Holiday Resources

 

Free supports to help neurodiverse individuals and their families thrive this holiday season.

 

 

10 Strategies for Peaceful Holiday for Neurodiverse Kiddos

1. Create a “Holiday Preview” Together

Use pictures, simple schedules, or written plans to show what’s coming. Predictability helps kids feel grounded, and giving them a say empowers them. Include room for child choices. 

2. Build in “Quiet Recharge Zones”

Designate a cozy spot—headphones, fidgets, weighted blankets, books—so the child knows there is always a safe place to regulate when needed.

3. Honor Sensory Differences Without Apology

If lights, smells, sounds, or crowds are overwhelming, adjust the environment or give the child options (sunglasses, ear defenders, dimmer spaces). Their comfort matters more than tradition.

4. Practice Social Scripts in Advance

Holiday greetings, gift-opening, or larger gatherings can feel unpredictable. Practice short, low-pressure scripts so the child feels prepared, not pressured.

5. Keep Routines Where You Can

Amid holiday chaos, keep a few core routines (sleep time, meals, morning rituals). Predictable anchors reduce stress and support regulation.

6. Offer Autonomy and Choice

Instead of “We’re taking a family photo now,” try “Do you want to stand in front or to the side?” Choice promotes autonomy and reduces anxiety.

7. Normalize Different Ways of Participating

Let the child engage in holiday traditions in the ways that feel good to them—parallel play, observing from the side, helping quietly instead of participating loudly. Participation doesn’t have to look one way.

8. Seek out sensory friendly options

Look for activities and performances that are inclusive and reduce sensory and social demands. 

9. Validate Feelings about Big Changes

Holidays can be joyful and overwhelming. Instead of “You’re fine,” try “This is a big change, and I hear you. How can we make it feel better together?”

10. Get Ready for Transition Back to School

Support potential discomfort or challenges about break ending.

Canva Canva Resources

Canva is an easy-to-use online graphic

design tool. We have created templates

below that you can customize. You will

need a free Canva account to access

these resources.

Back to School Countdown

This visual is designed to be used at the end of long break. Five days before the return to school take some time to write something that the student wants to share (something they did, how they are feeling, etc) and then have them circle how they are feeling. If writing is a difficult skill, have an adult write for them.

Social Script: Opening Presents

Provides an overview of what to expect and how to engage when opening presents during the holidays. 

Feelings Visual

Sometimes it can be difficult to identify and share emotions, especially when feelings are big. Use this visual to help individuals identify how they are feeling, and then validate those feelings with empathy. 

Sensory Needs Visual 

This visual supports students in sharing how the sensory environment is impacting them, and helps them advocate for what they need. Remember that people can experience sensory input in many different ways, so we should respect and validate all communication. 

My Recharge Plan

The holidays can get overwhelming for us all, and it is best to have a proactive plan with how to deal with overstimulation. Work on this customizable visual together to help prepare a “Recharge Kit” that can be accessible during the holiday season. 

Weekly Planner

Because the holidays are unpredictable, creating a shared visual plan prior to the holidays is a good way to reduce anxiety. Work together to create an outline of the week, adding in major events and times when appropriate. To customize the photos, just drag an image in Canva into the photo frame. 

Sensory Friendly Resources

These are organizations that are dedicated to making more inclusive spaces and experiences.

This is not a comprehensive list – you can explore on your own by combining the place and experience you

are looking for plus “sensory friendly”. More and more places are providing accommodations, including airports,

grocery stores, theaters, playspaces, and more! 

  • Santa Cares events allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Santa Magic photo experiences in an inclusive environment that improves comfort, enjoyment and participation among children with sensory sensitivities.
  • Sensory City organization that is dedicated to helping children with disabilities. We focus on making spaces friendly for individuals with sensory needs. We make spaces that accommodate people who have autism, PTSD, dementia and ADHD.
  • AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing!
  • KultureCity is a leading nonprofit dedicated to creating sensory accessibility and acceptance for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities, helping places like stadiums, zoos, and schools become “Sensory Inclusive” by training staff and providing tools like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, all to make communities welcoming for everyone, especially those with conditions like autism, PTSD, or anxiety
  • Kidlist round-up includes sensory-friendly events at kids’ destinations, easy-to-exit programming, picture communication boards, and designated quiet spaces for families experiencing overstimulation or dysregulation. *Chicago specific