Get updates by text or email
English
English

Servicing NYC and Long Island

Arrow pointing to a button
Never miss updates on services
Community Hamaspik Orange Heart
Login
718-587-8400
Hamburger Menu IconMenu Close Icon

Resources

Special Needs

Yom Tov Transitions Made Easy

Special Needs

Yom Tov Transitions Made Easy

Ease your child into Yom Tov smoothly

Navigating all the changes that Yom Tov brings can be challenging for children with special needs, but with a little creativity and planning, you can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Here are some tips to help your child feel comfortable and excited during this time:

‍

Yom Tov Transitions Made Easy
layer 41
  1. Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule to outline daily activities, including meal times and naps. This is especially helpful during trips and holidays when routines may shift. A clear schedule helps children know what to expect and reduces anxiety.

  2. Comfort Objects: Introduce a special toy or blanket that can provide comfort and familiarity in new settings. These objects offer a tangible sense of security and reassurance for young children.

  3. Flexibility with Food: Gradually introduce some holiday foods before the holiday starts. This helps children adjust to new tastes and textures. Encourage them with praise and consider creating a "new foods chart" to track their culinary adventures.

  4. Open Communication: Invite your child to share any worries or concerns they may have. Validate their feelings and provide reassurance. For instance, if they miss their usual breakfast during Pesach, work together to find enjoyable alternatives.

  5. Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize and celebrate small achievements throughout the holiday season. This boosts confidence and helps turn transitions into positive experiences.

  6. Self-Care for Parents: Remember to take care of yourself. Staying calm and centered creates a more stable environment, which in turn supports your child's ability to adapt.

By incorporating these strategies, you can help your child feel more secure and joyful during holiday transitions.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Yom Tov!

layer 36
asset 31
layer 37
asset 32
layer 38
asset 33
layer 36
asset 31
layer 37
asset 32
layer 38
asset 33
layer 36
asset 31
layer 37
asset 32
layer 38
asset 33
layer 37
asset 32
layer 38
asset 33
layer 38
asset 32

Auditory Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to loud noises
(e.g., sirens, vacuum cleaner).

My child seeks out specific sounds or types of music and appears calmer when listening to them.

Tactile Sensitivity

My child is irritated by certain fabrics or tags in clothing.

My child seems indifferent to sensations that are usually painful or to extreme temperatures.

Visual Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to bright or flashing lights.

My child tends to avoid eye contact.

Taste/Smell Sensitivity

My child constantly prefers bland foods and rejects foods with strong flavors or spices.

My child seeks out strong or unusual smells, such as sniffing food or objects.

Proprioceptive Sensitivity

My child prefers tight hugs or being wrapped in a blanket.

My child is unaware of body position in space (e.g., often bumps into things).

Social Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Movement Sensitivity

My child dislikes fast or spinning movements

Vestibular Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Please answer all questions before submitting.

Your Child’s Score is

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

0-15: Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child exhibits low levels of sensory sensitivity, usually falling within the typical developmental range.
  • Recommendation: Generally not  a cause for concern. If you have specific worries or notice a sudden change in behavior, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

16-30: Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child displays moderate sensory sensitivity, which may warrant intervention.
  • Recommendation: Consider sensory-friendly activities, sensory sensitive toys, or sensory sensitive clothing like noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets to improve comfort. If symptoms persist, consult health care professionals.

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

31-45: High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child has higher than average sensory sensitivity that may interfere with daily functioning.
  • Recommendation: Seek a detailed evaluation by health care professionals for sensory integration therapy options and potential environmental modifications.

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

46-60: Very High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child demonstrates high levels of sensory sensitivity that could significantly interfere with daily life.
  • Recommendation: If your child displays this level of sensory sensitivity, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a health care professional for a multi-disciplinary assessment. You will probably be directed towards early intervention programs and specialized support.

Recognizing CVI: Ten Characteristics

Understanding CVI

Sight Unseen

Inclusion Without Overwhelm

To Tell or Not to Tell

Rose Colored Glasses

Summer’s Secret Skills

Recognizing Early Signs of Autism

A Hug from Above

Smart, Simple Camp Prep for Kids With Special Needs

Pathways to Potential Part 4

The Colors of the Spectrum

The Essential Guide to Outings with Kids with Special Needs

Pathways to Potential Part 3

How Do I Get OPWDD Approval?

Indoor Winter Sensory Adventures

Defining IDD Levels and Severity

Life Skills for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

The Sensory-Smart Gift Guide

Spina Bifida: Early Intervention

Nothing to Hide

Pathways to Potential Part 2

Yom Tov Transitions Made Easy

NYC’s Top Accessible Adventures

The Yom Tov Parenting Survival Guide

Understanding OPWDD Eligibility: What You Need to Know

How Direct Support Professionals Enhance Quality of Life

What Is Com Hab and How Does It Provide Individualized Support?

6 Benefits of Respite Care for Families of Kids with Special Needs

Encouragement for the First Day of School

What is Spina Bifida? An Overview

My Life in Holland

Fostering Independence in Children With IDD

Understanding IDD

What is Epilepsy?

Defining Signs of Dyslexia

Pathways to Potential Part 1

Understanding Down Syndrome

Early Intervention for Down Syndrome

Our Roller Coaster Ride

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Understanding Autism

Autism Support

Sensory Processing Sensitivity Test

Decoding Diagnostic Tests

The Ultimate Child Development Checklist

Empowering Emotional Intelligence

Managing Panic Attacks

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

Confronting Childhood Trauma

How to Support a Family Member with Anxiety

Understanding Separation Anxiety

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Mental Health Disorder Prevention

Combating Depression in the Elderly

Understanding Depression

Understanding Anxiety

Adult ADHD Action Plan

Helping Kids Sleep Better: Sleep Strategies for Anxiety

Recognizing CVI: Ten Characteristics

Understanding CVI

Sight Unseen

To Tell or Not to Tell

Rose Colored Glasses

Recognizing Early Signs of Autism

Spina Bifida: Early Intervention

A Parent's Guide to Cooking for Kids With Food Allergies

Early Intervention for Down Syndrome

Understanding Speech and Language Development

Helping Kids Sleep Better: Sleep Strategies for Anxiety

Sensory Processing Sensitivity Test

Strategies for Feeding a Picky Eater

Simple Sensory Activities to Try with Your Child

Decoding Diagnostic Tests

The Ultimate Child Development Checklist

Categories

Special Needs

 (
0
)

Mental Health

 (
0
)

Early Childhood

 (
0
)

Related Posts

No items found.

Keywords

No items found.
Hamaspik Logo

Services, support, and hope for people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges in New York City and Long Island

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and tips

Explore

Services

Developmental Disabilities
OPWDD Guidance
Home and Community
Site-Based
Residential
Financial
Family Support
Early Childhood
Pre- and Postnatal Diagnosis Support
Early Intervention
HCBS
Adult acute care
NHTD/TBI

Contact us

Hamaspik Headquarters
718-587-8400
Locations
Boro Park Headquarters‍
Williamsburg Office
Crown Heights Office
Five Towns Office
Flatbush Office
Queens Office

© 2025 Hamaspik of Kings County, All rights reserved

Non-Discrimination Policy

Privacy Policy

Healthix Notice

Compliance Standards

Accessibility

Chevron Right
Modal Close Button Icon
Arrow Right

Thank you!

Keep an eye on your inbox — good things coming soon!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.