On the Twelfth day of Christmas my child gave to me. . .
12 Allergy free cookies
11 Deep breaths
10 Minecraft encounters
9 Rule reminders
8 Sideways hugs
7 Piles of legos
6 Ear plugs
5 TOTAL MELTDOWNS
4 Therapy sessions
3 Weighted blankets
2 Jumping feet
And smile to remember always!
I may joke, but I also know that Christmas time with children with differing special needs can be a struggle that no one can imagine. That is, unless your child suffers from ADHD, anxiety, autism, OCD, ODD, sensory processing, or anything else on a long alphabet soup full of diagnoses. Children with special needs not only run the possibility of having a meltdown during the busy shopping season as mentioned before, but also can suffer many “misbehaviors” triggered by the change in routine, the stress in the home, or really any other reason associated with, and not associated with Christmas time. Just having a break off of school can be enough to send a child who needs their routine spiralling into a feeling of total confusion, and loss of all control in their own body.
What families with members who may have special need from their friends is support, and understanding. First off, understand why it is that they may not be able to make to Christmas parties, or other holiday events. Understand why it is that they may feel withdrawn when you are exclaiming all of your Christmas activities and accomplishments. Understand that many would give anything in order to be able to put together a gingerbread house instead of after hunting down the perfect gluten free alternative, having a child who may meltdown at the first collapsed wall, or one that may cringe at the feeling of frosting on their skin.
In the form of support, ask what it is that you can do to alleviate the stress, but don’t just ask. Show up. Take the kids out of the house. Bring over Christmas treats (that can be eaten). Pray for your friend. Call your friend. Text them. Email them. Sometimes just knowing that there is support available is enough to get through a tough time of the year. The important thing above all is to remember that even if you are doing the 25 Days of Christmas activities from an earlier post, someone may be struggling to get their children to get dressed, or to take care of themselves as well. And as for many, like myself, there have been good years, and there have been bad. Just remember to:
Be conscious of others.
Be courteous.
And above all, be kind, and
have a Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
This is a photo of my kids from a couple of years ago.
There is some SPD, ASD, 22q, and ADHD in the mix.