Help me get prepared

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In the morning we are headed to a large house for Christmas (4-5 days). It has 4 bedrooms, two with walk-in closets. Our family of 5 will be in one bedroom, a family of 6 will be in one bedroom, a family of 3 will be in one bedroom, and my parents will share the master.

My mother has volunteered her walk-in closet as a "quiet room" for E, and we'll be bringing some video games as well. My husband and I have already agreed that one will stay in the house with E if any activity seems overwhelming, but I still feel like a week in a house with 13 other people is going to be too much for him.

So, what am I forgetting? What else can I do to ensure that we all have a good time?

It sounds like a nightmare. As long as there is someplace to be alone, I guess that's the main thing.

I wonder if there is a quiet park you could take him if it all gets too much? I'd find this kind of set-up very overwhelming even if I didn't have kids and would have to go for walks to get away from things for a while.

Yes, a quiet park, a drive thru restaurant or a familiar chain store. A written schedule of the events.

try to keep a routine as much as possible. ....be prepared to leave early if things seem totally overwhelming

I'm feeling stressed at the thought of your situation!

We had a similar situation Easter this year and my 7 year old could not cope with it. We had to leave early.

Helen

Is there any way you could stay in a motel instead?

Update: We've been here about 36 hours, and so far he's had a great time. He has had no conflicts because there have been no expectations on him. He's been allowed to step away from the group whenever, and we prearranged a quiet spot for him, although he hasn't had to use it.

So far, HOORAY!

And, no there are no parks or motels available.

glad things are going well so far....hope things continue smoothly

Excellent news!

Last Christmas we didn't know our sons had Asperger's. This year, 2 of our 3 sons have been Asperger's and we have learned so much.

So this Christmas we have removed all 'NT standards of behaviour' and we've had a great Christmas.

Helen

Final update: E got a leapster for Christmas and perseverated on it, causing him to miss a family movie and causing my mother to nearly melt down (she's not as accepting of how his diagnosis affects the family).

I think the last couple of days were extra bumpy, but so long as we (as Smelena said) removed all standards of NT behavior from him he was fine.

Fortunately we are home now and things can slide back into a normal pattern.