Supporting Neurodivergence at Christmas – Dandelion Training & Development

Whilst for some children and young people at Christmas, there is no issue and they adjust to the glitter and sparkle quite happily. For others, Christmas brings new challenges which may need some extra support. In this article, we explore some of the elements of Christmas Day that you may want to explore ahead of next week.

Opening Presents in front of Family

For some children and young people, having to open presents in front of people evokes a great deal of anxiety. Being uncertain of what is inside the package, the pressure to say thank you if they do not like the gift, and having to do this multiple times can feel overwhelming. For some children this can exasperate panic, meltdowns or shut down as their brain feels overloaded with the concept. Instead, identify what works best for your child by having open and curious conversations about what they would prefer. This might be:

Opening gifts in a separate room
Being bought only items that they have requested
Gifts not being wrapped
Being able to open gifts over a period of days

Having to receive gifts

For some children, the concept of gift giving does not make sense to them. They can struggle to understand why they need to be given gifts that they do not like or want, or to be placed under pressure to identify gifts that they can add to Christmas lists. This can feel challenging to family who want to offer gifts, especially if their gift is then left unwanted. Consider:

Identifying whether a child wants gifts
Looking at alternatives, such as a transaction to a bank account or gift cards which can be used when required
If a child is happier with a token gift, or no gift at all

Having to unwrap presents

Having to open gifts can insight sensory challenges from both the textures of wrapping paper, as well as the overwhelm of not knowing what they are receiving, as we discussed earlier. Take time to explore:

Alternatives to gift wrap, such as being unwrapped in a gift bag
Being told what they have been purchased
Being able to choose their own gift

Family Mealtimes

The thought of everyone being sat at the dinner table together, sharing the celebrations of Christmas can create illusions of happiness and idyllic Christmas cards imagery for some. For some children who are neurodivergence, the thought of Christmas crackers being pulled, glasses being chinked together, the smells of new foods, the sounds of people eating and drinking, a crowded table or special crockery becomes a recipe for sensory overload. This does not mean that dinner has to be eradicated, but we can consider:

Only sitting at the table for the meal component, and being able to miss the chatter
Serving food to plates in a separate room to reduce overwhelm at the table
Silent crackers without the bangers
Be mindful of seating positions

Decompression Time

Whilst Christmas is seen as the epitome of ‘family’ time, scheduling time where children can take a break, decompress and unload the sensory overwhelm is vital. This allows time to reduce stress, reduce meltdowns which can reduce confidence, and allow space to process what is happening. Agree beforehand, how much time, and when children are able to take a break and ensure that this is undisturbed and understood by all family members.

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Further help

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