Making Festive Season Easier for Individuals with Autism – Practical Guidance for Parents and Carers

The festive season can be celebrated with different dates and rituals at various times of the year, according to the beliefs and traditions of other cultures. However, the last month of the year is generally preferred to celebrate Christmas and the arrival of the new year. This season is an exciting time, filled with lights and new hopes for both us adults and children. We all look forward to this season—making preparations, buying gifts, organising shopping lists, and diving into a delightful holiday hustle. It's a time filled with excitement, where the joy of planning and giving fills the air.

However, this period can bring some unique challenges for individuals with autism and their families. Bright lights, loud sounds, unusual arrangements, socialization pressure brought by crowded environments, and sweet rushes can be quite stressful and overwhelming for children with autism. In this blog post, we offer some useful suggestions to make the changes brought about by New Year celebrations more manageable and to help individuals with autism and their families spend this period more comfortably.

Preparation and Planning

The complex structure of preparations and celebrations during this season may cause changes in the routine of individuals with autism. Even small changes in this routine can push some individuals with autism into difficult times. Families explaining these changes to their children or the individual with autism in advance and planning together will enable individuals to accept new situations more easily. Suppose you plan to attend celebrations and parties this season. In that case, you can talk to individuals with autism about the environment to give them an idea and help them visualize the celebration by using photos or small stories.

While making these plans and preparations, be sure to give individuals with autism the opportunity to express their needs and wishes. A strategy considering their demands will help you minimize possible stress during the adaptation process. The ability of individuals with autism to express themselves will increase their participation in the process and make them feel that their needs are met. This approach also contributes to more efficient and positive progress during preparation.

Suggestion:

• Preparing a "Celebration Calendar" in advance ensures that the individual is informed about the events, reducing stress in unexpected situations.

Be Mindful of Sensory Sensitivities

Intense sensory stimuli, such as Christmas lights, exploding confetti, or loud music, can increase anxiety in some individuals with autism. Creating a calm and safe environment for children sensitive to such stimuli is essential. Preparing such an environment both in your own home and at family or friend's homes where you will go for the celebration will contribute to your child's comfort. For example, you can simplify the Christmas decorations in your home according to their sensitivities and avoid distracting or disturbing items. Additionally, staying away from environments with large crowds and busy events can help your child have a more peaceful Christmas or New Year's Eve.

Suggestion:

• Noise-cancelling headphones or glasses can make your child feel more comfortable.
• If your family has been out for a while, consider designating a "rest corner" where individuals with autism can find shelter if they feel uneasy in crowded areas.

Maintain Routine

Individuals with autism often thrive on regular routines. Although daily routines may be significantly disrupted during the New Year period, it's essential to maintain their typical habits as much as possible. Being flexible with sleeping hours, meal times, and other routines can help the child remain calmer and more at ease during this time.

Suggestion:

•  If you have guests or entertainment plans, it's important to maintain your individual with autism daily routine as much as possible. For example, if you want your child to avoid staying up late on New Year's Eve, consider starting activities earlier in the evening.
• Large changes, such as staying away from home for a few days or spending extended time outdoors, can be challenging for individuals with autism. To help them adjust, it's helpful to inform them about these changes in advance. Using a visual event calendar can be particularly effective. This calendar should include details such as what day it is, what time activities will take place, where they will be and what they will be doing. Providing this information allows your child to prepare for the upcoming changes and can help reduce any anxiety they may feel.

Allow Choice in Events

Social interactions can be overwhelming for individuals with autism. Instead of forcing them to be constantly active during New Year's activities, it’s important to let them decide how involved they want to be. Respecting their preferences without pressuring them to socialise with friends or family will create a more comfortable festive time for everyone.

Suggestion:

•  Offer several options for activities and allow your child to choose the one they feel most comfortable with. This way, they can participate in the event when they feel ready.

Gifts and Surprises

Individuals with autism can be sensitive to surprises and sudden changes. Therefore, it is essential to prepare them in advance for gift-giving occasions like Christmas and New Year. Informing the ındividual about when and how gifts will be given is very important. Establishing a "gift time" allows them to decide when to open their gifts, helping them feel safe and secure.

Suggestion:

• Before the individual with autism opens the gifts, providing clues about what gifts they might receive or offering familiar items they like can help reduce their stress levels.
• If there are many gifts to unwrap, breaking the unwrapping process into smaller sections can be beneficial. Allowing individuals with autism to manage this process gives them a sense of control and comfort.

Being Patient and Flexible

Each individual's response to celebrations or the New Year can vary; some people may require more support than others. For individuals with autism, their needs may become more apparent during times of change and in crowded situations, such as on New Year's Eve. It is essential for families to be patient, understanding, and flexible. Approaching the child with consideration for their comfort level, without pushing their boundaries, can help make this period less stressful and more enjoyable for both the children and their families. Furthermore, preparing in advance and making special occasions more manageable—while keeping routines intact—can enhance the child's confidence and maximize enjoyment during celebrations.

The festive season of New Year is a special time when each family creates unique traditions. For families with individuals who have autism, personalizing these traditions and adapting them to meet their specific needs can greatly enhance the joy and peace of the holiday season. Celebrations tailored to individuals with autism can help them feel more comfortable and happier, allowing families to share in their children's joy. While this time of year can be challenging for some individuals, early and collaborative planning can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

We offer personalized programs to assist you in this process. You can request a free consultation to choose the program that best suits your needs, ensuring that you celebrate the season comfortably.

We wish families peace and happiness during this festive season!