The holidays can be overwhelming for children with autism. Here's how to make Christmas magical and sensory-friendly for your whole family.

Decorating

• ✓Let your child help decorate at their comfort level
• ✓Use unbreakable ornaments they can touch
• ✓Try a fiber optic tree instead of blinking lights
• ✓Create a 'sensory-safe' decoration area just for them

Gift Giving

• ✓Prepare your child with a social story about opening presents
• ✓Open gifts in a quiet room, one at a time
• ✓Don't force excitement — let them respond naturally
• ✓Consider experience gifts (zoo membership, swim lessons) over overwhelming toy hauls

Holiday Gatherings

• ✓Create a quiet retreat room at family gatherings
• ✓Bring noise-canceling headphones
• ✓Let your child eat familiar foods alongside holiday dishes
• ✓Practice greetings beforehand with a social story
• ✓Set a time limit and leave before meltdown

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Activities

• ✓Make salt dough ornaments
• ✓Bake cookies (great for following step-by-step instructions)
• ✓Watch holiday movies with the volume low and subtitles on
• ✓Drive through Christmas light displays from the comfort of your car
• ✓Build gingerbread houses with a visual instruction guide