School holidays bring the danger of disrupted routines, which can be very challenging for those with Sensory-Processing Disorder. Here we shall discuss how to minimise the disruption, and ensure that everyone still has a happy holiday.

How can holidays pose potential problems?

Holidays are a welcome change from the routine of every school day. They are a break from keeping the same time, routes, company, activities and meals. They are a time for fun, and for different activities, places, meals and games.

However, for pupils with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), the break in this well-established routine is not welcome. Each new day presents a new timetable, and with it a challenge. Children with SPD have to work out from first principles what is happening now, what will happen next and what happened to their school routine.

First principles means that children with SPD will try to figure out from what they already know, and either guess or panic about what is going to happen. The loss of control and safety of a known routine represents a lot of work for these children, which can result in anxious behaviours.

We have put together some useful tips to help you and your child navigate the disrupted routines of the festive period.

It can help your child to know what is happening, rather than leaving them to guess or worry about the unknown. Here are some ways to help them feel more in control of your plans:

1. Keep to your morning routine as much as possible even though school is not on the agenda.
2. Try to have a holiday “now and next board” for each day, or even for each half day. These boards offer basic timetable information, such as “now we are going to the park; next, we are going to visit our friends next door”. If you’re not sure about how to use a now and next board, ask your child’s teacher to show you what they’re using in class. There is also more information on now and next boards at the end of this post.
3. Explain tomorrow’s activities the day before, and keep the morning timetable within easy sight and reach so your child can see it anytime they get up in the morning.
4. Try creating a social story. These stories are very short, to the point, and made up of pictures which tell the story of the event, the outing, or the visit. You can read more about social stories at: https://autismlittlelearners.com/social-stories-for-the-community/.

How to have a happy holiday: sensory management

Remember that children with SPD are working hard all the time with everything that is unpredictable. At this time of year, that’s an awful lot of things! They’re taking in the lights, smells, sounds, faces, locations, voices, music and visual stimulation – all going in at once to their sensory systems. It’s easy to see where the sensory overload can shortcircuit the system.

1. If you’re going out, keep the outings short.  If possible, plan some downtime following an outing. This can involve either rest or simply doing nothing at all.
2. While most of us enjoy our puddings, roasts, sweets and turkeys at this time of year, children with SPD will appreciate what they are used to. Do not take offence if your Christmas food is refused! Remember that sugar serves to rev up our systems, followed by the inevitable crash when the sugar has worn off. If possible, have healthy options to hand to avoid the sugar effect.
3. Christmas music can be heard everywhere if you’re going out, particularly evident in supermarkets, shops and cafés. There is no such thing as background music of any type for someone with sensory processing difficulties. They will be trying to make sense of the music language as well as all the other sensations around them. Try not to have conversations with your child while they are hearing music. However soft and background you might find the music, its quite possible that your child will find it intrusive. You might find ear defenders helpful, or use earphones so they can have their own music coming from a device. If the music and songs are familiar to them, and they can control the volume, then the familiarity might help regulate them while they are out and about.
4. Christmas lights are especially annoying and difficult for those with sensory-processing difficulties. They flash, they’re coloured, they’re suddenly everywhere. You might try sunglasses for your child – or just try to avoid the worst of the lights altogether!

How to have a happy holiday: moments of calm

In the midst of all this disruption, it is important to give your child some quiet, grounding moments. Here are some options:

1. Autism-friendly film screenings: Autism-friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed or sensory-friendly screenings. Adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness. There is some useful information about suitable films to watch over the holidays at: https://dimensions-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/autism-friendly-cinema-screenings/.
2. Have a TACPAC Session! If you’re unsure of which Set your child is using, check with their teacher. Ask them what your child is responding to best, and stick to that routine. You could have one session a day if your child is responding well. This can be at bedtime, or at any time during the day when your child seems anxious. Watch out for signs of recognition of the music or the object, and keep the session in the same place in your home.

Happy holidays from everyone at TACPAC!