7 Ways to Create a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Season for Kids With Autism

By: Matt Rokowsky

The holiday season is often a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for many autistic children and their families, it can also present unique challenges. These may include sensory sensitivities, disruptions to familiar routines, and heightened social expectations. While festive sights, sounds, and activities can be exciting for some, they may feel overwhelming or distressing for others. Recognizing and respecting these differences is key to creating a more inclusive and supportive holiday experience for all.

As the CEO of Above and Beyond Therapy, where we provide personalized ABA therapy in Georgia, I’ve seen how thoughtfulness, flexibility, and inclusivity are key during the holiday season for children with autism and their families. Creating sensory-friendly spaces and adapting traditions will help ensure every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to enjoy the holidays in ways that honor their unique needs. Here are 7 ways to create a sensory-friendly holiday season for autistic children.

Respect and Maintain Predictable Routines

Children with autism often benefit from structure and predictability. However, the holiday season can bring changes to familiar routines, such as shifts in school schedules, variations in mealtimes, and disruptions to bedtime rituals amid the excitement of celebrations. These adjustments may increase anxiety or contribute to challenges in emotional regulation. To help ease transitions, try maintaining consistent elements of the child’s daily schedule wherever possible.

Use tools like visual schedules, countdown calendars, or social stories to prepare them for upcoming changes. Previewing new activities or visitors in advance can also reduce uncertainty. Even small efforts to preserve regular sleep and mealtime routines can make a big difference in how comfortably a child moves through the season.

Create a Quiet Space for Regulation

Holiday events often involve noise, crowds, and busy activity, which can feel overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Providing a designated quiet space at home, school, or family gatherings will create a supportive environment where children can take breaks and self-regulate. This space can include soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, favorite books or toys, and other comforting items.

When attending events outside the home, consider bringing a small sensory kit and kindly asking the host in advance if a quiet room is available. Honoring a child’s need to step away helps prevent sensory overload and supports their emotional well-being.

Be Mindful of Sensory Overload

The holiday season is rich with sensory experiences, from twinkling lights and scented candles to lively music. For some children with autism, these sensations can become overwhelming or even uncomfortable. You can support their well-being by thoughtfully selecting holiday décor and activities. Consider using soft, adjustable lighting instead of flashing or blinking lights, and choose unscented candles or soaps. Keeping music and movie volumes at a gentle level can also make a big difference.

Gradually introducing sensory experiences (and respecting a child’s choice to opt out of those they find challenging) is essential. Offering inclusive alternatives, such as silent holiday films, crafts with familiar textures, or quiet one-on-one games, can also provide joyful opportunities for engagement without overwhelming the senses.

Give Choices and Respect Autonomy

Holiday traditions can be meaningful, but they should never come at the expense of a child’s comfort or autonomy. Like all children, kids with autism have the right to choose how they engage. Empower them with options. For example, you can ask, “Would you like to help decorate the tree or just watch?” or “Would you prefer to stay home or attend the family party for a short time?” If they choose to opt out of certain activities, honor their decision without pressure or guilt.

Connection and understanding matter more than tradition. When a child’s needs don’t align with typical expectations, it’s perfectly okay to modify or skip events to support their well-being.

Prepare for Social Interactions

Holiday gatherings often involve extended family, unfamiliar guests, and increased social expectations. This can create pressure to engage in behaviors that may not feel comfortable or natural, such as hugging relatives, maintaining eye contact, or making small talk. To support autistic children, prepare them ahead of time by using role-play or social stories to explore common social situations.

Reassure them that it’s perfectly okay to greet someone with a wave instead of a hug, or to take a break if conversations become overwhelming. Communicate with family members in advance so they understand that the child may connect and communicate in different (but equally meaningful) ways. Prioritizing authenticity over performance helps create a respectful and inclusive environment.

Plan Food Options with Sensory Needs in Mind

Holiday meals often bring a variety of unfamiliar or strong-smelling foods, which can feel overwhelming for children with food sensitivities or specific dietary needs. Mealtime can sometimes become stressful in these moments. Therefore, including your child’s favorite foods alongside traditional dishes will help them feel safe and cared for. There’s also no need to pressure them to try new foods; what truly matters is sharing the time together, not what’s on the plate.

If you’re heading to someone else’s gathering, bringing along familiar snacks or meals can also be a comforting way to support your child and help them enjoy the celebration.

Communicate with Family and Friends

Creating a supportive holiday environment begins with open, respectful communication. Talk with family and friends ahead of time about your child’s needs, preferences, and boundaries. Share what helps them feel comfortable, as well as what may cause discomfort or stress. This isn’t about apologizing for your child; it’s about advocating for their inclusion and well-being.

Let others know the child may need breaks, might choose not to participate in certain traditions, or could express joy and connection in ways that differ from neurotypical expectations.

Encourage a spirit of empathy, curiosity, and flexibility among guests. The goal is to create a space where the child feels truly accepted and doesn’t feel any pressure to mask or conform.

Put Connection and Inclusion at the Heart of the Holidays

The holiday season can be a time of connection and joy for autistic children, especially when their needs are understood, respected, and supported. Every child is unique, so thoughtful planning, open communication, and flexibility are key. At its core, the season is about creating meaningful moments with those we love. By fostering inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences, we help ensure all children feel seen, heard, and valued during the holiday season and beyond.

Matt Rokowsky is the CEO at Above and Beyond Therapy in Georgia, which is dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder thrive and reach their fullest potential. In his role, Matt educates others on how to support autistic individuals, challenge stigmas, and understand the unique strengths and challenges they may face. He and his experienced and compassionate team deliver personalized ABA therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs. They believe every child can succeed with the right support and guidance. Using evidence-based practices, Above and Beyond Therapy creates customized treatment plans that focus on communication, social, and academic growth. Through home, school, and center-based services, they work closely with families to ensure meaningful, lasting progress. https://www.abtaba.com/