While many of us look forward to the twinkle of holiday lights, the serenade of familiar Christmas songs, and the scent of warm pumpkin pie or fresh pine branches, these same things can present unique and real challenges to children with sensory issues. Recognizing and respecting these sensitivities is an important first step. With a little foresight and planning, families can create a sensory-friendly holiday season that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities.
1. Plan Ahead You can minimize surprises and create a more predictable environment by sharing your holiday schedule with your child and discussing any potential changes or events. This can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of structure.
It’s also a good idea to educate relatives and guests about your child’s sensory sensitivities. Share information about what may trigger discomfort and provide guidance on how to interact with your child. A little understanding can go a long way in creating a supportive and inclusive holiday environment.
2. Manage Lighting, Decorations and Noise Levels Bright lights and flashy decorations are integral to holiday celebrations, but they can be intense for children with sensory sensitivities. Consider using soft, ambient lighting and opting for simpler, less overwhelming decorations. Dimmer switches or adjustable lights can also provide more control over the environment.
Holiday gatherings can also be noisy affairs, with music, laughter, and conversations filling the air. Consider encouraging breaks in a quiet space, or providing noise-canceling headphones, earplugs or headphones with preferred music to help manage auditory stimulation.
3. Incorporate Sensory-Friendly Activities Choose holiday activities that cater to your child’s sensory needs. Whether it’s a quiet craft, baking cookies, or listening to calming music, find activities that bring joy without overwhelming sensory input. Involve your child in the planning process to ensure their preferences are considered.
4. Be Mindful of Foods/Smells Holiday feasts often involve a variety of foods, some of which may be challenging for children with sensory issues. If necessary, bring familiar snacks or dishes to holiday gatherings to ensure your child has options they are comfortable with. If strange smells are difficult, bring along something familiar, like a scented lotion or lip balm, to override them.
5. Create a Quiet Space: Designate a quiet, calm space where your child can retreat if the holiday festivities become overwhelming. Equip this space with comforting items like soft blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys. Encourage your child to use this space whenever they feel the need to regroup.
Creating a sensory-friendly holiday season requires thoughtful planning and consideration. But by understanding sensitivities and implementing these strategies, you can foster an environment where everyone in the family can enjoy the magic of the holidays!
There’s no doubt the upcoming weeks of the holiday season can be filled with glad tidings and joy. But if you have a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, the days off from school, numerous outings, and a lack of structure can also lead to a season of chaos, outbursts and frustration.
Our staff has put together the following action points to help your child regulate and your family engage in his or her development as the New Year approaches.
Preparation is key! Remember to use antecedent strategies prior to transitions or non-preferred activities (holiday parties, meeting Santa, etc.). These may include:
Telling your child what to expect. Ex: “We will go to Aunt Kelly’s house for one hour and see your three cousins.”
Teaching/reminding your child how to request a break.
Providing fidgets or having preferred items available.
Delivering behavior-specific praise for appropriate behavior in these settings. Ex: “You did a great job staying in your seat during the song.”
Provide choices whenever possible. Ex: “Do you want to walk or ride in the cart? Do you want to sit on Santa’s lap or stand next to him?”
Give clear and concise instructions. Ex: “Time to ride in the cart” instead of “I want you to ride in the cart because it’s really busy and I don’t want you to get lost.”
Remove question verbiage Ex: “Time to get in the cart” instead of “Are you ready to get in the cart?”
Use first/then verbiage with non-preferred/preferred activities. Ex: “First we will put on our jackets and then we will go outside.”
Engage in social routines to facilitate language development. Ex: “Where is the Elf on the shelf?”
Model core vocabulary and fringe words on your child’s system throughout holiday activities such as decorating the Christmas tree.
Play describing games with holiday characters. Ex:“Guess who has a red nose and flies?”
Communicate holiday gifts or “wants” by all forms of communication. Ex: “I want ___” or “I like___.”
Engage in conversations about holiday activities or read holiday stories.
Sing holiday songs; repeated lines may be able to be programmed on AAC devices so that everyone can join in and sing along.
Plan daily schedules or routines, and adapt them visually as needed. Try using the “Notes” app on your phone to make a list that can be checked off as things as completed. Use Google Images to find pictures of experiences or places for younger children to follow.Or carry a pad of paper and make stick figures if you need to!
Plan holiday outfits in advance or consider letting your child help pick out her outfit. The cutest holiday sweater will be a bust if she over responds to how it feels!
Honor all forms of communication, including words, communicative gestures, manual signs, and AAC devices.
Bring preferred food options to assure a favorite accepted food remains available across situations. Does it really matter if your child eats turkey or chicken nuggets?
Finally, keep an eye out for sensory friendly holiday experiences. Here’s a great resource from our friends at University of Illinois College of Medicine!
At Easterseals Central Illinois, we strive to empower our pediatric therapists with every piece of equipment needed to help children reach their goals. In physical therapy, a number of our clients are working on mobility. Mobility looks different for every child. For some, the LiteGait system plays a vital role in their progress.
According to the LiteGait website: LiteGait provides postural control and weight-bearing assistance for fall-free therapeutic activities. It permits the clinician to be hands-free when working with clients of all functional levels and diagnoses, to focus on better quality and increased quantity of practice.
Thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, we have been able to acquire an enhanced medical-grade treadmill, a crucial part of the LiteGait system.
The enhanced treadmill is not merely a piece of exercise equipment; it’s a lifeline for children with developmental delays. This advanced treadmill, expertly designed to integrate with Easterseals’ LiteGait system, offers precision in gait training. It starts as slow as 0.1 mph, a level of control unmatched by commercial treadmills. This level of precision empowers clinicians to assist even infants as young as 10 months old, allowing them to address delays sooner and more effectively. The enhanced treadmill offers a unique feature, GaitSens, enabling therapists to analyze and target specific gait aspects, resulting in more customized and impactful care for each child
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois has an essential element of support—capacity building. Their generous funding to acquire a new enhanced treadmill aligns perfectly with Easterseals Central Illinois’ mission to provide exceptional services. With the capacity to provide better care, Easterseals can ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and special needs have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This grant not only supports their mission but also ensures the maximum utilization of the LiteGait system.
At Easterseals Central Illinois, every child’s story is a testament to the incredible potential that exists within them. Like our friend Isaac, who recently celebrated his 9th birthday. He has been receiving services from Easterseals Central Illinois since he was 4 months old; he has experienced so much progress with us.
Isaac’s life is woven with the threads of music, as it plays a significant role in his daily routine. He’s an avid listener and enjoys watching videos of his favorite musicians. The power of music to uplift and inspire is evident in Isaac’s life, and it’s heartening to see how it brings a smile to his face.
Apart from music, Isaac finds joy in some other activities too. He loves swinging, relaxing in the hot tub at his home, and taking a dip in the Easterseals pool. One of his most endearing habits is giving hugs to his family members and putting his arm around them when he’s sitting close. These simple gestures are a beautiful reminder of the power of love and connection.
This past Spring and Summer, something remarkable happened in Isaac’s life. His family made the decision to switch to pool therapy as part of his occupational therapy (OT). This change had a profound impact on Isaac’s overall well-being. His therapist, Erin, was pleasantly surprised by the newfound enthusiasm he brought to his therapy sessions. The water seemed to work like magic, making Isaac happier, causing more laughter, and igniting his eagerness to engage in pool therapy.
In the pool, Isaac has been working on various skills. From reaching and grasping pool toys to pushing and pulling objects, he’s been on a journey of discovery and achievement. One unforgettable moment that left an indelible mark was watching Isaac toss and push a big beach ball across the water.
It was a triumph, a testament to his determination and the dedicated efforts of his therapist and family. Easterseals Central Illinois holds a special place in Isaac’s heart and his family’s as well. With the introduction of pool therapy, they’ve witnessed their beloved Isaac achieve things they once thought were impossible. The pool therapy has been nothing short of a blessing for them. The best part is that Isaac doesn’t even consider it “work” because he loves swimming so much. It’s not just therapy; it’s fun and a profound source of joy.
Football season in Central Illinois isn’t just about touchdowns and cheers; it’s also a time when communities come together to support a great cause. This year, the Easterseals Blackout Program is on its way to raising over $30,000 during the football season, and it’s nothing short of heartwarming. The participating high schools include Pekin, Eureka, Farmington, Deer Creek-Mackinaw, Elmwood/Brimfield, and Richwoods.
In 2008, the Easterseals Telethon VIP Team, comprised of six football players and six adults from the Elmwood-Brimfield community, decided to take a step beyond traditional fundraising. Inspired by their passion for Easterseals and the amazing work the organization does for individuals with disabilities, they introduced the idea of the “Blackout” event. This concept was spearheaded by none other than Elmwood/Brimfield football coach Todd Hollis, a man with a personal connection to Easterseals, as his daughters, Meg and Alina, who received Easterseals services and have Down Syndrome.
Coach Hollis’s dedication to the mission of Easterseals is truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the impact that Easterseals has on the lives of young people with disabilities and their families. Under his guidance, what began with just two teams participating in the Blackout in 2008 expanded rapidly to 24 local high schools in Central Illinois by 2009, and the program has continued to grow ever since.
The Easterseals Blackout isn’t just about raising money; it’s about showing unity, support, and community love for those who need it most. The growth of this program from a small group’s idea to a Central Illinois-wide movement is heartwarming. By participating in the Blackout, these schools are not only raising funds but also raising awareness of how young people can be more inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Big thanks to Coach Todd Hollis and everyone involved in this fantastic initiative for their unwavering commitment to Easterseals and the children it serves.
Interested in hosting your own Blackout for Eastereals?
You can have a Blackout event anytime that works for your school. While it started with football games, schools have expanded it to other sports like basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. Picking a big rivalry game makes the event even more exciting and profitable. Contact Molly Hogeboom today at Mhogeboom@eastersealsci.com or call (309)686-1177
Easterseals Central Illinois is a proud partner of the TAP network. The mission of The Autism Program, or TAP, is to serve and support persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families through a coordinated network of providers, parents, and university programs while developing, utilizing, and sharing best and promising practices.
The Illinois Autism Task Force (IATF) Transition sub-committee is conducting a survey available from September 1 to December 1, 2023, aimed at parents and guardians of children with autism (of all ages, including young adults) who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
The survey’s purpose is to assess parental knowledge regarding services available during the high school transition years for individuals with autism, with the goal of improving student success after high school. It is inclusive of all educational classifications and medical diagnoses related to autism, encouraging participation from all individuals in the autism community. The IATF is committed to enhancing support for individuals with autism in Illinois.
Every year, we are overwhelmed with the letters we receive from campers and staff at Timber Point Outdoor Center. As one of the only fully inclusive camp facilities in the region, we work hard to make sure all aspects of our summer camps echo that inclusion. It is a busy, exhausting summer season where new core memories are being unlocked nearly every hour. One of our favorite activities is getting together to reflect on the season with Lydia, the Director of Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.
Lydia shared one of the most powerful moments she encountered this year: “We have a wonderful returning family of three, a mom, and her two incredible kids, both with significant medical needs, who have been attending our family retreats for a couple of years now. While they absolutely adore camp and everything it has to offer, the mom had never signed her younger child up to participate in respite care. As we hear from many families, it often seems impossible to find someone who can care for your child that has many support needs in the way they need to be cared for. It often seems impossible to leave their side. But this Spring, during a staff meeting, we discussed the possibility of the younger child joining respite care with one of our dedicated staff members, Jay, who had worked with the family during their previous stays. Thanks to the trust she had built with Jay, and a conversation with them about what respite care would look like for that child, mom agreed!
Mom joined the adult craft time while our staff lovingly cared for both kids during the youth craft session. In her survey, she shared, “The adult craft time is truly relaxing, and respite is greatly appreciated. This was the first time EVER, in her entire life, I left my soon-to-be 6-year-old daughter with someone else.”
She also told me emotionally that when she said “never apart,” she meant they had never been more than 5 FEET away from each other. For her to trust our staff and our space enough to let her daughter be half a mile away for an hour and a half was an immense honor, a source of pride, and pure joy. It was an incredible gift to be able to provide this experience.”
Although the inclusive and accessible space/activities at Timber Pointe are absolutely incredible, it’s truly the people within it who make it a space where everyone feels they can be 100% themselves and loved/included for exactly that! What countless families, guests, and campers agree sets TPOC apart is the staff and the culture they’ve created, a culture of making everyone who comes through the gates feel like they are part of the Timber Pointe family.
That same mother wrote, after attending the Fall retreat a couple of weeks ago—“I can’t explain how magical Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is….we have attended family camp for several years now. While driving home last weekend, my 7yr.old son said “I will really miss our camp family”. He is correct. The camp staff do feel like our extended family. We are forever grateful for their kindness, dedication and memories they have created with us.”
Letter from a first-time family
Hello Timber Pointe staff,
I am writing today to share my sincere appreciation for an amazing family retreat this past weekend. All three of our children had a terrific time! It is no exaggeration to say that it was a life-changing weekend. They each challenged themselves to try new activities, met new friends, tried new foods, slept in bunk beds, held baby goats, swung high up in the trees, and more. Each of our kids instantly felt comfortable and welcome at Family Camp. Their full personalities were on display! It is a moving experience to see total strangers support and adore your kids. They were so sad when it was time to leave– and can’t wait to return. Timber Pointe is all we have talked about all week–I am sure our friends and family have long tired of hearing our stories.
Your program staff were incredibly thoughtful and kind. They are revered in the hearts of our children. Each staff member was memorable–especially Jay, Grant, Fridae, Lydia, Ellie, and more. Thank you again for hosting us at Family Camp!
Letter from a counselor
Camp is so much more than a single place, person, or activity. But sometimes there’s a moment that is so wild, so silly, so inclusive, or just so powerful that I take a step back and go, “this IS camp.” Here are some of those moments. These are the memories that stick with me all year, even when camp feels far away. They remind me that camp will always be a part of me and that I can bring the camp magic into any space I enter. Thank you for a wonderful summer, and thank you for the gift of camp:
Camp is a Counselor, Program Staff, and Counselor-in-Training letting a camper spray them with a paint-filled water blaster.
Camp is the look on a camper’s face when she got her first Critter Talk note.
Camp is life-size foozball!
Camp is the Proctor cabin campers learning how to communicate with a camper who is nonspeaking and including her in everything!
Camp is Fear Factor!
Camp is singing “Count on Me” with a camper all week long and truly feeling the camp love in those lyrics.
Camp is golf cart shuttle rides to outrun a storm!
Camp is Lydia and a camper singing “For Good” (“because I knew you, I have been changed for good”) during karaoke.
Camp is a camper’s plan to open a place just like Timber Pointe where adults and kids can live year-round “because Timber Pointe feels like home.”
Camp is the talent show.
Camp is doing silly voices!
Camp is the new horse lift, a 3-person carry, the hoyer lift, and all the tools that help us give a camper the care and inclusion they deserve.
Camp is a camper recognizing their sensory needs, asking for joint compressions and then trying to do them himself!
Camp is singing the meal song loud and proud!
Camp is over-the-top cheering!
Camp is a camper giving hugs to all of his “blue group” friends and then helping clean practically the entire lodge because he loves to!
Camp is a camper living his best life while gently hugging Bullseye the horse.
Camp is Camp Limberlost and their week full of “firsts,” from boat riding to ziplining to sprinkles!
Camp is a camper’s face lighting up as he played the guitar for the first time.
Camp is the reflections at the end of the dance every week, especially when a camper expresses their love for camp in an unexpected way.
Camp is celebrating everyone’s identity.
Camp is a safe space.
Camp is home.
Thank you for trusting me and giving me the chance to learn so many new things, while helping me feel SO supported. Each week was so different and so wonderful and I loved it all!
Letter from a returning family
Thank you for allowing us to return for our 3rd stay at Timber Pointe. We absolutely love it here! Both of our girls feel so comfortable on the campgrounds and with all of the staff, new (to us) and returning. As parents, we really appreciate the feeling that it brings to us.
We have no critical feedback—we’d love to stay here longer! If you were ever considering holding a family retreat on a 3-day weekend, to get an extra day here, we think that’d be wonderful!
Timber Pointe always has and always will hold a special place in our family’s heart. Look forward to seeing you again soon!
You can learn more about Timber Pointe Outdoor Center by visiting www.TimberPointeOutdoorCenter.com. We are already looking for staff to join our team in 2024! If you are interested in learning more, please contact ARay@Eastersealsci.com
We are thrilled to announce that Timber Pointe Outdoor Center has been generously granted funds by the Golden K Kiwanis, which will enable us to purchase essential medical supplies for our upcoming camps.
At Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, our primary goal is to provide specialized outdoor recreational, experiential, and family programs for individuals with disabilities and illnesses in a fun, safe, and accessible environment. We aim to create an environment where camper of all abilities can build positive relationships with both peers and adults, increase their independence, and participate in new activities while gaining a new ‘can do’ perspective. Most importantly, we do this safely.
Whether campers are exploring our expansive 170-acre property, engaging in outdoor sports, or participating in arts & crafts, accidents can happen. It is crucial that we have the necessary medical supplies readily available to respond promptly to any medical situation, no matter where on the property it may occur.
The grant we’ve received from the Golden K Kiwanis will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our campers, especially those with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs. Here’s how we plan to utilize these funds:
1. Stocking First Aid Kits Across the Camp
Thanks to the grant, we will be able to distribute first aid kits across all 26 activity locations throughout our 170-acre property. These strategically placed kits will ensure quick access to medical supplies in case of emergencies, minimizing response times and providing immediate care when needed most.
2. Acquiring a Portable Medical Kit
In addition to stationary first aid kits, we will purchase a portable medical kit. This versatile kit can be taken to various locations around the camp, making it accessible during off-site excursions or activities far from the main medical wing. It ensures that medical supplies are always within reach, no matter where our campers venture.
3. Enhancing the Medical Wing
Our medical wing serves as the central hub for medical care at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center. With the support of the grant, we plan to upgrade and expand this facility, equipping it with advanced medical equipment and supplies. We will also provide additional training for our medical staff to ensure top-notch care for our campers.
About the Golden K Kiwanis: Helping the Children of McLean County
The Golden K Kiwanis is a dedicated organization committed to supporting local agencies that serve children in need. They achieve this through donations to the Golden K Fund for Kids and various fundraising efforts. Each year, they invite agencies to apply for grants, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of children in McLean County.
The Youth Services Committee at Golden K Kiwanis evaluates grant applications based on the merits of each request and the number of children impacted. Grantees are selected, and funds are distributed in August or September, allowing these organizations to further their mission of helping children in need.
We are incredibly grateful to the Golden K Kiwanis for their generous grant, which will directly benefit the safety and well-being of our campers at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center. Their support is instrumental in creating a secure, inclusive and empowering environment where all children can thrive, learn, and grow. We look forward to the upcoming camp season with confidence, knowing that we have the necessary resources to ensure our campers’ safety and enjoyment. Thank you, Golden K Kiwanis, for helping us make a difference in the lives of these remarkable children!
Blessing is an incoming Freshman at Normal Community High School. Blessing likes to color, build houses with Legos, and spend time outside with her sisters and brother. We caught up with Blessing after she returned home from a week at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center. This was her third time at camp; she had gone once before as a camper and another time for a family retreat weekend.
Blessing joined about 20 other campers for a weeklong overnight camp in June which was Neverland-themed. Campers spent the week exploring nature, trying new things like zip lining, and boat riding, and old favorites like campfire songs. One day Blessing was dressed as a pirate and led the lost boys against Peter Pan. She made friends and got to try a lot of new things.
“My favorite things were the campfires, playing games, and eating delicious food,” shared Blessing. “I really liked arts and crafts, especially the frame I made with glitter and seashells.”
Blessing enjoyed cooking sugar cookies with sprinkles and making Treasure Map pizza. She also got to make her very own pillowcase.
A not-so-favorite activity was the zip line. “I did the whole zip line! I was up so high, I screamed all the way, but I did it and was brave,” shared Blessing.
Although she was nervous earlier, that day ended well with a boat ride where Blessing said she felt very safe with the staff who helped her on and off the boat. She enjoyed riding on the water and looking back at the camp from afar.
A Family Affair
Blessing was encouraged by many staff members during her time at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, probably none more than her own sister, Kyla! Kyla was also out at camp this summer as a counselor-in-training. This program allows teenagers not old enough to be traditional counselors to get training and experience while helping out with the camp. Kyla stayed overnight with the campers and participated in all of the same training as the regular counselors.
“When I was on the zip line, I was scared, but my sister said I was brave. And I am brave,” said Blessing, remembering when it was most impactful having her sister on hand.
Like a true little sister, she had a different friend in mind when asked who her favorite counselor was. She lit up when she talked about Miss Abbey, who helped her with everything she needed to do and was a great friend.
“Sending Blessing to camp has been an incredible experience. Knowing that the staff is exceptionally trained and having witnessed Kyla’s training firsthand, I’m filled with confidence,” shared Deb, Blessing, and Kyla’s mom. “It’s a true comfort sending her to a place that is prepared for anything, but even more reassuring is the inclusive environment,” she continued.
Many parents choose to send their children to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center because of the expert staff, inclusive activities, and empowering way they ensure everyone gets to participate in everything they want.
“My daughter’s reluctance to leave during pick-up days speaks volumes – she longs to stay and play, a sentiment she maintains even after being home for weeks. Such is the magic of camp.”
When asked what message she would share with parents considering camp, Deb said, “I would say this camp is special. The staff there is incredibly well-trained, and I want you to know that even if your child isn’t very mobile or super active, they still find ways to make them a part of the camp experience. It’s amazing to witness how they include every child. When you drop your child off at this camp, you can rest assured that they’re not just present but actively engaging and having fun. It’s a week where your child can feel just like everyone else, and that’s something truly remarkable.”
To Blessing’s family, inclusion means much more than words. It’s about not being left behind, not missing out on experiences. In daily life, there are things that some children might find challenging, things that people assume they can’t do. But at camp, those barriers disappear. Children like Blessing are raised high on the zip line just like everyone else, defying expectations. Having a place like this is truly special in a world where such things are often out of reach.
A message of thanks
“We want to say a huge thank you for giving our daughter the opportunity to attend and truly belong. Your camp has allowed her to be just like everyone else, experience a ‘normal’ camp in every sense, and relish in the joy of being part of the same wonderful journey as her peers.”
One of our favorite summer activities is our annual iCan Bike camp!
This year we had 37 volunteers come in and help 13 kids learn to ride a two-wheeled bike in just 5 days! We had a blast, built up the riders’ confidence, and all left feeling accomplished.
iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to help individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Participants attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by a volunteer spotter. Over the course of the week the bikes are adjusted for each rider as they gradually discover the skill and joys of riding a standard two-wheel bike. The iCan Bike program is for children 8 years old and older who have a disability.
This program is generously supported by the Lora DeAnn Broers Memorial Fund and the EastSide Centre. Special thanks to our friends at WMBD news for the great story on our camp!
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