This is a tough time of year for many people, for all kinds of reasons.
Within the autism community there are parents who have to manage their kids, overloaded by sensory stimulation which builds anxiety rather than excitement. For those kids and adults overloaded by sensory stimulation there is bewilderment and a need to escape.
For those parents who have many family members they meet up with over Christmas who wilfully deny their childs autism, or choose to remain ignorant about it, making this time of year more miserable for all involved than it should be.
For autistic people unable to manage the myriad of social expectations that come with this time of year. I feel deeply.
For those for whom the constant social messages of family connection and joy jar against the reality of noise, social isolation, and community disconnection my heart goes out. Not in pity, but respectful understanding.
For parents watcthing their child with familial peers is tough. And for those children, often overwhelming. For adults I imagine it's the continual mixing with NT adults that creates a similar internal disruption. In this sense both parents of ASC kids, and those living on the spectrum experience a shared discord at this time of the year. Lets try to be kinder to each other with this in mind.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday break. And if that's not possible, a safe, healthy and happy 2012.
Within the autism community there are parents who have to manage their kids, overloaded by sensory stimulation which builds anxiety rather than excitement. For those kids and adults overloaded by sensory stimulation there is bewilderment and a need to escape.
For those parents who have many family members they meet up with over Christmas who wilfully deny their childs autism, or choose to remain ignorant about it, making this time of year more miserable for all involved than it should be.
For autistic people unable to manage the myriad of social expectations that come with this time of year. I feel deeply.
For those for whom the constant social messages of family connection and joy jar against the reality of noise, social isolation, and community disconnection my heart goes out. Not in pity, but respectful understanding.
For parents watcthing their child with familial peers is tough. And for those children, often overwhelming. For adults I imagine it's the continual mixing with NT adults that creates a similar internal disruption. In this sense both parents of ASC kids, and those living on the spectrum experience a shared discord at this time of the year. Lets try to be kinder to each other with this in mind.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday break. And if that's not possible, a safe, healthy and happy 2012.
Very thoughtful, thanks. And right back at ya!
ReplyDeleteWe are trialling a new type of Christmas this year, and so far it is a massive success. Very low key, no expectations, no extra people, no visits and no massive feast.
Sunshine opened 3 presents, sat down and declared "I've got so many presents!" Way to go, Dudley Dursley. :D Thus far she is calm and very happy.
"We are trialling a new type of Christmas this year, and so far it is a massive success. Very low key, no expectations, no extra people, no visits and no massive feast."
ReplyDeleteTHIS, right here. I don't think this is the time of year to indulge in unrealistic expectations. I feel for all my friends, and do not wish to invalidate their emotions, but I have a lot of friends with good kiddos who aren't suffering at this very moment, who are really, really, REALLY stressing themselves out over having to divert from tradition because their kid can't sit still thru a family photo or they can't wrap presents all fancy because their children cannot stand the sound of wrapping paper being torn. My heart goes out to all who may be stressed out this season! Sometimes going a little low key can help with that, tho!
Hope you had a good one Ajax. Sunshine sounds like such an adorable kid. I'm really hoping she gets a better teacher next year
ReplyDeleteSecret Sunshine, I completely agree that many times people end up frustrated because they set up unreasonable expectations and are then disappointed when things don't go accordingly.
Hey Me... Wishing you a wonderful holiday break and a safe, healthy and happy 2012.
ReplyDeleteRight back at ya Penny.
ReplyDelete