AS CHRISTMAS draws closer the people of Co. Limerick are preparing for another year of festivities full of lights, family gatherings and holiday cheer.
But for people with autism or those who are neurodivergent, what’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year can end up leaving them overwhelmed and overstimulated.
From sensory overload while out in the shops hunting for Christmas presents, crowded, noisy streets or the glare of bright lights during a visit to Santa, many families may be left feeling stressed out or struggling to find festive events that work for them.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, Audrey Byrnes, project coordinator at Dochas Autism Mid West Support explains that “the neurodiverse brain feels everything a lot more intensely.”
“For a child walking around this time year, everywhere they go somebody is shaking a bell, they see Santa Claus, lights flashing, Christmas trees flickering, music playing everywhere so it can get very overwhelming for them.”
Audrey says while most people are able to regulate themselves after being in an overwhelming situation, for someone with autism or a neurodivergent brain “those feelings won’t stop” even long after it has happened.
She believes that more compassion and understanding is needed for families, especially as people try to pack in visits with their loved ones to exchange gifts and festive cheer.
“Our perception of what Christmas means is different for everyone. For some families it might be one day where the family goes to visit Santa or goes to do some Christmas shopping, but every child is different in the way they experience the world, especially at this time of year.”
“Parents are trying to navigate that for their child but it’s important to stress that every child is different. Some kids might have anxiety about the build-up to Christmas or they might have questions about when it is, when Santa is coming, when it will be over, or when they are going to get their presents”, Audrey added.
However there are plenty of practical solutions that can be implemented by businesses and families alike to ensure a more enjoyable experience this Christmas.
Tailored sensory-events including low lighting and soft music, as well as reducing the amount of time children have to queue to see Santy, can all be useful ways to keep an individual regulated.
And if queue times cannot be reduced, introducing visual imagery with details of the event and what to expect can also be helpful.
“Children are still experiencing the magic of Christmas, but it’s just a lot calmer”, Audrey explained.
Dochas Autism Midwest Support will host a number of Christmas events in the lead up to the big day for their members, but there are plenty of other options for people to avail of across the county.
Some of the other sensory-friendly events taking place including the Liskennett Santa Experience, who will host a sensory day on Saturday, December 13. Meanwhile, Santa’s Magical Cabin has returned to the Jetland Shopping Centre where each family can receive a private visit with Santa and a personal elf guide.
If parents find themselves at a loss about how to help their child during this time, Audrey is encouraging families to reach out and get support.
“Pick up the phone, send an email and ask for whatever works for your family or your child. Most places are so accommodating. The only way we can learn and for us and our children is to advocate and empower the community, and be open about our experiences.”
“Let’s keep Christmas joyful without it being overwhelming”, she concluded.