How to support your neurodivergent child.
It is November, which means it is basically 2027 at this point. Every year I am constantly amazed at how fast time seems to go starting in October. Once the leaves start turning and the light diminishes, time seems to fly more than normal. Everyone starts looking ahead to the holidays and school break. Whether or not your family has a full holiday schedule at the end of the year, the school breaks and all the activities can make it hard on neurodivergent children. There can be more big feelings and meltdowns. Here are five things you can do to support your child and make the end of the year a little smoother.
Stick with your routine. There can be an urge to fall off a morning and bedtime routine when school is not in session or when life gets a little stressful. While sleeping in a bit is fine, neurodivergent children do better when their routine is more or less the same. Obviously you can spend more time doing the routine, but try and stick to your general morning and bedtime routine from school.
Lean into structure when you can. Break out the calendar or white board and write down the obligations that you have. Sit down and walk through what to expect at the beginning of the week. Talk about what things might be difficult for your child and make a plan.
Enforce boundaries. Let your child know that they can opt out of certain activities or can always go find a quiet spot if they need. If your child is noise or touch sensitive they may not want to hug people or be around as many people as normal. They may appear shy or closed off when they aren’t normally. Let them know they are allowed the space they need. For you as parents, make sure you reinforce your own boundaries as parents. Let your child know what will and won’t be accepted and stick to the consequences. Talk with your child beforehand so they know what to expect.
Set aside time before and after events to decompress. Work on a plan with your child if they become overstimulated and have tools on hand they can use. Create a “coping skill tool box” or an overstimulation kit that can go in the car. Leave events early if you notice your child becoming overwhelmed.
If your family exchanges gifts or presents, talk with your child about how they like to receive presents. Is it overwhelming for them to open them with everyone? Do they want privacy? Do they even want their presents wrapped? Understanding how your child needs to engage with certain activities will help make the experience more pleasurable for everyone involved.
The end of the year can be extremely stressful, especially for neurodivergent children. We can make it easier on them if we know the things they need to be successful. If you are looking for support for your child or yourself, reach out to get sessions started before the holiday season gets stressful.
