Helping Your Child Navigate Christmas Chaos at School: Tips for Neurodivergent Children
- Alice Cantwell
- Dec 10
- 3 min read
The festive season can be magical; twinkling lights, joyful songs, and special celebrations. But for many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, this time of year can feel overwhelming. Sudden changes in routine, sensory overload, and social expectations can turn what’s meant to be fun into a source of stress.
As a specialist speech and language therapist who has worked with babies through to teenagers in schools, homes and community settings, I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges impact children and families. The good news? With the right strategies, we can make this season calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Why Christmas Can Feel Chaotic for Neurodivergent Children
Schools often pack December with activities; Christmas jumper days, parties, performances and craft sessions. While exciting for some, these changes can disrupt the predictability many children rely on. For autistic or ADHD children, this unpredictability can lead to anxiety, sensory overload and emotional dysregulation. Their once perfectly routined school day has disappeared and descended into chaos.
6 Christmas tips for neurodivergent children this december
1. Prepare with Visual Supports
Visuals help reduce anxiety and increase understanding. Use what works for your child:
An object of reference (e.g., a party hat for party day).
A quick drawing on a scrap of paper or whiteboard.
A visual schedule for the week with simple pictures or symbols.
The goal is to make upcoming changes clear and predictable.
2. Use Social Stories for Preparation
Social stories are brilliant for explaining what will happen and why.
Keep them simple, visual, and personalised to your child’s needs.
Use them when your child is calm and regulated, not in the middle of stress.
Keep the story handy so they can refer back to it whenever they need reassurance.
3. Build in Quiet Time
Downtime isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.
Create safe, quiet spaces at home and, if possible, at school.
Even 10–15 minutes of calm can help your child regulate after a busy day.
Activities like reading, drawing, or simply resting in a cozy corner can make a big difference.
4. Manage Sensory Input
Christmas often means bright lights, loud music, and bustling crowds.
Offer noise-reducing headphones or ear defenders for loud events.
Pack a small sensory kit—fidget toys, chewy necklaces, or soft fabrics.
Prepare your child by explaining what they might see, hear, and smell (e.g., strong scents from candles or food).
5. Set Social Boundaries
Social expectations can feel exhausting.
Talk about who they want to spend time with and what feels fun versus overwhelming.
Role-play polite ways to step away if they need a break.
Give them permission to say “no” to hugs or activities that feel uncomfortable.
6. Rehearse Routines
Practice makes unfamiliar situations less daunting.
Try on the Christmas jumper ahead of time.
Role-play attending a party or unwrapping gifts.
Combine this with social stories for extra reassurance.
A Neuro-Affirming Approach
These strategies aren’t about “fixing” your child, they’re about creating environments where they can thrive. Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported during the holidays.
✨ Supporting your child through these small but significant adjustments can make the festive season calmer for everyone. If you’d like tailored strategies for your child’s unique neurodivergent profile or a certain situation that they are finding tricky and you would like some additional support with- please get in touch & we can book in an ad hoc neurodivergent support session.
email: alice@boldmindsnd.com
whatsapp: 07353774634