Managing the Holidays and Choosing Thoughtful Gifts: A Guide for Teens with Autism

The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, travel, and traditions, but they can also bring overstimulation, new experiences, and unusual day-to-day activities, especially for teens with autism. Sensory triggers, changes in routine, and crowded events can cause stress for anyone. With a little preparation, though, you can better enjoy the festivities and even have a plan for taking part in choosing meaningful gifts for friends and family. Here’s a guide to navigating the holiday season, managing travel and sensory overload, and picking the right gift for those you love.

Preparing for Holiday Triggers

The holiday season is full of potential sensory challenges, from bright lights and holiday music to bustling crowds. Preparing for these changes can help ease the stress.

1. Identify Potential Triggers
   Knowing what specific triggers may cause distress is a great start to getting ready for the holidays. Holiday lights, loud music, or unfamiliar foods can be overwhelming. Create a list of these triggers and plan ahead for how to manage them.
   For example, if you know you’ll be attending a holiday party, bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to soften loud sounds. Similarly, wearing comfortable clothing can be soothing if you’re dealing with unusual textures or varying temperatures.

2. Make Routines When Possible
   Sticking to a routine can help you feel more in control at a busy time of year. Try creating a holiday schedule with built-in breaks and downtime. Decide which events you want to attend and which ones to skip to avoid burnout.
   Don’t hesitate to set boundaries, both with yourself and with others, to make sure you have moments to recharge. Feeling recharged is important, so you actually have to chance to try new experiences and even enjoy them.

3. Have Stress-Reducing Techniques Ready
   Knowing how to react when you’re stressed is just as important as knowing what may trigger that stress. Take the time to practice techniques ahead of time so you know how to use them if you begin to feel stressed.
   Pack a small sensory kit with items that help calm you down. This could include a stress ball, a weighted blanket, calming essential oils, or snacks you enjoy. Having a kit can feel like a lifesaver if things start to get overwhelming.

4. Communicate Your Needs
   Talk with family and friends about any accommodations you might need. Let them know that stepping away for a moment or using your sensory tools is part of how you manage stress. This communication can make gatherings feel more comfortable for everyone involved.

Managing Holiday Travel

If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, having a plan can make the experience smoother and less stressful for everyone.

1. Research Your Destination
   Researching your destination helps you anticipate any potential sensory triggers. Find out about any events that might be noisy or crowded and plan routes that avoid them if necessary. Some locations may even offer quiet spaces or sensory-friendly accommodations.

2. Create Routines When You Can
   Travel disrupts routines, which can be hard. Make a travel schedule that mirrors your daily routine as closely as possible. Bring along items that make your travel environment more familiar, whether it’s a favorite book, a soft pillow, or a special treat.

3. Plan for Sensory Breaks During Travel
   Airports and other public transport areas can be loud and busy. Seek out quieter spaces to rest; some airports even offer designated sensory rooms that you can look for ahead of time. When possible, consider traveling during off-peak times to avoid crowds.

4. Bring Entertainment and Comfort Items
   Keep a few favorite activities handy, such as books, music, or a game to focus on during the journey. This will help you stay calm and manage anxiety throughout your journey.

Choosing the Right Gift

Now that you’ve made a plan to head to your holiday destination, it’s time to pick out gifts for those you love! Finding the perfect gift for someone special and deciding what the “right” choice is may seem difficult, but thinking thoughtfully about their personality and interests can guide you toward the right options.

1. Consider Their Interests and Hobbies
   You want to buy a gift for someone special to you, but where do you start? Think about what you like about this person and what they like to do.
   For example, if they’re into art, look for supplies they can use to create or a personalized craft item, like a sketchbook. If they’re a music lover, consider concert tickets or a copy of an album or poster of their favorite band. Taking the time to tailor your gift to their interests shows that you are interested in their interests.

2. Personalize When Possible
   Personalized gifts are memorable and can feel especially meaningful. Consider engraving their name or a special date on a piece of jewelry or creating a photo album filled with your favorite memories together. A custom gift is unique and irreplaceable, making it a sure way to get something memorable that will stand out.

3. Focus on Experiences Over Items
   Some people prefer experiences over things. You could gift the person a fun activity to enjoy together, like a day trip to a museum, a cooking class, or tickets to see a movie they would like. Experiences create memories that last much longer than material items.

4. Give Practically but Thoughtfully
   Practical gifts can be appreciated just as much as fun ones. Think about items that make their daily life easier, like cozy socks, a reusable water bottle, or a favorite snack they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. Useful gifts show you care about their everyday comfort.

5. Ask for Help if You’re Unsure
   If you’re struggling to come up with an idea, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from friends or family who know the person well. A little insight can lead to an idea you hadn’t considered before and help you feel more confident in your choice.

Enjoy the Holidays with Support and Confidence

The holidays don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies, you can better manage sensory triggers, travel comfortably, and even find joy in choosing thoughtful gifts for others. By planning ahead, communicating your needs, and focusing on what makes you and your loved ones happy, the holiday season can be an opportunity to connect and create wonderful memories.

At PS Academy Arizona, we’re dedicated to supporting teens with autism and other neurodivergencies in navigating life’s unique challenges. Check out more tips and other resources to help you build confidence and resilience, and reach out if you’d like to learn more about how our programs can help you shine.