The holidays can be a wonderful time! Holiday stimulation including tasty food, music, family gatherings, decorations and even smells fill the environment. For most of us, these are what make the holidays so special. But, for some, these can bring overstimulation, anxiety, and meltdowns, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. The countdowns, the anticipation, and the excitement is too much to handle for some children. To help with this, we have gathered some tips for children to help with sensory processing during the holidays to ease their anxiety and overstimulation.
It will be helpful to understand a little about sensory overload and how it can affect children. Sensory overload can happen to any one of us. It is more likely to happen to children with special needs, but it does not mean that we shouldn’t all be aware of this possibility as we enter the holidays. Recognizing some of these signs can assist with transitions and self-regulation during holiday stimulation:
- Behavior is heightened and busy, which may include jumping off furniture, running in the house and spinning.
- Aggressive behaviors that may include hitting, biting or pushing others.
- Meltdowns occur more frequently without warning.
- Withdrawal from activities that include refusal to participate in activities.
However, have no holiday fear! We have created some tips to help prepare your child for the excitement of the holiday stimulation:
Auditory Sensitivity
- Bring along earplugs or noise cancelling headphones when in a noisy crowd.
- Allow your child to take a noise break in a quiet room to assist with regulation.
Visual, Smell, and Taste Sensitivity
- During family gatherings, find a spot where your child can sit facing away from the crowd and decorations. This will limit their visual input and assist with regulation.
- Try and have your child sit away from the buffet tables or where the food is being made if your child is sensitive to smells.
- You can also have your child use a familiar lip balm or lotion to give them a familiar scent.
- If your child has troubles with new foods, bring along a few favorites from home.
- Don’t let family members pressure you into forcing your child to try foods they don’t like, explain to them that you are working on expanding their food choices.
Tactile Sensitivity
- Allow your child to sit in between family members to decrease the possibility of getting lightly touched by strangers.
- Make a plan in advance on how to act if your child dislikes hugs. Teach them to offer a handshake or a high five instead. Talk with family members prior to the day of and help them understand why your child may not want to give a hug
- Find clothing options that are comfortable for your child. Allow your child to try on the outfit prior to the day of the event and bring and extra outfit just in case.
Movement Seeking Children
- Allow your child to have movement breaks. Show your child activities that are allowed indoors or take your child outside for a short break.
- Let your child to move around before the event with activities such as bear walks, hopping on one foot, jumping, marching, etc.
- Allow your child to bring along a fidget or calming toy to keep their hands busy. You can also create a “busy bag” filled with items and small toys your child enjoys.
Remember to be patient and calm with your child, the holidays can be overwhelming for all of us! But by following some of these tips you and your child can have a joyous holiday.
Thank you for reading!