Tips for Parents & Families
Hi OWL Families,
The holidays are officially upon us (can you believe Thanksgiving is this week?!) and the upcoming season brings lots of excitement, social gatherings, and special traditions — but it can also bring changes in routine, busy schedules, and sensory overload. For many neurodivergent children, these shifts can feel overwhelming, even when they’re not able to put words to those feelings.
With a bit of advanced planning, flexibility, and understanding, families can create a holiday season that feels both joyful AND manageable.
Here are some strategies to help your child feel supported, regulated, and calm this holiday season:
1. Prioritize Routines — Even When Schedules Get Busy
Holiday events may shift mealtimes, bedtimes, and weekend plans, but maintaining some basic routines can make a big difference.
- Keep core routines consistent whenever possible. Even if timing shifts, keeping the actual routine the same can be regulating for kids.
- Use a visual schedule or simple checklist to preview changes ahead of time. Managing expectations can go a long way in preventing meltdowns.
- Build in “buffer time” before and after events so your child has space to regulate and manage anxiety.
2. Prepare Children for Changes in Their Environment
New places often mean new sounds, smells, lights, and people. Preparing your child ahead of time helps them feel more in control when they arrive.
- Share photos of where you’re going.
- Talk through what they might notice: “There are going to be a lot of people at the party. If it gets too loud, you can wear your headphones.”
- Pack a sensory toolkit: headphones, fidgets, familiar snacks or a water bottle, comfort items, weighted tools, etc. Make sure your child knows what tools will be available and how to ask for them.
3. Give Them an “Out”
Whether you’re at home or visiting family, ensure your child knows they can take a break at any time.
Identify a quiet space where they can decompress, and make it clear that taking space is a helpful tool, not a punishment.
4. Offer Choices to Support Autonomy
Many children experience increased anxiety when they feel a loss of control. Incorporating small choices helps them feel empowered and reduces demand — especially helpful for kids with PDA profiles.
- “Do you want to sit at the table or on the couch?”
- “Should we stay for a short time or a long time?”
- “When you need a break, would you like to tell Mom or Dad?”
5. Practice Social Scripts
Holiday gatherings often include greetings, opening gifts with others, and joining group activities. Practicing scripts, providing visuals, or updating AAC devices ahead of time can boost your child’s confidence.
- “Thanks for the gift!”
- “It’s nice to see you.”
- “I would like to play, too.”
- “No, thank you. I don’t like that food.”
6. Respect Their Sensory Needs
Help family members understand that your child experiences the world differently — they’re not “being difficult.” Simple sensory accommodations can make holiday events far more accessible.
- Allowing comfortable clothing instead of formal outfits.
- Offering familiar foods alongside holiday meals.
- Bringing noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses.
- Limiting exposure to overwhelming environments (yes — it’s okay to leave early!).
- Saying “no, thank you” to traditions that feel too demanding or dysregulating.
7. Give Yourself Grace, Too
Supporting neurodivergent children during the holidays can be challenging. Remember: You are doing the best you can with the resources you have. Take breaks, set boundaries, and remind yourself that perfect holidays don’t exist — but meaningful ones absolutely do.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
