Some people with neurodiversity may struggle during Christmas. Planning and having a strategy can help make it easier.

Christmas is both joyful and challenging for many people.

December 18th 2024.

Some people with neurodiversity may struggle during Christmas. Planning and having a strategy can help make it easier.
The holiday season is known to be a time of joy and relaxation, but for some, it can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Alex*, an autistic individual, shares that "Christmas shopping is hell." As a 24-year-old living in Sydney, they describe the busy streets, crowds of people, and constant Christmas music blaring from shops as overwhelming and distressing.

Autism is a neurological and developmental difference that affects how individuals communicate, behave, and perceive the world around them. Sensory issues, such as heightened or lowered sensitivity to sounds, light, textures, and food, are common among autistic individuals. However, for people like Alex, the added sensory stimuli of the holiday season can be overwhelming and exhausting. They explain, "I can't handle the noise level outside, so I use headphones to muffle it."

But Christmas shopping is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges that autistic individuals can face during this time of the year. Dr. Adam Guastella, head of the Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research at the University of Sydney, explains that "task-switching" can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals during the holiday season. This refers to the ability to switch between different tasks flexibly. Alex shares, "Things like Christmas shopping and cooking can feel like they're hanging over me, making it difficult to focus on other aspects of my life."

Dr. Guastella also mentions that autistic individuals often worry in advance about social obligations and events, like Christmas shopping or family gatherings. This anticipation and worry can add to the already stressful holiday season for autistic individuals. Additionally, the pressure to be happy and fun during this time can be overwhelming for them. As Alex explains, "Christmas involves having to switch between how you talk to different family members and friends. There's also so much going on, with conversations and noise all around you. It can be exhausting."

However, Alex also shares that increased awareness around autism in recent years, especially among autistic women and trans and non-binary individuals, has helped their family and friends better understand their condition. They no longer feel the need to constantly advocate for their own needs, as their loved ones are more aware of them now.

But for parents and caregivers of autistic children, the holiday season can also present challenges. Nicole Hurley, who has a 10-year-old autistic child, shares that while Christmas is a fun and exciting time, it can also mean the end of routine and therapy sessions for her child. To help her child regulate during this time, she ensures that their routine at home remains consistent. She also prepares food for her child to bring to family gatherings, as many typical Christmas foods may not be suitable for them. Additionally, she makes sure to bring sensory toys or their Nintendo Switch to help them cope with any overwhelming situations.

Dr. Guastella emphasizes the importance of preparation for autistic individuals to enjoy the holiday season. This could mean doing cooking and other tasks early, or strategizing ways to overcome sensory challenges in new environments. It is also crucial for families to communicate and plan together to manage the various dynamics that may arise during family gatherings. And for autistic individuals, having ways to decompress and take breaks during social events can help them enjoy the festive season without becoming overwhelmed.

The holiday season can be a challenging time for autistic individuals, and it is important for their families and friends to understand and support them. As Nicole Hurley puts it, "there are certain things that you can't control, and there are some things you can." By planning, preparing, and being understanding, autistic individuals can also enjoy the holiday season like everyone else.

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