Making the Holidays Autism Friendly

Holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection and relaxation.  But for families of children with autism, they can also feel like a minefield of challenges – overwhelming sensory inputs, disruptions to routine and unspoken expectations.  If you have ever found yourself dreading the holidays rather than looking forward to them, you are not along.

The good news?  With a little planning, creativity and flexibility, the holidays can become a special and meaningful time for your family.

1. Keep it calm, keep it predictable

Holidays bring a whirlwind of changes – new people, places, activities and sounds.  For children with autism, these can feel overwhelming.  On of the best ways to counter this is by maintaining some semblance of routine.

• Before the holidays begin, create a simple calendar showing what’s happening and when. Use pictures or symbols if your child responds well to them.
• Talk to your child about what’s coming up. Whether it’s a family dinner, a trip to see holiday lights or opening presents, knowing what to expect can help them feel more secure.
• Spontaneity is great for some, but not all. If you are planning an unexpected activity, keep it low-key and provide plenty of reassurance.

2. Create a safe holiday space

Crowds, bright lights, loud music and unfamiliar smells – What’s festive to some can be overwhelming to others.  Designate a quiet, cozy spot at home or wherever you are celebrating for your child to retreat to if they need a break.

• Bring familiar items like their favourite blanket, toy or sensory tools.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses if lights and sounds are too much.
• Let them know it’s ok to take breaks when they need to.

3. Focus on what matters most

Holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful.  Instead of stressing about creating an Instagram-worthy experience, focus on what makes your child happy.

• If they love trains, plan a visit to a holiday train display. If they thrive outdoors, go on a nature walk with a holiday twist – like searching or red and green leaves or spotting winter animals.
• If sitting on Santa’s lap is a no-go, don’t force it. Find alternatives like writing a letter to Santa or attending sensory-friendly events.

4. Make holiday traditions work for you

Holiday tranditons can be wonderful, but they don’t have to look like everyone else’s.  Adapt traditions or create new ones that suit your family’s unique needs.

• If unwrapping presents all at once feels overwhelming, spread it out over a few days. Or let your child open gifts in a quiet room with fewer people.
• If traditional holiday decorations feel like sensory overload, choose simpler alternative. For example swap blinking lights for soft, steady ones or use decorations in textures your child enjoys.
• Involve your child in creating holiday treats or crafts at their own pace. Focus on the process rather than the end result.

Making the Holidays Autism Friendly

5. Include your child in holiday preparations

Involving your child in holiday activities gives them a sens of control and belonging.  Tailor tasks to their strengths and interests:

• Help them choose and wrap presents for loved ones.
• Let them assist with decorating in ways they enjoy.
• Include them in meal preparation- whether it’s stirring, sprinkling topics or just taste-testing.

6. Simplify social gatherings

Large gatherings can be challenging, but there are ways to make them more manageable:

• If you are visiting someone else’s home, let them know what your child might need. Share tips on how to make the environment more autism-friendly.
• Arrive early or during quieter hours to avoid peak chaos. Consider leaving before things get too overwhelming.
• If your child struggles to cope, it’s ok to leave early or find a quiet corner to regroup.

7. Fun autism-friendly holiday activities

Here are some activities that can be adapted to suit your childs’ needs and interests:

• Choose a quiet, cozy setting and watch a favourite film.
• Make textured ornaments, squishy slime with holiday colours or scented playdough.
• Drive through holiday light shows instead of walking if your child prefers staying in the car.
• Read or act out a holiday story together, using puppets or props if your child enjoys hands-on engagement.

8. Remember self-care

Caring for a child with autism during the holidays can be draining, so don’t forget to take care of yourself.

• Give yourself permission to say “no” to things that don’t work for your family.
• Take a few moments each day to recharge – whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a walk or a quick meditation.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends, family or online communiteis, like this who understand your journey.

9. Embrace the joy

The holidays may not always go as planned and that’s ok.  Focus on the small, beautiful moments – your child’s laughter during a favourite actitivy, their curiosity about a new decoration or the joy of spending time together.

10. The gift of time

The best gift you can give yourself and your child is time.  Time to connect, time to enjoy and time to create memories in a way that feels right for your family.

And now I am going to spend some time with my family and go for that walk….

Happy festive season

Till next week

A

xxx

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