Beckhom Behavioral Consulting, LLC

12/13/2025

Managing the Magic
Autism-Friendly Holiday Survival Guide

The Christmas holidays bring changes in routine, sensory input, and social demands. Here are three quick tips to help you navigate them:
1. 🗓️ Prioritize Predictability (Routine)
- Schedule a "Calm Zone" Time: Even 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted, quiet time in a designated safe space can help reset after overstimulation. Put it in your calendar.
- Visual Schedule: Use a simple visual schedule (list, whiteboard, or digital note) for major events, appointments, or travel days. Knowing what's next reduces anxiety.
2. 🎧 Manage Sensory Overload
- Communicate Needs: It's okay to wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones at a loud gathering. Bring sunglasses or a hat to filter harsh lights.
- Familiar Fidgets: Keep a favorite fidget toy, comfort object, or stimming tool accessible in your pocket or bag to self-regulate when overwhelmed.
3. 💬 Define Social Boundaries
- The "Exit Plan": Before attending a social event, decide how long you plan to stay and who you can discreetly signal if you need to leave.
- Simple Scripts: Prepare a few simple, polite phrases to use when you need a break or can't participate, like: "That sounds fun, but I need a quiet moment right now," or "I'm going to step out for some air."
Remember: Your well-being is the priority. It's okay to say NO to an activity that feels overwhelming.

10/25/2025

Happening today. 10am-12pm. 1509 West 3rd Ave. See you soon.

10/19/2025

07/30/2025

Your mental health is not a luxury or something to get to after the work is done. It’s not a second or third-tier priority. It should be central to how you move through this field.

We work in systems that are sometimes in conflict with the values that brought us here in the first place. The emotional load is heavy. Supporting families, advocating for clients, and navigating ethical dilemmas while constantly being asked to do more with less.

Protecting your mental health isn’t selfish. It’s necessary if you want to do this work in a sustainable, ethical way.

05/06/2025

05/03/2025

“Look at the differences between a typical preschool child’s hand (left) and a typical 7 year old hand (right). Want to know why a preschool aged child isn’t able to write yet? This is why! Their hands are still developing and are not fully formed. So what should they be doing to support this? PLAY!! Play dough, coloring, cutting, gluing, playing outside, digging in dirt, sensory play, dress up play, science experiments, beading, puzzles, throwing balls, etc.
All of these things help their hands develop. When they are physically ready to write, they will! No need to rush them, they will show you when they are ready.” ❤️
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