Around the corner comes my favorite holiday, and possibly the hardest time of the year (still amazing, still beautiful and still full of wonderful things!). That being said, it's one of the most difficult times of the year for kids with sensory processing disorder (SPD). It's exciting, full of colorful decorations, presents, fancy dinners, snow (let's cross our fingers Northwest!) and many activities. This can be exhausting to just the average person and let's face it we can all get overstimulated. For our kiddos it comes like a truck. They see, taste, smell, feel EVERYTHING. It becomes too much to bear, and then comes meltdown central. There is so much we can do to help prepare and protect our kiddos from being over stimulated, but other times we just can't avoid it. Here are some tips that have helped us and our son cope during these busy and fun times.
1. Have a plan and stick to it! Know your child's limits. While we might love a social gathering it's fine to attend and enjoy yourself, but take cues from your child and know when a good time to leave it. It's better than staying too long and either not being able to regulate them for bedtime or possibly battling a meltdown later. (Add no sleep to the mix and things can escalate quickly).
2. Have a place where they can decompress. When going to a party or outing, or gathering scout out the place for a quiet corner, a guest bedroom, or the like. Ask the house guest where your child might be able to go for a quiet space. This way if you want to linger, you can give them a game (yes, even electronic, but not for a long time...that can also cause overstimulation) and have them listen to their favorite music (my son loves soft jazz). When they get home give them some time in their sensory space.
3. Be aware of the "munchies" provided, and bring a healthy options. It's never any fun to see all the yummy treats and not be able to eat them. We avoid food dyes and gluten for our son, (see-Dyes Diets and Wheat, Oh My!!)so we make sure to look at the food together and ask questions before we let him graze. Some children are independent after this, some still need monitoring, so be aware, or visit around the food table (you will be thankful later you did!)
4. Try to stick to small groups. While this is not always possible, try to have times where it is just you and your spouse and their siblings for celebrations, or small gatherings where your child knows the people well. They will be watching out for your child, and your child will be able to regulate better and know what to expect with people they are familiar with.
5. Take time for quiet days (and get outdoors if possible!) This is so important! They need outside space to be able to breathe, process, and feel their body rhythm again. Having space to do this will help them get back to a healthy space that will help them do better in future gathering. Too much running around will only worsen things, so take time to breathe. You will appreciate the break as well!
6. Have a date night!! Get a babysitter, have the kids stay at home and enjoy a long night out if you want. They will be able to enjoy just being home and you can still be festive!
7. Make a schedule. Many children with special needs (including kids with SPD) really thrive on knowing what is coming next. We have a visual activities schedule and even have things like "going to the store" and "snack time" or "lego time" so our son can have a sense of order to his day. If you don't have a visual schedule even talking through it will help.
Enjoy this beautiful time of year, and plan ahead. You will be thankful that you did.
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