he needs to get ready for another round of adoring relatives.

Now I’ll know where to look for you guys if you’re missing during a big family gathering. I know you’re stealing this idea for yourselves! LOL-don’t leave the kids unsupervised with Christmas cookies. It’s not worth it. Wink.