Despite being a very special date for families, those who are neurodivergent may suffer some inconvenience; find out how to make the date easier
The holidays are a time of celebration, but they can also bring challenges for families of neurodivergent children. These festive occasions, full of stimulation and social interactions, require adaptations so that all children can feel comfortable and included.
Andreia Rossieducational psychologist, parental advisor and mother of a teenager diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), highlights the importance of respecting the particularities of each child.
Planning ahead and creating a safe and predictable environment are fundamental steps to avoiding emotional dysregulation during the holidays. Neurodivergent children often face sensory difficulties that can be mitigated with simple strategies, such as offering family meals, respecting their time to adapt to new flavors or textures”, he explains. Andreia.
To make end-of-year celebrations more welcoming for neurodivergent children, Andreia shares five practical tips:
1. Plan and anticipate events
Explain to the child what will happen during the festivities. Describe the location, people present and planned activities. This predictability helps reduce anxiety and prepares the child for what to expect.
2. Adapt the menu and respect dietary preferences
If your child has restrictions or sensory difficulties with food, bring familiar options (such as a lunch box). Offer small opportunities for her to try new flavors, but respect what she feels comfortable trying.
3. Create safe and calm spaces
Festive environments can be very stimulating. Identify and organize a calmer space where your child can rest and rebalance if they feel overwhelmed.
4. Offer choices in games and interactions
Ask the child if they want to participate in the activities or just observe. Respecting her pace and readiness to interact helps avoid emotional dysregulation and ensures she participates comfortably.
5. Be flexible and welcoming
Understand that changing plans can be challenging. If something doesn’t go as expected, talk to the child in a clear and welcoming way, validating their feelings and adjusting whatever is possible to maintain a warm and respectful environment.
With planning and small adaptations, the holidays can become truly inclusive moments for the whole family. “The most important thing is to always respect the needs and limits of children and adolescents, promoting comfort and inclusion during celebrations. Furthermore, as in all celebrations, even more so at the end of the year, promote love and acceptance”, highlights the specialist.
Andreia Rossi is a psychopedagogue and parental counselor, specializing in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and relationships between parents and children. His specialization was due to the fact that his teenage daughter received a TOD report at the age of 8. Today, she is a source of information on social media, in addition to giving courses and lectures.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.