We are campaigning for a Calmer Christmas. Our scientists are researching how to help children and adults cope better with social anxiety, uncertainty and sensory overload at Christmas.
While our research continues, our friends on Facebook have shared their top tips for a Calmer Christmas:
- Slow down - let your child open their presents at their own pace, even if they just open one and play with that all day.
Sharon, Mum - Routine - try to keep your routine as normal as possible. Put the Christmas tree up long before Christmas eve and decorate it at a slow and steady pace as a family.
Susan, Mum - Planning - explain to your child what you will be doing each day especially if you are going somewere new or meeting someone they've not met before.
Paula, Mum - Sensory overload - stay away from overly stressful environments and busy shopping centres. Try to get plenty of sleep and exercise and resist the urge to eat junk.
Mary, autistic adult - Quiet Space - set aside a space to get away from the madness. My daughter and I both get overwhelmed by change in routine, exciting build up, lots of people, different environments etc.
Coralie, autistic Mum - Surprises - Your child might prefer to know what presents they are getting in advance. As a parent it might not seem as fun, but for our son it makes presents much more enjoyable.
Matt, Dad - Sensory decorations - No flickering lights. Warm white, soft glow. Use tactile ornaments that are in easy reach.
Wendy, Mum - Safety - Try to go to relatives' houses so that home remains a safe place, and you can control how much Christmas goes on.
Jax, autistic Mum - Familiarity - Theme your Christmas tree around a hobby or passion. It can be a great security for children to have a hobby or passion that they know everything about.
Annie, Mum - Food - Serve meals in separate bowls so that your autistic guests can choose their food combinations and avoid unwanted mixing.
Sam, Consultant Psychiatrist
Thank you to all the autistic people, parents and professionals who shared these great tips.
This page is more than five years old
This page is more than five years old. Autism research, and science in general, is constantly evolving, so older pages may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.