Aspergers Syndrome

Tis the season of brightly lit and flashing lights.  Homes and yards are decorated with holiday decor.  Christmas trees adorn almost every building we enter and holiday music fills the air.  Everywhere we go we are met with crowds of people scurrying around to find that perfect gift.  Lines are longer, stores are full of holiday merchandise, and families are pulling out their favorite holiday recipes.  This is why so many people love this season!

Unfortunetly for people with sensory sensativity due to Aspergers this can be a frustrating and stressful time of year.  Think about the bright and flickering lights as a constant blinding annoyance.  Think about all the noise with crowds of people and holiday music being loudly played everywhere you go.  Even in your own home your surroundings have changed with holiday decor and a big huge tree that if real smells like a pine forest.  You now smell and taste different foods you normally are not eating the rest of the year.  Chances are you are eating more candy and cookies then normal too.  There are parties going on all over the place causing your schedule to be different then normal.  Some get so excited about opening presents that they become obsessive and stressed about how long Christmas day will take to get here and those presents under the tree just stand as a reminder of what they are not able to do yet! 

It is important to be considerate of sensory sensativities especially at the holidays since routines and atmosphere around those with Aspergers have changed.   Discuss the season with your child or relatives to help ease the stress of the holidays.  Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible.  Be aware especially in crowds and busy stores of how your Aspergers child is coping with all the comotion.  Simplify if necessary and help make it a joyous time for them as well by just being supportive of their particular needs.