Navigating the Holidays: Supporting Neurodiversity

While the holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many, it can be a period of unique challenges for neurodiverse children. Children, with conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, often experience heightened struggles during this festive time. SSM Health Treffert Center psychotherapist Bryan Mischler, LCSW, reflects on some common issues neurodiverse children face, explores how experts like Dr. Darold Treffert have shed light on these challenges and some practical solutions parents can implement.

Sensory Overload

”Blinking lights, unique flavors, loud music, and strong scents are all part of the festive experience,” notes Mischler. “But for neurodiverse kids, this can be overwhelming.”

Dr. Darold Treffert, a renowned expert in Neurodiversity, emphasized the importance of sensory awareness and sensory-friendly environments. Create safe spaces with minimal sensory stimuli, like a quiet room with soft lighting and noise-canceling headphones, where the child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Give your child opportunities for vigorous movement if your child is a mover or high energy.

Routine Disruptions

One of the core aspects of life for many neurodiverse children is routine. The holidays often disrupt these routines, causing anxiety and behavioral challenges. The Treffert Approach underscores the significance of predictability.

“Parents can help by maintaining key routines, such as bedtime and meal schedules, as consistently as possible,” says Mischler. “If changes are unavoidable, prepare your child in advance by using visual schedules or social stories to explain what to expect.”

Varied Social Engagements

Holiday gatherings mean a variety of social interactions with different expectations. Neurodiverse children may struggle to navigate these social waters. Experts like Michelle Garcia Winner, who developed the Social Thinking® curriculum, provide strategies to help children understand social contexts. Parents can use these strategies to teach their children social thinking skills. For instance, they can create "expected" and "unexpected" behavior lists together, helping their child understand what's appropriate in different situations.

Finding Solutions

Creating a harmonious holiday experience for neurodiverse children involves proactive planning and empathy. Mischler suggests parents consider these practical solutions:

Prepare in Advance

Discuss holiday plans with your child. Use visual aids like calendars and schedules to help them understand the upcoming events and changes in routine. Have a recovery and an exit strategy. Discuss this with your child ahead of time. This lets them know a plan is in place and they don’t need to worry about “What are we going to do?” Recognize the signs that your child is becoming overwhelmed and initiate the recovery plan as early as possible to reduce the likelihood of an emotional overload.

Sensory Preparations

Designate a quiet area in your home or places you may visit, like relatives’ houses. A place where your child can retreat if sensory overload occurs. Provide sensory-friendly items like fidget toys or weighted blankets. Increase the child’s sensory diet. Providing increased calming sensory activities between events and during down times.

Clear Communication

The social expectations can vary drastically from one Holiday event to another. A school party with peers has rules very different from seeing the Nutcracker at a performing arts center. Talking about what the event will be and what the child’s role is will be important. Clearly communicate social expectations. Use social stories or role-play to help your child practice appropriate behaviors for different situations. Show videos of similar events and point out the behaviors that will be expected.

Inclusive Activities

Plan inclusive holiday activities that cater to your child's interests and sensory needs. For example, you can create a sensory-friendly holiday craft station or bake together using simple recipes.

Support Network

Seek support from local autism or neurodiversity organizations. The SSM Health Treffert Center and SSM Health Treffert Studios are great resources if you have questions. Reach out and see if they can help. They often offer resources, workshops, and support groups for kids and parents.

Self-Care

Remember to take care of yourself too. The holidays can be demanding, so ensure you have the support and rest you need to provide the best support for your child.

As we celebrate the holidays, let's remember that inclusivity and understanding are the greatest gifts we can offer neurodiverse children. By acknowledging their unique challenges and striving to create an environment that supports their needs, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, can enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

To learn more, visit treffertcenter.com.