Preparing for Christmas: Supporting Autistic Children During the Festive Season

Twas the Night Before Christmas

And all through the house

The noises were louder

Yes, even the mouse.

We don’t like not knowing, or what to expect,

We need our routine, and quiet time to reflect.

We took melatonin, and tried a hot bath

But the chaos of Christmas, takes a different path.

Visitors are overwhelming, we don’t mean to be rude,

We don’t want Christmas Dinner, just our usual food.

We don’t react to gifts like other children do,

But know that we’re grateful for everything from you.

So be patient with me, be loving, be kind.

And remember that your Christmas,

Feels different to mine.

Preparing for Christmas: autism resources

The Christmas season can bring both excitement and challenges for many autistic individuals. It is often a time filled with changes, increased social interactions, and various expectations, which can sometimes lead to stress. To help make the holiday season as enjoyable and low-stress as possible, we've compiled a selection of helpful resources. These offer practical advice, strategies, and ideas for navigating the festive period:

Preparing for Christmas - National Autistic Society

Thank you to Christmas Countdown for The Night Before Christmas Autism Poem, which is part of a longer poem by Cindy Waelterman.