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The festive season can be an extremely stressful time for children with autism.
For most families, Christmas is a time of celebration and fun. The odd bah-humbug moment aside, most of us would probably admit to enjoying the sheer indulgence of it all. If, however, a member of your family has autism and/or a learning disability, it may be a different story.
The disruption to the normal routine, unfamiliar sights and smells, crowds, lights, the house full of noise and people, a sensory overload for a child with learning disabilities. Christmas viewed from the eyes of someone with autism or learning disabilities takes on a totally different perspective. There are some things that can make this time of year a bit easier for children and their families.
Why not schedule in daily activities to give them your undivided attention, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Give them some Christmas-free time every day. Christmas free time gives a sense of normality in viewing Christmas in the eyes of a child with learning disabilities. Another helpful tip is creating a Christmas-free zone in your home. If they really can’t cope with any changes in the house, encourage your other children to decorate their own bedrooms.
Other thing to think about is the smells associated with Christmas. Many people with autism find the strong smells difficult to handle. Try introducing new smells gradually, like adding cinnamon to your child’s playdough. Another useful tip is to ask visitors to hold off on the perfume when they come to visit.
A task which can also seem daunting, is that of buying presents. Choosing a gift for a family member who has learning disabilities can be a struggle. Finding a present that is age-appropriate but also suitable for someone’s ability and development, is never easy. Many people with autism and/or learning disabilities get a particular comfort from familiarity. Unwrapping presents and opening new things can create anxiety and confusion. The expectation to open one present after another on Christmas Day is often overwhelming. A good solution could be to ask friends and family to donate towards a single present. That way, you can choose something suitable, which will get used, and your child won’t be overloaded with gifts. Also, try wrapping up some favourite toys. It can be very reassuring to unwrap something familiar.
The big day
Many parents of children and adults with learning disabilities worry about how relatives will react to their behaviour. Talking to them in advance about your child’s specific needs will really help. Ask for their support and let them know this will make the whole experience better for everyone.
If Christmas Day is at another family member’s home, make sure there will be a calm room or space where your child can go if it all gets too much. Pack a backpack with their favourite things, which they will find comforting if they get over-stimulated.
If you are hosting, try not to overstretch yourself. Your child will pick up on your stress levels, so keep your plans simple. Give your child jobs, such as taking coats and offering nibbles round. Giving them something to do will reduce the stress of having people in the house. Try giving them an itinerary in advance so they know what will be happening throughout the day and they understand, for example, that people stand around and chat a lot.
Keeping it simple and familiar is the best way to go during the festive period.
