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By Karen Poole
December 2024
The holiday season is full of fun, festive cheer, but for neurodivergent loved ones, it can sometimes feel like a sensory minefield. Between the flashing lights, loud music, crowded stores, and ever-changing schedules, it’s easy to see how things can get overwhelming. But with a little planning and some thoughtful adjustments, you can help make the holidays a bit smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips for making the season bright without the sensory overload!
1. Tone Down the Sensory Overload
Sure, those twinkling lights and Christmas carols are part of the holiday magic, but they can also be a lot to handle for some neurodivergent individuals. Before you dive into holiday festivities, try dimming the lights or keeping the music on the softer side. You can even get creative with decorations—go for cozy and calming instead of bright and flashy. And don’t forget to set up a quiet zone where your loved one can escape to recharge if the holiday buzz gets to be too much. Portable pop-up tents are fantastic for this (especially when you’re travelling). Amazon have lots on offer and are reasonably priced at around $45AUD.
2. Keep Comfort Top of Mind
Everyone has their own sensory quirks, and what works for one person might not work for another. Whether it’s food textures, clothing fabrics, or smells, it’s important to know what your loved one enjoys (and what they don’t!). Ask about preferences in advance, like what foods they’d love to see on the table or what outfits make them feel comfortable. Little tweaks can make a big difference—like offering a variety of textures in foods (crunchy and smooth options) or letting them wear their favourite t-shirt instead of something fancier.
3. Routine is Your Friend
The holidays can throw off even the most reliable routine. If possible, try to stick to regular sleeping and meal schedules to help keep things grounded. Creating a visual schedule can be a fun way to let your loved one know what’s coming next. Plus, it can help reduce anxiety by giving them a sense of control over what’s happening throughout the day.
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are a Lifesaver
Loud noises are one of the biggest holiday triggers—think parties, music, or even fireworks! A quick fix? Noise-cancelling headphones or Loop earplugs. These little lifesavers can help your loved one tune out the noise when things get overwhelming, giving them a chance to enjoy the festivities at their own pace without the sensory overload.
5. Communicate (and Listen) Openly
Let’s face it, the holiday season can come with a lot of expectations, and that’s stressful for anyone—especially for neurodivergent folks. Make sure to have open, non-judgmental conversations so they feel comfortable speaking up if they need a break or want to skip an activity. The holidays are meant to be fun, so remind them that it’s okay to take things at their own speed and let them know they have your support, no matter what.
6. Expect the Unexpected (And Have a Backup Plan)
Even with the best-laid plans, sensory overload can still sneak up on you. Be ready with a few calming tools—maybe a favourite fidget toy, a playlist of soothing tunes, or a cozy blanket. Sometimes it’s something as simple as moving to a cooler room or space, or sucking on some ice cubes to help promote calm and self-regulation as highlighted in the resource for parents and carers called Choice of Two. Having a “plan B” for taking a break or stepping away from the crowd can offer peace of mind when things get a little too chaotic.
7. Encourage Participation Without Pressuring
The holidays are all about togetherness, but it’s important to give your loved one the option to participate at their own pace. There’s no need to pressure them to join in every game or family photo. Whether they want to watch the fun from a quiet corner or just pop in for a quick hello, let them know their way of celebrating is just as special.
8. Give Them a Heads-Up on Social Interactions
Big family gatherings can bring a whirlwind of social expectations. Help your loved one feel prepared by letting them know who will be there and what kind of activities or conversations might happen. When they have a clear idea of what’s coming, it can help ease any social anxiety and give them the confidence to enjoy the interactions they’re comfortable with. To help implement this, there is some fantastic assistive technology available which can be paid for out of NDIS plans. Integrate visual social stories (pictures) for outings and social gatherings along with a calendar system using the Bella Linda Smart Displays. This technology is highly recommended for all households who care for a neurodivergent loved one as it works well for reinforcing routines and predictability.
While the holiday season might come with its challenges, a little bit of preparation and understanding can go a long way. By tuning in to sensory needs and being flexible, you can create an environment where your neurodivergent loved one feels safe, included, and—most importantly—able to enjoy the season at their own pace. After all, the holidays are about connection and joy, so let’s make sure everyone can have their own special kind of holiday magic!
To learn more and get the support you need for yourself and your loved ones, enrol in our online courses – funding is available through NDIS plans. Click here to get started.
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