Top Tips for Turning Chaos in to Calm: Christmas tips with Neurodiversity

This is crucially important during the Christmas season. Christmas with autistic children requires you to flex and bend in ways that might be uncomfortable. Here are some ideas for how to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Rethink ‘we’ve always done it this way’

Covid has changed all of our lives. We’ve had to learn new ways of interacting with each other and our loved ones. We have had to make difficult decisions about who to see and who not to see. We’ve endured what I call ‘Covid shaming’, where people make us feel bad for not hugging, or not sitting next to them.

Having an autistic child forces you to look at your personal Christmas traditions. Why do you do that activity? Why do you bake that cake or eat that food? These may be things you inherited from your family when you were growing up, or from your partner and their family. Some will be cherished traditions but some, when you really look at them, no longer serve a purpose. It’s important to take stock of your traditions and work out what fits your current family situation and what may need to go.

Please understand that I am not being flippant; I am well aware that this can be a very sad process.

Allow for decompression time

Allow time after school finishes for your child to decompress from the stress of the previous month. There will have been lots of changes at school and in the community – lights, non-uniform days, decorations, activities, music. Try not to plan big activities for the first few days. Let them rest and recover from the stress of December.

Avoid gift-related dramas

Don’t force your child to open gifts in front of people. This is a very anxiety-provoking activity! The pressure of not knowing what the gift is, not knowing if they will like it and not knowing how they are meant to react can cause great anxiety.

You may have also been in the situation with your child where they open a gift from Auntie Sue (with Auntie Sue present) and make it abundantly clear that they do not want or like the gift. Saving presents to be opened in private is a kindness.

Be prepared! Depending on your child it might be wise to remove packaging from toys before wrapping them, so that the items are able to be played with straight away. Similarly, it’s best to put batteries in things that need batteries, and charge up anything that needs charging. If something needs registering in order to work, do that ahead of time. Download things that need downloading. Do all you can to minimise any dramas that can occur if your child has to wait for a toy, game or device to be available for them to play with.

Many of our children do not present as the age they are on paper. It can be difficult if you have a relative who shops from lists they find on the internet, such as ‘the top gifts for boys aged 10’. They might be 10 biologically but act more like 6.

Make plans clear

While your plans may be limited, if you are visiting family or if they are visiting you, make sure your child is very clear on what is happening and when. You may want to make a visual schedule for your child to help them navigate the changes in routine that Christmas brings.

Let everyone eat whatever they want

What do you want to eat on Christmas Day? What does your family want? Do you really want turkey? A friend of mine realised that what her family actually wants is pigs in blankets. So that will be what they have for Christmas dinner – pigs in blankets with all the trimmings. What do you want? What works for you, for your family? Do that.

Talk to your child

If your child is verbal and able to communicate what they want or don’t want, talk to them about Christmas. What do they want to do? What do they want to eat? Do they want to know what they are getting for Christmas? Do they even want you to wrap their gifts?

Make new traditions that you can enjoy as a family

Make new traditions

You might have to give up some traditions that you have had all of your life, but you can replace them with fun, new ones. Maybe you’ll drive round to see the local light displays. Maybe you’ll make a special new cake or play a new game. Some families I know limit Christmas to a 24-hour period. Tree goes up on the 24th. Presents Christmas morning. Christmas dinner. Tree comes down. Job done. This may seem extreme but for some families the one-day Christmas works a treat and minimises anxiety and stress for their autistic child.

Give up control

My ultimate top tip for you, as a parent or carer of an autistic child, is to let go of what is out of your control. This is generally everyone that is not you, and everything that is not your reaction to something. By its very nature, Christmas is not autism friendly. The huge routine shift, different food and too much of it, lights, sounds, being around different people you may or may not like, etc., etc., etc. You are not in control of making it all work.

Cut yourself some slack and enjoy the things you can enjoy.

Breaking the stigma around Neurodiversity

Promoting acceptance and inclusion

One of the main reasons why it is important to celebrate neurodiversity is to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with neurodivergent traits. When we celebrate neurodiversity, we send a message that everyone, regardless of their neurological differences, has inherent value and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

This helps break down the barriers that can prevent neurodivergent individuals from fully participating in society and accessing the support they need to thrive.

Challenging stigma and stereotypes

Another reason to celebrate neurodiversity is to challenge the stigma and stereotypes that often surround neurodivergent conditions. Too often, people with neurodivergent traits are portrayed in the media and popular culture as being “broken” or “deficient” in some way. This can lead to harmful and inaccurate stereotypes that can be extremely damaging to the self-esteem and mental health of neurodivergent individuals.

By celebrating neurodiversity, we can challenge these stereotypes and promote a more accurate and positive understanding of neurodivergent conditions.

Recognising strengths and abilities

Celebrating neurodiversity also means recognising and valuing the unique strengths and abilities that neurodivergent individuals can bring to society. Many people with neurodivergent traits have exceptional skills in areas such as mathematics, music, art, and science.

By acknowledging and promoting these strengths, we can help to create a more inclusive and diverse society that benefits everyone.

Fostering creativity and innovation

Celebrating neurodiversity can foster creativity and innovation by encouraging different ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Neurodivergent individuals often have a different perspective on the world and can approach problems in ways that others may not have considered.

By embracing and celebrating these differences, we can create a more dynamic and innovative society that is better equipped to tackle the complex challenges we face.

A safer environment for neurodiverse individuals

Neurodiverse individuals often face stigma and discrimination in society. By celebrating neurodiversity, we can create a safe and accepting environment for these individuals. This can help them feel more comfortable being themselves and expressing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.

Achieving goals

By promoting inclusivity and acceptance, we can help neurodivergent individuals feel more confident and empowered to pursue their goals and achieve their full potential.

This can also lead to reduced rates of mental health issues across neurodivergent individuals.

For example, many celebrities have been diagnosed with neurological conditions, how many of these can you recognise?

• Billie Eilish (singer) – diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome

• Greta Thunberg (environmental activist) – diagnosed with Asperger’s

• Muhammed Ali (boxer) – diagnosed with dyslexia

• Michael Phelps (gold medal Olympian) – diagnosed with ADHD

• Elon Musk (entrepreneur) – diagnosed with autism

• Daniel Radcliffe (actor) – diagnosed with dyspraxia.

Embracing Neurodiversity: Unlocking Sensory Playground

To truly grasp the essence of our unique venture, Sensory Playground Ltd, it's important that we peel back the layers and allow you to peek into the heart of our neurodiverse family-run enterprise. We aren't occupational therapists, nor are we a playgroup, and you won't find playground equipment in our inventory. What we are, however, is a testament to the power of familial love, resilience, and the pursuit of making the world a more sensory-friendly place for all ages.

Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Robyn—and this is the story of my family, our journey, and the birth of Sensory Playground. Our business isn't just a store; it's an extension of our lives, a reflection of the daily challenges and triumphs we face as a neurodiverse household and a carefully curated selection of sensory products which is as diverse as the people who use them.

From Struggle to Strength: Getting Diagnosed

My journey has been a tapestry of academic challenges and personal discovery. School life, from my early years in primary school through to the hallowed halls of university, was a perplexing labyrinth. While I excelled in many areas, English was my formidable foe. The '90s were an era when awareness of learning difficulties was scant, and struggles were often dismissed as mere academic shortcomings rather than attributed to underlying conditions. It wasn't until my university years that I took the initiative to seek private testing, and it was then that the puzzle pieces fell into place—I was dyslexic. This diagnosis was a turning point, providing me with the much-needed support in my studies. I received accommodations for my grammar and spelling challenges (back in the days when everything was handwritten), as well as extra time in exams. These adjustments not only improved my academic achievements but also had a profound impact on my mental well-being during those study years. But my story doesn't stop there. Socially, life remained an enigma until my later years when I received another life-altering diagnosis - ADHD combined type. Growing up, I often found myself fitting in everywhere and nowhere within the ever-shifting landscape of friendship circles. Maintaining long-term friendships proved to be an uphill battle, as I frequently unintentionally upset people with my words, without ever grasping why. Before my ADHD diagnosis, the concept of neurodiversity was a foreign realm, something I had heard of but never fully comprehended. It was my daughter's struggles in year 2 of primary school that set the wheels of change in motion. Her tearful accounts of unexplained difficulties prompted us to seek answers, initially suspecting bullying. However, after consultation with a family liaison officer, we were led to consider autism as a possibility. As we navigated this unfamiliar territory, I began researching autism and ADHD, only to realise that many of the traits I saw in my daughter resonated with my own experiences. Driven by this revelation, I sought an ADHD assessment through the NHS, a process that eventually yielded a diagnosis of ADHD combined type for me, and an autism diagnosis for our daughter. Following this, our son, while in nursery, received an autism diagnosis at the age of 4. You might wonder, "Why seek an ADHD diagnosis as an adult?" The truth is, I hadn't merely been surviving all those years; I had been masking, unknowingly emulating the behaviours and opinions of others in a bid to fit in. It was only when I received my diagnosis that I grasped the extent of this subconscious adjustment. My diagnosis marked a profound transformation, helping me discover my true self beneath the mask. For me, masking had meant adopting behaviours and opinions without realising they weren't my own. Now, I understand that when the mask inadvertently slipped, it could appear as though I was being deceitful or at the very least not consistent with the persona I had been projecting, even though it was a subconscious process. The newfound self-awareness brought significant improvements in my confidence, mental health, and overall well-being. This journey led to the creation of Sensory Playground, and it's a story that's very close to my heart.

Taking a Leap of Faith: Starting a Sensory Business

When the pandemic forced the closure of schools and nurseries, I found myself deeply aware of the support they had provided. Seeking sensory items online during this time, I was met with disappointment when the products I received were not only expensive but also of low quality, making them unsafe for my children, who could be more heavy-handed due to their neurodiverse needs. It became evident that change was needed, and I recognised an opportunity to make a difference.

Venturing into the world of Sensory Playground was undoubtedly a leap of faith, driven by the passion to make a difference fuelled by personal experiences. Starting a business is never without its challenges, but when it's fuelled by a deep understanding of the struggles and needs of neurodiverse individuals, it becomes a labour of love and dedication.

As we embarked on this journey, we knew we were stepping into uncharted territory. We weren't experts in the traditional sense, but we possessed something you could argue even more valuable - a profound empathy and lived experience of neurodiversity. We understood the daily battles, the triumphs, and the moments of pure joy that come with raising neurodiverse children.

The decision to launch Sensory Playground wasn't solely motivated by business ambitions; it was driven by a desire to create a safe haven where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could access high-quality sensory products. It was about bridging the gap we had personally encountered when searching for sensory items during challenging times, like lockdowns when school and nursery closures left us feeling ill-equipped.

We wanted to provide a space where parents, caregivers, teachers and individuals themselves could find the right tools to support needs. It was about offering a curated selection of products that met our stringent criteria: durability, safety, cost-effectiveness, educational value, and, of course, the fun factor.

How does Sensory Play help?

Our children are the heart of our journey; they possess their own set of skills and talents, and it's our mission to nurture these abilities for the greater good. My own diagnosis has allowed us to better understand our children's uniqueness, enabling us to unlock the joy of learning and play that makes their hearts sing. In a world that is gradually awakening to the challenges of mental and emotional development, there is much to be done and even more to be learned.

That said, sensory play isn't limited by age or neurodiverse condition; it's a universal experience. Our sensory products engage the mind, soothe the spirit, and foster social interaction, whether you're a child with sensory processing needs or an adult seeking a moment of calm. For example, we understand that for many, the journey isn't as simple as strolling into a local toy store; even that can be a sensory overload. The bustling, brightly lit atmosphere is an overload for individuals who are sensitive to stimuli - not to mention the multitude of toys and the sights and sounds they emit.

The Sensory Playground range is carefully researched and focuses on addressing unique sensory needs, including sensory stimulation -- and not just for children but for all ages. Sensory toys serve as invaluable tools for individuals with neurodiverse needs, addressing their unique sensory processing challenges and providing a multitude of benefits. The products offer controlled and predictable sensory stimulation, helping children and adults regulate their sensory experiences. They can be a source of comfort, enhance focus and fine and gross motor skills, making them instrumental in development. Additionally, they encourage exploration, creativity and social interaction, fostering vital skills.

Tailored to individual preferences, these toys provide a customisable approach to sensory support. In essence, sensory toys contribute significantly to the well-being of adults, and well-being and development of children with neurodiverse needs, enriching their daily lives and aiding their growth. For instance, one of the aspects of my ADHD is the hyperfocus that accompanies special interests. When someone with ADHD gets really absorbed in a specific interest or task, it can be hard to switch their attention to something else. Sensory products provide a way of gently shifting focus by giving them something engaging and interesting to play with.

Countless hours have been dedicated to researching our products, ensuring that they align with the values of Sensory Playground and meet the unique requirements of our customers. Our range encompasses a wide spectrum of items, recognising that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to sensory needs. Some may find comfort in flashing lights, while others may seek solace in calming liquid timers. From squishy stress balls to small pocket fidget toys for anxiety relief during important meetings, our selection is as diverse as the people who use them. That's why we invite you to search for yourself and experiment at www.sensoryplayground.co.uk.

PS. Safety is paramount to us, and we uphold the highest standards of quality. We only offer products that we would entrust to our own children. Each item is rigorously tested and labeled in accordance with UK or EU standards.

Embracing Neurodiversity: Inspiring Stories from Celebrities

DId you know neurodiversity is a broad spectrum and is much more common than you might think? Shedding the light on the fact that neurodiversity not a limitation for success, numerous celebrities have proudly told their tale of their neurodiverse journey.

For instance, Channing Tatum, known for his acting career, struggled with both ADHD and dyslexia as a child. His mother's invaluable advice to "be a sponge" and learn from people and experiences outside of the classroom helped him develop essential life skills and find success in his profession.

Dave Grohl, renowned as the drummer of Nirvana and the founder of the Foo Fighters, was diagnosed with ADHD during his school years. Despite facing challenges, he became a self-taught musician, achieved worldwide fame and continues to inspire through his music.

James Haskell, a former English rugby star, DJ, podcaster, and author, received his ADHD diagnosis at a young age. After retiring from Rugby, he ventured into various fields, authoring books, and even pursuing a career in mixed martial arts.

Jermaine Pennant, a former professional footballer who played for top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. His story highlights that neurodiversity is not confined to any specific profession or field.

Justin Timberlake, an accomplished singer and actor with numerous awards to his name, openly shared his experience with ADHD and OCD in a 2008 interview. His success serves as a testament to the fact that neurodiversity can coexist with talent and achievement.

Mum's the Word: A Message, Parent to Parent To parents of neurodiverse children and anyone embarking on the journey of assessment and discovery, I want to assure you that this road can indeed seem daunting. It's a path marked by uncertainty, questions, and perhaps even fear of the unknown. But as someone who's travelled this road, I can offer you some valuable insights and reassurance. First and foremost, it's okay to feel apprehensive. The journey of seeking an assessment and understanding neurodiversity can be overwhelming. You may be wrestling with a myriad of emotions—worry, confusion, fear, and sometimes even doubt. These feelings are entirely natural. Remember that you're not alone; countless parents and individuals have been where you are now, and many have emerged stronger and more enlightened on the other side. The decision to pursue an assessment is a significant step toward better understanding your child or yourself. It's a proactive choice that can lead to valuable insights, improved support, and a greater sense of self-awareness. Embrace this journey as an opportunity for growth and learning, both for you and your neurodiverse loved one. If I may, here are my top 10 tips as you navigate this new realm: 1. Trust Your Instincts: As a parent or an individual seeking assessment, you know yourself or your child better than anyone else. If you sense that something is amiss or that there are unique challenges that need attention, trust your instincts and seek guidance. 2. Gather Information: Educate yourself about neurodiversity. Understanding the conditions or traits you suspect can empower you with knowledge to advocate effectively for yourself or your child. There are countless resources, support groups, and books available to help you gain insight. 3. Seek Professional Guidance: Reach out to healthcare professionals, specialists, or educational experts who can provide guidance and conduct assessments. They can help clarify any doubts, provide a diagnosis if needed, and create tailored support plans. 4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with a support network of friends, family, and professionals who understand and embrace neurodiversity. They can offer emotional support, share experiences, and provide valuable advice. 5. Embrace Neurodiversity: Remember that neurodiversity is a beautiful and integral part of the human experience. It encompasses a wide range of conditions and traits, and each individual is unique. Celebrate the strengths and talents that come with neurodiversity, and recognize that it's not a limitation but a different way of being. 6. Take It One Step at a Time: The journey of assessment and support can be a marathon, not a sprint. Break it down into manageable steps, and don't rush the process. It's okay to take breaks when needed to recharge and reflect. 7. Explore a variety of Sensory Toys: Sensory needs can vary person to person. Be open to trying a wide range of sensory toys and products. Experimenting with different textures, shapes, and functionalities can help identify what resonates most with your child or yourself. 8. Advocacy Matters: Advocate for your child or yourself. Be an active participant in the assessment process and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification. Your advocacy can make a significant difference in obtaining the support and resources you need. 9. Practice Self-Care: Whether you're a parent or an individual seeking assessment, remember to prioritise self-care. Caring for yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically is crucial. Seek moments or respite and relaxation, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. 10. Celebrate Progress: Along this journey celebrate every small victory and achievement. Whether it's a newfound understanding, improved support of personal growth, acknowledge and appreciate the positive steps you take. Step inside Sensory Playground We invite you to explore the world of Sensory Playground, where understanding and celebrating neurodiversity is at the heart of everything we do. Our online store offers a wide range of sensory toys and products that cater to diverse needs and ages. Whether you're a parent seeking tools to support your neurodiverse child or an individual on a personal journey of self-discovery, we have something special for you. So, why not embark on your own sensory exploration today? Discover how sensory play can benefit you or your loved ones, and open up a world of possibilities. Visit our website at www.sensoryplayground.co.uk to view our collection and experiment with something new. At Sensory Playground, we believe that embracing neurodiversity is a beautiful part of the human experience, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Join us in celebrating the unique strengths and talents that come with neurodiversity, and let's make the world a more sensory-friendly place for all. Come on in and explore the world of Sensory Playground today.