An Autistic Friendly Christmas
It’s almost Christmas— one of the most highly anticipated times of the year. It’s time for food, family, and all-around cheerful festivities, but sometimes those cheerful festivities can get to be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips on how you and your Autistic child can manage the holidays with ease!
- Communicate with your child about what they’re comfortable with. Whether it’s using spoken communication, written, or even body language and visual aids, find a way to connect with your child on what they’re expecting this holiday season and what they might want to avoid.
- Change up your lighting! Christmas lighting can be harsh or even jarring, so be sure to decorate with lighting options that won’t overstimulate your child. Work together to find an option that is both festive and comfortable for them!
- Eliminate unpleasant textures. Does your child have any texture aversions like specific fabrics or wrapping paper? Try to eliminate the contact they might have to make with these textures to avoid overwhelm this holiday season. Look for some fun new alternatives like alternate fabrics, gift bags, or printed boxes!
- Monitor noise pollution. The holidays can get pretty rowdy, especially when it’s spent with family. If your child is sensitive to noise, try to limit the excess noise producers in the house like loud music, TV, radio, etc, or even keep some noise-canceling headphones on hand! Be sure to ask your child what kind of noise they would like to listen to or are comfortable being around.
- Find a safe haven! If the family get-together is getting too loud or overwhelming, plan for a safe space where your child can unwind. It might be an extra room, a walk outside, or going for a drive— it can be anything, as long as your child can get the time they need to recuperate from any stress they might experience.
- Have some safe food on hand. Similar to texture, your child might have some foods that they find unpleasant. Likewise, they might have some foods that they prefer or that make them feel calm and comfortable. Make sure to have some with you wherever you’re spending the holidays to ensure a pleasant, appetizing experience.
- Create a routine. If your child thrives on routine, create an itinerary for your holiday plans and provide them with a copy. A couple days before the holiday hecticness, try to sleep, wake up, and eat at the exact times or times similar to those marked on your itinerary. This will make for a smooth transition into the celebration!
- Communicate your child’s needs with any extended family or guests that should know. Only offer as much information as you’re comfortable with, but set those boundaries before the celebration to allow time for preparation and questions.
- Stand your ground. If you’re being pressured to stay longer, socialize more, give your child a certain food, decorate a certain way, etc., stay firm in your decisions and don’t back down. You and your child deserve to have your needs met, just like everyone else!
- Offer guidance to your friends and family. It’s important not only to communicate what your child might not like, but also to express what will make them comfortable and happy. Let your friends and family know what kinds of presents, foods, and activities might bring your child joy this holiday season.
- Check in with your child throughout the celebrations. It’s helpful to talk to your child about what they do and don’t like before the festivities go down, but it’s just as crucial to communicate about how they’re feeling throughout. If necessary, establish a discrete line of communication such as texting or passing notes to keep their feelings just between you.
- Be cognizant and sensitive about how you feel during the holidays! Let yourself ask for help and rest when needed. It’s not all up to you to make this time enjoyable— festivity is a team effort! Keep this in mind and be kind to yourself as you strive for a jolly and joyful December for all.
Bibliography
Rudy, Lisa Jo. “16 Ways to Have a Great Holiday on the Autism Spectrum.” Verywell Health, Dotdash Media, Inc, 7 Sep 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/holidays-with-an-autistic-child-4156462
Bennie, Maureen. “Ten Tips for an Autism Friendly Christmas.” Autism Awareness Centre Inc., 13 Dec 2022, https://autismawarenesscentre.com/ten-tips-for-an-autism-friendly-christmas/
