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Make Holiday Gatherings Easier

Many holidays are coming up, and that means holiday gatherings. Holiday gatherings can be nice in that they allow us to see the people we love, but they can also bring crowds, unwanted physical contact, sensory overload, changes in routine, unscripted conversation, and other challenges that are especially irksome for autistic and mentally ill people (like me). This blog will cover some ways to address these issues and lessen their impact.

Note: The dyslexic font add-ons aren't working right now, so this new font is accessible to me. 

  1. Don't pack in too many gatherings: Trying to do too much is a good way to get overwhelmed. Allow down-time to recharge between gatherings. 
  2. Know what to expect: Knowing what will happen and when can help reduce anxiety. It can help to know the schedule, familiarize yourself with the places you'll be going (drive-bys or photos help me), and know who you'll be seeing at the events. 
  3. Prepare scripts: Whether you'll be going for a meal, a gift exchange, or something else, preparing scripts for the expected situation can help make communication easier. If you don't like to be touched, a script about how it's great to see someone, but you don't like physical touch could also be helpful. 
  4. Identify a place to escape: Identify a place to step away as soon as you get to the gathering place, so you can retreat and gather yourself if everything becomes too much. 
  5. Stim- Stim toys can be an unobtrusive way to stim. I'll post links to some of my favorites below. I'm an Amazon affiliate, so I do get rewarded if you click the links. I also choose less obtrusive stimming movements at family gatherings, like conducting, instead of flapping my arms. This all depends on how your family feels about stimming, and how much you care about their thoughts on it. 
  6. Bring something to do: Again, this may depend on your family etiquette, but bringing a book, some toys, a camera, or another way to be distracted from the stimulation can be helpful.
I hope you all have a happy winter, and that these tips help any gatherings you attend be more enjoyable. 

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