We all love this time of the year, especially children. Hot cocoa, delicious treats, crispy weather, pajamas all day, and cozy socks. But let’s think outside of our biases, it can be a challenging time for some children. The holidays are often designed around neurotypical norms. The holidays emphasize social interaction bringing a lot of social exposure and physical contact like hugs and kisses to family members that children might find uncomfortable. Some children who have a hard time socializing or are not aware of social cues can be seen as rude or unmannered. 

Traveling, long lines at the stores, traffic, crowds and lots of noise. Sounds fun? This time of the year can be challenging for neurodivergent children. The holidays can be a fun time to see family, eat delicious foods, and shop but for a neurodivergent child, this means sensory overload. 

Neurodivergent children thrive in a structured environment and routine, the holidays can bring the opposite of it as the holiday season comes with schedule disruptions and spontaneous traveling that brings a change in their environment. This time of the year comes with social expectations, such as being asked to give unwanted hugs. These social expectations can trigger overwhelming feelings and meltdowns. 

You can make the season more enjoyable by adapting to meet the needs of neurodivergent children.  Here’s how:

-Use visual schedules and communicate to children what they can anticipate and expect for the day before it happens, this way it will reduce their stress and anxiety. 

– Offer sensory-friendly areas for children to have alone time and/or self-regulate.

-Offer a fidget toy.

-Respect the child’s boundaries, if a child is not comfortable having social interactions don’t pressure the child to engage in them. 

-Offer breaks, let the child have the opportunity to recharge and calm down to avoid meltdowns. 

By making small adjustments we can ensure we are creating a season of warmth, inclusion, and acceptance.