The holiday season is exciting, but it requires a lot of sensory processing. Many sights, smells, tastes, and textures are unique to this time of year. If your son or daughter has sensory processing disorder, it’s understandable to be concerned about how you can help him or her enjoy the celebrations without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you do this.

4 Ways to Accommodate a Child With Sensory Processing Disorders This Holiday Season 

1. Prepare Them

Keep a calendar visible and mark the date of upcoming holidays or holiday events so that your child see prepare ahead of time. Look at pictures or videos of past events and explain what’s happening to help prepare your child for the event. 

You can also roleplay social interactions and practice opening gifts to prepare them for the celebrations. To remain considerate of your child’s sensitivity to change, decorate your home gradually over time. You can even have your child help in the decorating process.

2. Bring Comforting Objects 

Plan to take favorite toys, games, books, and snacks, which may be calming if the event becomes stressful. This is especially important if the party is outside of the home or you’re using a new mode of transportation. Have earplugs or noise-canceling headphones handy in case the environment is too loud.

3. Agree on Alternatives 

You may want your son or daughter to wear a special outfit for the occasion, but let him or her try it on beforehand to make sure it’s comfortable. If it isn’t, pick another outfit. 

Also, give suggestions for different ways for your child to successfully participate during holiday events. For example, if she doesn’t want to hug family members, you could suggest handshakes. If your child feels like running indoors, you could tell him to try hopping in place instead. If your child doesn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap, that’s okay too. Let your child decide what feels most comfortable to them without pressure.

4. Find Safe Spaces

At the party, find a comfortable spot where your child can hang out while still being part of the event, such as a kitchen or living room. 

You could also pick a place where your child can go to get away from the crowds, decorations, noises, and smells. If he needs a break from the festivities, a bedroom can be a safe space. It could be helpful to discuss this strategy with your child ahead of time.

 
For more advice on how to help your son or daughter make the most of the holiday season, visit All For Kids Pediatric Therapy Clinic. Serving Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and the surrounding areas of Alaska, they specialize in language therapy, occupational therapy, and pediatric physical therapy. Their compassionate and highly trained staff is ready to help your child cope with any challenges that arise. Make an appointment today by calling (907) 345-0050 or learn more about their work with sensory disorders online.