Inclusion 101: Helping Autistic Children During Christmas
Christmas is a magical time filled with joy and excitement, but it can also be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum. With the festive season comes a flurry of sensory stimuli, changes in routine, and social expectations that can be challenging to navigate. Here are some practical tips to help your autistic child enjoy a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
Creating a Calm and Predictable Environment
Visual Schedules and Social Stories: Use visual schedules to outline the day's events and help your child understand what to expect. Social stories can also be a great tool to prepare them for specific activities like visiting Santa, opening presents, or attending parties.
Calm Spaces: Designate a quiet, calm space where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This can be a cosy corner with their favourite toys, blankets, or sensory items.
Managing Sensory Overload
Sensory-Friendly Decorations: Christmas decorations can be visually and aurally stimulating. Opt for sensory-friendly decorations like soft lights, non-flashing decorations, and familiar items that don’t overwhelm the senses. Allow your child to be involved in decorating to make the process more comfortable for them.
Ear Defenders and Sunglasses: If your child is sensitive to noise or bright lights, ear defenders and sunglasses can be useful tools to help them manage sensory overload during festive events.
Weighted Blankets and Vests: These can provide comforting pressure and help your child feel more secure during times of heightened sensory input.
Preparing for Social Interactions
Prepare for new things: You can use social stories to help prepare your new child for new places or people they might meet during the Christmas period.
Limit Social Commitments: It's okay to limit the number of social events you attend. Choose ones that your child is most comfortable with and ensure there are breaks between events to prevent overwhelm.
Keeping Routines Consistent
Maintain Daily Routines: Try to keep daily routines as consistent as possible. Consistent meal and sleep times can help your child feel more secure amidst the holiday chaos.
Prepare for Changes: If changes to routine are inevitable, prepare your child in advance. Use visual schedules to show when and how routines will differ and discuss these changes calmly and positively.
Making Gift-Giving Sensory-Friendly
Gift Selection: Choose gifts that align with your child’s interests and sensory preferences. Sensory toys, weighted items, and visually appealing but not overly stimulating toys are great options.
Opening Presents: Allow your child to open presents at their own pace. If opening gifts in front of others is stressful, consider opening them in a quieter setting. You can even get rid of the wrapping paper altogether, do what works best for you!
Incorporating Special Interests
Include Interests in Festivities: Ask your child if they would like their special interests to be incorporated into Christmas activities. If they love a particular character or theme, you could use it in decorations, gifts, or even in how you celebrate.
Personalised Traditions: Create personalised Christmas traditions that cater to your child's preferences. This can make the season more enjoyable and meaningful for them.
Communicating with Family and Friends
Educate and Inform: Inform family and friends about your child's needs and preferences. Providing them with information on how to interact with your child can help create a more understanding and supportive environment.
Advocate for Your Child: Don't hesitate to advocate for your child’s needs. If certain activities or environments are too overwhelming, politely explain and suggest alternatives.
Preparing for Christmas Day
Plan the Day: Plan Christmas Day activities with your child's needs in mind. Include breaks for downtime and sensory regulation. Keep the day as calm and predictable as possible.
Simplify Activities: Simplify activities to reduce stress. Instead of multiple events, focus on a few meaningful and manageable activities.
Christmas should be a joyful time for every family member, including neurodivergent children. By creating a calm and predictable environment, managing sensory overload, preparing for social interactions, and maintaining routines, you can help your child enjoy the festive season with less stress and more joy. Remember, the goal is to create special memories that are enjoyable for everyone, so don’t be afraid to adjust traditions and plans to fit your family’s unique needs.
