12/22/2025
🎄 Holiday Screen Time Isn’t “Good or Bad” — It’s HOW We Use It 💙
SLP-Approved Tips for Kids, Teens, Adults & AAC Users
The holidays change everything — sleep, routines, travel, noise, energy, sensory load. And when the brain is overwhelmed, ALL ages naturally turn to screens for comfort, predictability, and regulation.
At TuLIPS, we use a neurodiversity-affirming approach:
✨ Screen time is not the enemy.
✨ It can HELP communication — or make it harder.
✨ The goal isn’t restriction…it’s intentional use.
Here’s what HELPS during holiday chaos:
💙 Co-viewing (talking about what you’re watching)
💙 Slow-paced + predictable content
💙 Using screens as communication tools (AAC, texting, FaceTime)
💙 Using tech for connection, creativity & learning
💙 Regulation apps: calming visuals, music, breathing videos
And here’s what can HURT:
⚠️ Fast, overstimulating shows
⚠️ Meltdowns after screen time
⚠️ Screens replacing communication opportunities
⚠️ Isolation during long gaming binges
⚠️ Late-night dopamine-heavy scrolling
🎧 AAC users: screen time is NOT a reward — it’s communication access.
Never remove AAC to “earn” screen time.
✨ USE THIS INSTEAD:
✔ Visual timers
✔ Breaks between activities
✔ Co-viewing
✔ Purposeful tech (games, recipes, travel prep videos)
✔ Regulation tools (music, headphones, breathing videos)
Screens can be a beautiful part of holiday connection when used with intention. 💙
Full blog now live — link in bio.
📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com
📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.
🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.
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