Excerpted from the December AK Connect Newsletter www.asdk12.org/AFD/AKConnect/ and FASD Think Tank www.fasdthinktank.blogspot.com/
Smell – Holiday scents may bring back memories and also may be overwhelming. Swimming nose plugs dull scents and can look fun and silly.
Sight – If the celebration is in a room with fluorescent lights, be aware the room may be very noisy and moving for your young person. A pop up tent can be a fun refuge or build a fort. Bring some fun sunglasses. Bright lights and colors can be overwhelming and give anyone a headache. Bring a night light.
Sound – Have a supply of earplugs handy. Disorganized noise can be a disaster. If music soothes, use it, but do so judiciously; if music is an irritant, keep it off or to a minimum. Find spots that are quiet to have as a retreat. Multiple normal talking voices can feel like screams.
Touch – To prepare for holiday gatherings – model alternatives to hugs and kisses. If you don’t want a hug, you could…. Blow a kiss. Give a high five or touch thumbs or elbow and toe shakes as a greeting. Role play the business firm handshakes.
Taste – Sensory input and nutrition every 2 hours. Create appetizers for all the kids in a zip lock baggie – add holiday stickers – put in fun things to try – sweet idea (small marshmallow, M&M, kisses) – sour (green olive, little pickle, black olive) – crunchy idea – (crackers, chips or veggies). Make edible play dough for everyone to play with.
The holidays can be overwhelming for most adults. Children with disabilities and sensory difficulties can find them unbearable. Provide tips to families who may need some additional support in having a happy and healthy holiday season!