Holidays are usually a time for big family gatherings, parties, and lots of extra sensory input. While it can be fun, it can also be very stressful. This is especially true for persons with autism & other special needs.
Most of the times, those on the ASD spectrum, adults and our families want to be included. There are many things to consider if you want to create a space that is welcoming. What is the sensory environment like? Is your event chaotic and loud? Is there a space to go to get a sensory break? If you want to create an environment that is friendly and inclusive, the best people to ask about how to do that are those with special needs & thier families, that you want to celebrate with. You can have a holiday that is fun for everyone and does not exclude anyone. A lot of the time, it’s simply about what NOT to do.
During the holidays, there is more noise, more crowds, more smells and lights. This can be difficult for many to navigate through. It’s important to remember that sometimes, we have to say “no” to invitations not because we don’t love you, but because we need to take time for self care, to have some downtime, or just to take a step back from the overwhelming sensory assault of the holiday season. And that’s okay.
When you decorate for the holidays, it’s important to remember that strobing, flashing or blinking lights can actually cause harm. Up to 30% of those with autism have co-occuring epilepsy. Steady, glowing lights are significantly less annoying than flashing light. Strobing/flashing lights can also be hard to handle for people with sensory/visual processing issues and those who are prone to migraines.
How else can you make your event/holiday party sensory friendly?
Have low light as opposed to bright or florescent lighting.
- Suggest your guests that flash photography is not allowed- or be sure to give a 'heads- up" of what is going to happen Low music instead of very loud music that makes it hard to hear or understand conversations.
- Open spaces instead of everyone being crowded into one area. It helps people with sensory aversions to touch, but it will also make ALL of your guests feel more comfortable. Nobody likes being squeezed into a small space with a ton of other people. Having an open area makes it easier for people with mobility impairments or who use a wheelchair to be able to navigate the space. It’s also incredibly difficult to be able to process and understand a conversation when there are a dozen other conversations going on around you in close proximity. For someone with autism, or someone with auditory processing difficulties, this can be a nightmare.
- Ask people to be fragrance free.
- Create a small space where people can take a break from the party if they need to. A quiet place away from the crowd to regroup.
Events, parties and family get togethers are one thing, but sometimes we need to also remember to scale back on the decorations and celebrations at home as well. Parents often want to have the “perfect” holiday, but change and transition can be difficult to manage for someone with autism. Before decorating, think about putting things out a few at a time for your child to explore or get used to first. You can bring in the tree several days before you put on the ornaments. Allow your child to familiarize themselves with decorations and take cues from them about how to proceed.
Sometimes unwrapping presents can be very overwhelming. Consider not wrapping them if it’s something your child doesn’t enjoy doing. Or unwrapping one or two presents and taking lots of breaks before moving on to more. Some children with special needs do not like surprises. Allowing them to pick out their own gifts and then either wrapping them or presenting them can help alleviate anxiety about surprises and the unexpected.
Always remember to stop and listen to your child, youth, or adult with ASD & special needs, however they are communicating with you. If they start to get overwhelmed, take a break and let them know that they can choose to celebrate the holidays in their way, in their time because they deserve to have fun too.
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thanks for this article goes to 'Parenting Autistic Children with Love and Acceptance". I have edited it and changed a few words.
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