Tips for Support and Inclusion
The Christmas season is often filled with excitement, joy, and celebration, but for families with children who have additional needs (i.e. those who may have communication and interaction difficulties such as autism) it can also bring unique challenges. The hustle and bustle, changes in routine, loud noises, and sensory overloads that accompany the holiday period can sometimes be overwhelming. However, with a little planning and understanding, families can create a holiday experience that is enjoyable and comfortable for their child. Here are some practical ways families can support their children with special educational needs during the Christmas season:
1. Create a Structured Plan and Visual Schedule
Many children thrive on routine, and the holiday season can disrupt their usual structure. Preparing your child in advance by creating a visual schedule can help reduce anxiety. You can use pictures, calendars, or simple drawings to outline the events leading up to Christmas, including family visits, special meals, or outings. Let your child know what to expect and allow them to ask questions or express concerns.
For children who may not fully grasp abstract concepts like time, using a countdown calendar can be helpful. Marking each day with a fun activity or small treat can help them look forward to Christmas while understanding the timeline.
2. Minimise Sensory Overload
Christmas is often a sensory-rich time, with twinkling lights, loud music, and bustling crowds. For children with sensory sensitivities, this can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to make the environment more manageable:
- Lights: Consider using gentle, static lights instead of flashing ones. Allow your child to help decorate in a way that feels comfortable for them.
- Sounds: Keep the volume of Christmas music low or choose times when your child feels more comfortable to play it. You can also create a "quiet space" where they can retreat if the sensory input becomes too much.
- Textures and Decorations: Some children may have sensitivities to textures, so allowing them to touch and explore decorations at their own pace can make them feel more at ease. Avoid forcing interaction with decorations that may feel uncomfortable.
- Offer Choices and Respect Boundaries
Giving your child control over certain aspects of the holiday can help them feel empowered and more secure. For example, if your child is nervous about attending a family gathering, offer them the choice to attend for a shorter period of time or have a quiet space to retreat to during the event.
It's also important to respect their boundaries. If they don't want to engage in a particular activity or tradition, such as sitting on Santa's lap or opening gifts in front of others, it’s okay to let them opt-out. Allowing them the space to feel safe and comfortable can make the experience more positive overall.
4. Prepare for Social Situations
Large family gatherings and meeting relatives can be overwhelming for autistic children, especially if they are not familiar with everyone present. Preparing them in advance by explaining who will be there and what to expect can ease some anxiety. If possible, introduce your child to family members through pictures or short videos ahead of time so they can become familiar with faces.
You can also help your child rehearse greetings or small conversations that they may encounter during the festivities. Role-playing scenarios where they are praised, asked questions, or hugged can help them feel more prepared for social interactions.
5. Plan Breaks and Downtime
Holidays are often packed with back-to-back activities, but it’s important to schedule breaks and downtime. Autistic children can become easily overwhelmed by continuous stimulation, so having time to relax and decompress is essential. Designate a quiet, calm space where your child can retreat if they need to. Equip it with comfort items, like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a favourite blanket.
Let them know it’s okay to take a break from the festivities when needed and that they won’t miss out on anything if they need time to themselves.
6. Gift Giving with Sensory and Developmental Considerations
Gift-giving can be a stressful part of Christmas for some children with SEN. The pressure to open gifts in front of others or respond in a certain way can create anxiety. Consider allowing your child to open gifts at their own pace, in a quiet setting, away from any expectations of immediate reactions.
When selecting gifts, take your child’s sensory preferences and interests into account. Consider toys or activities that align with their specific needs and avoid those that may overwhelm them (like loud, flashy toys).
7. Communicate with Family and Friends
It’s important to have open communication with extended family and friends about your child’s needs. Let them know what to expect and how they can support your child during the holidays. For example, inform them about sensory sensitivities, preferred forms of communication, or social boundaries your child may have.
Providing family members with strategies for interacting with your child, such as avoiding sudden movements or loud voices, can help create a more understanding and inclusive environment.
8. Prioritise What’s Important
Christmas can come with a lot of pressure to do everything: attend every event, participate in every tradition, and make every moment picture-perfect. But for families with children who have additional needs, it’s essential to prioritize what matters most and focus on creating an experience that is enjoyable for everyone.
If certain traditions or activities don’t work for your family, it’s okay to skip them or adapt them to suit your child’s needs. Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to be “perfect” – it should be a time of joy, comfort, and togetherness, in whatever form that takes for your family.
Conclusion
Supporting a child with SEN during Christmas takes thoughtful preparation, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By creating a structured, low-sensory environment, offering choices, and respecting boundaries, you can make the holiday season a time of joy and comfort for your entire family. With flexibility and understanding, your family can enjoy the magic of Christmas in a way that suits your child’s unique needs.
We wish all our children, young people, families and school staff we work alongside an enjoyable, relaxing and peaceful Christmas break.
Useful links
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/christmas-resources
https://www.autismtogether.co.uk/autism-friendly-christmas/
https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/development-additional-needs/neurodiversity/send-christmas/
https://newlifecharity.co.uk/ten-top-tips-for-a-calmer-christmas-with-your-sen-child/
