12/18/2024
5 things to consider with neuro-divergent children over the holidays 🎄🎅🎁
➡️ 1. Skip aversive events/items or make a plan to accommodate child
-you don't have to do every holiday tradition... can you skip it and just stick to the ones your child enjoys?
-maybe your child just needs an accommodation, like the option to wear headphones in a busy and noisy environment or fidgets to use
➡️ 2. Allow children to explore and handle decorations safely before displaying them, then give them the opportunity to decorate
-to become familiar with them and de-sensitize to visually stimulating Christmas tree ornaments, etc
-model how to safely handle the items
-consider not putting up certain decorations for safety (e.g., no breakable items until your child is experienced with not touching them once displayed)
➡️ 3. If unwrapping is difficult for your child, then consider using gift bags.
-they may enjoy unwrapping gifts independently, but become frustrated when trying to take off wrapping paper
-maybe opt for no gift bag or wrapping paper and simply bring the toys out one by one on Christmas day
➡️ 4. Show your child pictures of less familiar people you will be visiting and mark the event on the calendar
-important for children who are socially anxious
-prepare your child ahead of time with who they will see and what they can expect at someone else's house
➡️ 5. Bring preferred items/activities to visits and identify a quiet area to bring child if too dysregulated
-offer that they can bring comforting and familiar items/activities with them
-ask the host ahead of time if there is a quiet room where you can take your child for sensory breaks, etc. when needed
-keep visits short, if possible, and leave on a positive note rather than leaving when your child becomes upset and shows signs of distress (even teach them how to ask for a break or to go home if feeling unwell/uncomfortable)
