As we all look forward to the excitement of Christmas morning and time spent with family and friends,  as well as the overall holiday atmosphere in the home...please take a moment to step back and think about how you can help the sensory kiddos in your life.  It may not be your own child, but a niece/nephew, a grandchild, or a friend's busy little toddler.  The multi-sensory challenges and social expectations which go hand in hand with the holidays can be completely overwhelming for a sensory kiddo.  Episodes of "fight or flight" or sensory overload are bound to happen UNLESS you are sensory prepared!  

Here are some helpful sensory tips....

• Create a sensory retreat, even if you are travelling or will be outside of the home at a friend or relative's house, create a safe place for the child to retreat to if sensory overload occurs.  A cozy, dark area with sensory tools is ideal.
  
• Provide deep pressure touch to arms and legs as needed throughout the day, and lots of bear hugs! 
  
• Keep in mind that 10-15 minutes at the holiday dinner table will likely be the maximum amount of time the child can handle.  A kid friendly side table with a ball chair as the seat would be best.
  
• Keep in mind that asking the child to try new foods during an already challenging sensory experience may be out of the question.  The child's nervous system is already stressed.
•  Prior to the group situation, prepare the child’s nervous system with a 15-minute movement and heavy/hard work activity.
• Provide sensory tools such as earplugs, headphones, compression clothing, a fidget toy, weighted blanket, vibrating pillow, or an oral sensory tool...depending on the child's sensory needs. And be sure to bring these along wherever you may go!
•  Do not push the child to the limit. If he/she is showing signs of over-stimulation, allow the child to take a break in a less stimulating room, preferably a sensory retreat.
•  Do not insist on eye contact or verbal communication.  Let it happen naturally.  This will be especially challenging in a group situation, with people the child perhaps does not see on a regular basis.