The holiday season is a time of joy, but can also be a time of stress, especially for individuals with neurodivergence. The frenzied energy around meeting the many expectations of the holiday season can often push someone who has sensory sensitivities over the edge, sapping joy from the season and replacing it with dread and overwhelm. As a church that is always striving to be inclusive, and with the addition of our new Neurodiversity Support Ministry, our goal is to offer both education and tangible support at church for those with neurodiverse needs.
If you or your loved ones have neurodiverse needs, there are a few shifts you can make to move through this upcoming holiday season with intentionality and joy. First, it’s important to honor your, or your loved ones’, limits. If you notice a feeling of weariness and exasperation starting to take over, do your best not to push yourself or others beyond capacity. It’s okay to rest and prioritize your own needs, even through a season all about giving. Identifying and creating safe, quiet spaces to escape if needed during social gatherings is crucial.
Traditions are a beautiful part of life, but consider leaving room for adaptability by changing up usual customs to be accommodating, or even simply allowing for the option to not engage. Through this holiday season, may we extend grace and promote true joy and celebration, beyond expectations, offering comfort and belonging to all, just as they are.
If you would like to learn more, see An Autistic Person’s Guide to an Autism-Friendly Christmas.