Written by Hayley Greenhill
Ah, Christmas! It’s often thought of as a time filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of festive fun. For many, it’s all about coming together with family and friends, creating magical moments and memories that stay with us for years to come. For people with learning disabilities or autism, Christmas can also be a time of wonder and excitement. Whether they’re living in their own homes, with family, or in a residential setting, I’ve seen first-hand how much joy festive meals, parties, and performances can bring. Some of my happiest memories from working in health and social care are wrapped up in the festive season, sharing in that special kind of joy with the people I’ve supported.
But – and it’s a big but – Christmas isn’t always smooth sailing for everyone. While it’s a time of celebration for many, it can also bring its fair share of challenges, especially for those with autism or learning disabilities. What feels like festive fun to one person can be overwhelming, confusing, or even isolating for another.
Think about it – for most of the year, trees are outdoor things. Then suddenly, December rolls around, and they pop up indoors, decked out in tinsel, lights, and baubles. Shops, homes, schools, and public spaces are transformed almost overnight. For someone with sensory sensitivities, this sudden explosion of colour, flashing lights, loud carols, and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming. Add to that the disruptions to regular routines – so comforting for many people – and the festive season can start to feel more like a source of stress than joy.
Then there’s the emotional side of Christmas. While lots of people eagerly look forward to celebrating with loved ones, others might feel disconnected or lonely. For some, Christmas is spent with the same people they see every day, and that can magnify feelings of isolation when the world around them seems to be in full-on festive mode. And let’s not forget those who might find the sheer pressure of Christmas so intense that they prefer to stay home, avoiding the chaos altogether.
So, what can we do to help? For those of us supporting people with learning disabilities or autism, it’s all about recognising that Christmas doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. It’s about tuning in to individual needs, preferences, and experiences – putting person-centred care at the very heart of what we do.
Some people might want to embrace every bit of the Christmas magic, from crackers to carols. Others might just want to get through December as calmly and comfortably as possible. And both are perfectly okay! The key is offering choices, being flexible, and creating a safe, supportive environment where each person feels at ease. Whether it’s finding ways to minimise sensory overload, offering alternatives to the usual Christmas activities, or simply checking in to see how someone feels about the season, it all makes a difference.
Christmas can be a beautiful time of year, but it’s also a time for understanding and compassion. By thinking carefully about how we support people during the festive season, we can help ensure everyone feels respected, cared for, and included – whether they’re dancing around the Christmas tree or quietly counting down the days to January.
To learn more about supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, why not chat to Juanita about our range of specialist courses, including Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training. juanita@colemantraining.co.uk.