The holidays can be challenging for many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bright lights, loud family gatherings and busy schedules filled with community events can bring on sensory overload.
Sensory overload for someone with ASD happens when there are too many inputs across the various senses for their brain to process, which can lead to meltdowns, anxiety or distress. People with ASD also experience communication challenges and may find it difficult to voice when they need a break or are feeling overwhelmed. Sensory overload, however, is not exclusive to people with ASD, and many different people can benefit from sensory-friendly experiences.
As the parent of a child with ASD, you can adjust your family’s holiday traditions to be more sensory-friendly while creating festive celebrations everyone can enjoy.
Ideas for a sensory-friendly Christmas
Visit a Santa Cares event
Santa Cares events are inclusive opportunities for children to meet and talk with Santa. These events offer time slots outside of busy shopping hours, reduced lighting and music and sensory-friendly-trained staff who can support those with special needs and their families. These Santa meet-and-greet events are offered at hundreds of locations across the country. To further minimize sensory overload, register your family online in advance to avoid long waiting times and crowds. To book a Santa Cares experience near you, visit their website and select “Sensory” when booking.
Use calm lighting and minimalist decorations
Overstimulating lighting is one of the key causes of sensory overload. With Christmas time naturally comes Christmas lights and light displays. In your home, try to use non-flashing lights on your tree and in your décor.
Decorating for the holidays can often result in your house feeling cluttered, especially for someone with ASD. When decorating, try to stick to minimal table displays and avoid excess textures or smells in your décor that may contribute to sensory overload. This may mean your child with ASD may not want to participate in putting up the tree or hanging ornaments, and that’s okay. You can also try to involve them in the decorating process by allowing them to pick out ornaments or displays that are of interest to them.
Tips for planning your holiday
Maintain routines and set expectations with your child
Many individuals with ASD prefer routine and predictability. Some may become very upset when plans change without notice, but this does not mean they cannot handle change.
Prior to a new experience, provide as many opportunities as possible for your child to prepare in advance for what to expect. Explain what’s expected, address potential concerns and provide as much flexibility in return. This could include:
- Dress codes and attire
- Start and end time of events
- Who else that will be there
- What the event entails
- How to wait patiently while opening presents
- Making sure to thank those who gifted them a present
Additionally, try to maintain your child’s core routines (wake, eating, therapy, bedtime, etc.). Solidify these daily elements of their familiar routines as much as possible while preparing them for any unknowns or events coming up.
Set expectations with family members
Family members visiting for the holidays will more than likely be excited to see your children. Confirm they understand your child may not give them an enthusiastic reaction to seeing them, but that does not mean they are not excited, nor does it mean they are intentionally being rude.
Bring sensory supports
Allow your child to take time away from social gatherings if they need a break. Bring along familiar safe foods if you are concerned that they won’t eat at a formal Christmas dinner. Use headphones if you are going somewhere crowded, such as a parade or holiday shopping.
Maxim Behavioral
By enabling your child to experience the holidays at their own pace and with accommodations in place, you bring the true holiday spirit and magic of Christmas to your household in an inclusive and accessible manner.
At Maxim Behavioral, we understand that every family’s holiday season looks different, especially when supporting a child with ASD. Our team works alongside families to provide individualized strategies that promote comfort, routine and joy during festive times. Whether it’s guidance on sensory-friendly activities or maintaining behavioral goals throughout the holidays, Maxim is here to help you create meaningful moments that work for your child and your family.
