Sensory sensitivities at holiday time (or another time, for that matter!)
This is for the nearly 2 million Americans (of all ages) who have sensory sensitivities or disorders such as those on the autistic spectrum, with high anxiety or other conditions that make them vulnerable to sensory "issues"
If you're taking them shopping or to holiday activities, consider:
- Putting on sunglasses reduces the distress of the bright lights.
- Wear hats and gloves to avoid a reaction to uncomfortable items in the environment.
- Give them a piece of fabric with a pleasant scent on it just in case you get near a food court or go by the fragrance counter at a department store or someone who chose to "bathe" in a fragrance.
- Headphones to block the noise or to give them music in their ears.
- You wear a coat or sweater with a belt. Tie it in the back to give you child "something" to hold onto as they follow you.
- Purchase items from If I Need Help to identify your child, his/her needs and your contact information should you get separated.
- Make certain you know exactly where you are going and the times to go when the "traffic" is the lightest.
- Have a signal for when your child has had "enough" and can no longer cope.
- Keep your agreement about the time frame and leave when you agreed to leave.
- Keep your "to do" list short.
Remember that a positive experience will result in a child who wants to go again. An unhappy experience results in avoidance and no amount of talking will help.
Other family members and well-meaning friends may think you're "coddling" your child because sensory sensitivities are so difficult to understand. Help them to appreciate what "sensory overload" feels like by going to the collection of videos from Mashable. This link leads you to a video about what it is like to shop in a mall when you have sensory sensitivities.
Read the brief article, Reduce the 'Noise'. Help loved ones with sensory overload to cope with shopping.
What to bring as a hostess gift!?!
Because 70% of guests don't bring a gift, you may want to consider the fantastic cookies I've enjoyed for years from Kelley's Kookies. Most of their products are shortbread and they are just marvelous.
Also, think about buying some of the fabulous chocolate sauces available from Stonewall Kitchen and send your host a few so they can later enjoy them with their families. I sent a bunch of these to my Aunt Neoma for her 95th birthday so we could have a Sundae Sunday. It was a blast! I love their jams! My family loves their horseradish cream sauce. I put a bit on tuna sandwiches for a little pizz-azz.
I do not have any financial interests in either of these companies. I just love 'em...
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