The Christmas season can be a time of joy and connection, but for individuals with autism, it may also bring heightened sensory and emotional challenges. Bright lights, crowded events, unfamiliar routines, and festive noise can all contribute to sensory overload. By using sensory-friendly strategies, familiar elements, and careful planning, we can make the holiday season enjoyable for all.
Sensory strategies for the holiday season
Maintain familiarity with Holiday activities
Familiarity is crucial for individuals with autism, especially during the bustling holiday season. Christmas music, for example, can be a comforting and predictable sensory experience. Play familiar, soothing holiday songs at a low volume, particularly during transitions or overstimulating moments. Songs with slower tempos or soft melodies may help regulate sensory input.
Another way to create predictability is by introducing a sensory advent calendar. Each day, include a small sensory-friendly activity, such as playing with a specific texture, creating holiday crafts, or engaging in deep-pressure activities. This approach can add excitement and structure to the holiday countdown while supporting sensory needs.
Plan for Sensory Experiences
Preparation is key to managing sensory challenges:
- Tailored Sensory Kits: Assemble kits with items aligned to the individual’s unique sensory profile. Include tools that provide calming, organising, or alerting inputs, depending on the need. Items like fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, or a weighted lap pad can offer invaluable support.
- Try Holiday Foods Early: Introduce new or traditional holiday foods slowly in December. This helps people get used to them. It can also reduce anxiety about new tastes, smells, or textures.
Explore Sensory-Friendly Activies
Many organizations offer sensory-friendly options for holiday activities:
- Quiet Hours: Shopping centres often host “quiet hours” with reduced noise and lights, making festive outings more manageable.
- Sensory Santa: Programs like Stockland’s Sensory Santa provide quieter, less stimulating environments for meeting Santa Claus.
- Local Autism-Friendly Events: Resources like the Aspect Autism-Friendly Calendar and Be Like Buddy can help you find events tailored to sensory needs.
Create Calming Spaces
Designate a sensory-safe retreat within your home or at events where the individual can relax. Equip the space with soft textures, favourite sensory tools, or calming activities. This gives them a comforting option when the festivities become overwhelming.
Encourage Co-Regulation
Understanding your own sensory profile can improve your ability to co-regulate. When you model calm and regulated behaviour, it can positively influence the individual with autism. For example, engage in calming breathing exercises or grounding activities together before entering a busy setting.
Reflect and Adapt for Future Holidays
After the season, take time to evaluate what worked well and identify areas for improvement. This reflection will help create an even more inclusive and enjoyable experience next year.
By incorporating sensory-friendly practices and honouring individual needs, we can ensure that the festive season is a celebration that everyone can enjoy.
If you are looking for ongoing support from our expert Occupational Therapy team at ORS, get in touch, submit a referral or call us on 1800 000 677.
About this blog
This blog was co-authored by Kollette Kuh De Guzman and Kaitlyn Reynolds.
