The educational technology company Rethink Autism has offered some tips for the holiday season to families who have children with autism, as they may find the festivities to be unpredictable and stressful. 

Parents should consider creating a picture book that contains photos of relatives and the party locations in order to help kids familiarize themselves with the people and places to which they will be exposed. Working on appropriate social behavior - such as saying thank you after receiving a gift - could teach children how to respond properly to the attentions of family members.

Finally, if games are expected to be part of the celebration, helping kids practice at home beforehand may make them feel more comfortable at the actual event.

These tips are presented in a series of videos that also help parents expand their kids' social skills, reduce problem behaviors and build independence.

"Our goal was to create a resource that's based on clinical best practices, but also easy for parents to understand and to implement in their everyday lives," a company spokesperson explained.

Wilderness programs may also be useful to children with autism, and can help them build important social skills.