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12.01.2024

Navigating the Holidays for Young Children with Autism or Sensory Disorders: Tips for Families

The holiday season, while filled with joy and excitement, can be overwhelming for families with young children, especially those with autism or sensory processing disorders. The bustling crowds, bright lights, loud sounds, and changes in routine can often cause anxiety, stress and sensory overload. For children with autism or sensory disorders, this time of year can be particularly challenging. However, with thoughtful planning, patience, and creativity, families can navigate these holidays in a way that supports their child's comfort and well-being.

Here are several strategies to help families create a positive and manageable holiday experience for children with sensory needs:

1. Prepare for Changes in Routine

For many children with autism, routine and predictability provide comfort and security. The holidays often bring significant changes, such as altered meal times, special events, or travel, which can disrupt a child’s normal schedule. To prepare for these changes, start by talking to your child about what to expect. Use a visual schedule or calendar to mark important holiday events, such as family gatherings, trips to see Santa, or visits to relatives.

You can also create a sensory-friendly holiday routine that includes quiet time or activities that your child enjoys, such as listening to calming music, playing with a favorite toy, or spending time in a quiet, designated space. This helps maintain a sense of stability amid the holiday hustle and bustle.

2. Be Mindful of Sensory Sensitivities

Holidays are often a sensory overload for children with sensory processing disorders or autism. Bright lights, loud music, crowded spaces, and strong smells can be overwhelming. It's essential to know your child’s specific sensitivities and plan accordingly.

• Lights: If your child is sensitive to bright or flashing lights, consider using low-light decorations at home or taking walks in the evening to see holiday lights that may not be too intense. Some children may also benefit from wearing sunglasses or hats with brims to block out bright lights.
• Sounds: Avoid overly noisy environments, such as crowded holiday parties, where there may be loud music or many people talking at once. If attending a holiday event is unavoidable, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. These tools can help minimize auditory overload and allow your child to participate in activities more comfortably.
• Textures: Many children with sensory sensitivities are bothered by certain textures, such as itchy sweaters or scratchy holiday decorations. Opt for soft, comfortable clothing that your child enjoys wearing. When decorating, try to keep tactile objects to a minimum or choose soft, non-irritating materials.
• Smells: Strong holiday scents, such as candles or food, can trigger discomfort or aversions in some children. When preparing meals or choosing decorations, be aware of any scents that may be overwhelming for your child. Try using scent-free products when possible.

3. Use Visual Supports and Communication Tools

For children with autism, communication can be a significant challenge during the holiday season, especially if they are non-verbal or have limited verbal communication. Visual supports, such as picture schedules or social stories, can help children understand and anticipate events.

• Picture Schedules: A visual schedule can help children with autism or sensory disorders know what to expect during the day. This is especially helpful for events like family gatherings or special outings. Parents can create a simple picture schedule with images that represent various activities, such as "going to the park," "visiting Santa," or "opening gifts."

TIP: Search online for free templates and images to create your own picture schedule.

• Social Stories: Social stories are short, illustrated narratives that describe a specific situation or event in a way that is easy for children to understand. For example, you could create a social story about attending a holiday party and explain how to greet others, what food will be available, and what to do if they feel overwhelmed.

4. Limit Overstimulating Holiday Experiences

While it can be tempting to dive into all of the holiday festivities, it’s important to limit exposure to overstimulating environments. Choose a few key events that are most meaningful to your family and plan for them. You don’t have to attend every holiday party, light display, or visit every relative.

Consider the following tips for managing overstimulation:

• Time Limits: Set time limits for events that might be too overwhelming. If you’re attending a family gathering, consider leaving after an hour or so to avoid sensory overload.
• Quiet Space: Find quiet places to retreat to if your child becomes overwhelmed. This could be a designated room, a corner with soft lighting, or a cozy area where your child can take a break and calm down.
• Back-Up Plan: Have a back-up plan in case an outing or event isn’t going well. For instance, bring a favorite toy, book, or comfort item that helps your child self-regulate and feel more secure.

5. Prepare for Family Gatherings and Social Interactions

Family gatherings can be particularly challenging for children with autism, as they often involve unfamiliar people, loud environments, and social expectations. Help your child feel more comfortable by preparing them for what to expect.

• Practice Greetings and Social Skills: Teach your child how to greet family members, whether through a simple wave, a high-five, or a verbal “hello.” Practice these interactions at home so your child feels more confident in social situations.
• Offer a Familiar Person for Support: If your child struggles with social interactions, it can be helpful to have a familiar person, like a parent or sibling, close by to offer support. This person can help the child navigate conversations, offer reassurance, and act as a buffer if the child feels overwhelmed.

6. Incorporate Calming Activities During the Holiday Season

It’s important to maintain a balance between the excitement of the holidays and moments of calm. Build in calming activities throughout the day to help your child unwind and manage sensory input. These activities could include:

• Deep Pressure: Provide deep pressure input, such as squeezing a stress ball or giving a gentle massage, which can be soothing for children with sensory needs.
• Mindfulness Exercises: Simple mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or listening to calm music, can help reduce stress. You can practice these together with your child as part of their daily routine.
• Creative Play: Activities like drawing, building with blocks, or playing with Play-Doh can be both relaxing and enjoyable for children while offering sensory feedback in a controlled way.

7. Involve Your Child in Holiday Preparations

Involving your child in holiday preparations can be a fun and empowering way to engage them in the season without overwhelming them. Whether it’s decorating cookies, arranging holiday decorations, or creating handmade gifts, these activities allow children to connect with the season at their own pace. You can adapt the activity to your child’s needs—for example, simplifying the tasks or breaking them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable.

8. Focus on Positive Experiences and Celebrate Successes

Finally, remember that the holidays are about making memories. While it’s essential to be mindful of your child’s sensory needs, it’s also important to celebrate the small victories and enjoy moments of connection. Whether it’s successfully navigating a holiday outing or having a peaceful, quiet family evening, these positive experiences will help create lasting memories for both you and your child.

The holiday season can be a joyful yet challenging time for families with children on the autism spectrum or those with sensory disorders. By planning ahead, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and embracing flexibility, families can ensure that their children feel safe, comfortable, and included in holiday celebrations. With a little extra thought and preparation, you can create a holiday season that is memorable and meaningful for everyone.

For additional information on Autism, read the First 5 Nevada article “Understanding Autism”. You can also check out the First 5 Nevada Developmental Milestones page and our Special Needs and Early Intervention Services to get more information and resources.