12/16/2025
We know the holidays can be an extremely stressful time for many disabled kids and their families.
Changes in routine, travel, new visitors, unfamiliar foods, and a flood of sensory input can be overwhelming and dysregulating.
Instead of framing the season around how families can “survive” the holidays, we want to offer a different perspective:
Let’s look for their joy. Let’s celebrate it.
Lean into what brings your child comfort and happiness. Honor that.
For many kids, traditional holiday expectations may not feel joyful, and that is more than okay. Joy might look like spinning in a rolling chair, repeating a favorite line from a show, lining up beloved objects, engaging deeply with a special interest, or choosing quiet over chaos.
There is no need to perform a neurotypical, Hallmark version of the holidays.
When we center each child exactly as they are, we make space for real joy, authentic connection, and true belonging.
And when we share that joy, we help challenge harmful narratives and build a season rooted in care, acceptance, and community for disabled kids and adults alike.
