Tips for an autism-friendly Christmas

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for those of us who are autistic or have loved ones that are, the hustle and bustle of the festive season can sometimes be too much.

That’s why we’ve put together 10 top tips for an autismfriendly Christmas. Check out our festive resources on the NEAS website, too.

3. Look out for autism-friendly Christmas events

They do exist in the North-east, and we’ll be putting together guides as we get closer to Christmas. Ranging from pantomimes with relaxed performances (check out the Sunderland Empire’s Instagram post here) to sensory Santa’s grottos (see p.10 for news of our very own relaxed grotto), there is a host of festive outings you can take part in and enjoy.

4. Get together a survival pack

In a familiar rucksack or bag, pack any comforters used at home along with favourite snacks and drinks, ear defenders, electronic devices, fidget toys, a visual timer like an egg timer to help with transitions and comfortable clothes to change into ... anything that will help you or your child cope with a shopping trip or social gathering.

5. Social demands

7. Gift giving

Gift wrapping can cause sensory difficulties for some autistic people, especially when it’s ripped off and starts to fill up a room. Consider wrapping gifts in brown paper or plain fabric – or not at all – and putting them in a separate space so they’re not too overwhelming. And don’t insist on joy and gratitude from the receiver .. that’s too much pressure on a big day.

8. Take the pressure off Christmas food

Some people love pigs in blankets and sprouts, but sensory issues around texture, taste and smell can make Christmas dinner an ordeal for others, along with the disruption to normal routine. But why stick to the rules? Talk about the menu in advance and ask for suggestions, include a favourite dish, allow weird and wonderful combinations, and consider a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner.

9. Not everyone loves Santa!

1. Preparation is everything

Disruption to routine can cause anxiety. So planning ahead and preparing is key. A tool widely used to help children is a social story. Using simple images, it explains what is going to happen and when, and can cover scenarios such as “there may be lots of people .. if there are we can wait in a quiet space.” Why not create your own social story book using drawings or photos? You can also use an advent calendar to talk through what’s coming up each day. Also consider an opt-out option for children who need their schedule to be as close to normal as possible.

2. Deck the halls with .. whatever you like!

Some people love a giant Christmas tree, tinsel, flashing lights and shiny baubles. But for others, it could cause sensory overload and a lot of stress. Let people choose the things they might want in their environment, and put up decorations gradually rather than all at once. Go for appropriate lights with different brightness settings, and involve family members in making their own hand-crafted decorations. It might also be worth creating a Christmas-free area with no decorations at all.

Social gatherings can be a source of fun or fear. Social interactions, sensory stimuli, unstructured time and different foods can all create feelings of anxiety, fear and overload. If you’re planning a party, think about creating a quiet space for when people just want to opt out. If you’re inviting people to your home – even relatives – consider putting a time limit on their visit so it doesn’t all get too much. And when you’re out, discuss the signals you will use when one of you wants to go without appearing rude.

6. Shop sensibly

Find out which stores have an autism quiet hour, or just when that particular store is calmest. If you’re buying for neurodivergent children, make sure you insert batteries or assemble toys in advance so everything is up and running immediately. Consider a sensory toy, which can help children regulate their sensory needs, like a peanut ball, a busy board or a fidget toy.

Let’s face it, he’s a tricky concept. Some autistic children see Santa as a stranger who comes into their homes, watches them sleep and leaves random parcels, and this idea can terrify some of them. If they don’t believe in him, or would prefer not to think about him, don’t keep talking about him.

10. Above all, do your own thing

Focus on what makes a great Christmas for you or your family – not what you see everyone else doing on social media. Whether that’s Chinese food for Christmas dinner, or curling up to watch your favourite movie instead of going out, there is no right or wrong way to spend the holidays. Just have fun

Find out more from our festive resources