Supporting Sensory Processing Differences During the Holiday Season
by Rebecca Gilchrist
Many of us look forward to a joyful, festive time of year, filled with celebration, gift-giving, and time with loved ones. This atmosphere can bring a much-welcome temporary break from normality with its festive decorations, seasonal foods, group gatherings, and changing routines. Children with sensory processing differences, however, may find these changes to be distressing or even overwhelming, making it difficult for them to self-regulate. Understanding the unique challenges the holiday season may bring for these children allows us to better support them, helping ensure they can fully participate in this special time to the best of their abilities. Understanding Sensory Processing
For those less familiar, sensory processing is how our body and brain take in and make sense of information from the world around us, using our senses to help us respond appropriately. When a child has more significant sensory processing differences, often referred to as ‘sensory challenges,’ it can be highly beneficial to provide them with supports and strategies to manage these needs. Ideally, these adjustments should be made throughout the year. However, a higher degree of support may especially be needed during times of change, such as the holiday season. Having a combination of proactive and responsive accommodations in place can greatly enhance the likelihood of a positive holiday experience for all involved.
Occupational therapists can also play a central role in supporting children with sensory processing challenges, and the adults who care for them, by helping them engage with and navigate their everyday environments and situations to the best of their ability.
New Holiday Routines and Their Impact
Some children also have a strong preference for routine, as they can find it provides them with a sense of understanding and control over the world around them. This inclination is often associated with sensory processing differences, and even more so in children who are also neurodiverse. Atypical situations that we would expect them to enjoy, such as parties, holiday events, and school breaks, may create feelings of nervousness, worry and even overwhelm in some. For others, they may become quickly overexcited during festive activities, increasing their need to move or act impulsively. Behaviours of distress and over excitement, although seeming different, can both be signs of increasing nervous system dysregulation (eg over overstimulation, losing one’s ‘control’). Furthermore, heightened responses to sensory input can occur in the moment, arise over the day or even build up throughout the week. As a result, some children may appear fine in ‘the moment’, only to appear distressed when they return home, at bedtime, or other times that are seemingly unconnected.
Communication
In addition to considering changing environmental factors during the holidays, it is also important to include others who are regularly around the child this time of year. These individuals may include, but are not limited to, parents, guardians, educators, and extracurricular staff. Having resources to offer on the topic may be valuable in ensuring that not only your child’s ability to manage changes, but also other people’s understanding of their differing challenges and needs. When possible, have the affected child be part of the conversation, not only for their own feedback, but also to support them in developing self-monitoring and self-advocacy skills for the future.
Creating a Plan
Ideally, to support the child, a proactive and responsive approach should be considered, which takes into account both the child’s individual sensory preferences and needs, while also considering the different environments the child will want or need to manage during the holiday season.
Preparing children with sensory challenges about changes can reinforce feelings of control and promote self-regulation. At the same time, it is also important to set realistic expectations based on what you feel the child can manage. If you are finding that the child is unable to manage established traditions, it may be beneficial to reframe these situations as opportunities to create new, different experiences and memories.
Supports and Strategies
To support parents and guardians in better understanding and managing the needs of children with sensory processing differences, we’ve created a downloadable handout on this topic: Sensory-Friendly Guide to the Holidays. Additionally, the Self-Regulation Activity Book may also be a beneficial resource, as provided as part of our last article, Supporting Children and Young People's Self-Regulation.
When to consider seeking additional support
While these general strategies can be beneficial for many children, some will have sensory needs that require more bespoke input from professionals. Occupational therapists can play a central role in supporting children with sensory processing challenges, and the adults who care and educate them.
