Along with the fun and joy, the holidays can be a difficult season for some people who live with disabilities. The changes and differences can be very unsettling for some people who need things to remain the same. Some people may not be feeling the "holiday spirit" at all, but instead their feelings, thoughts, and questions may run more in this range:
“I’m overwhelmed.”
“You changed my schedule.”
“Why did you put a tree in our living room?”
“There are too many people stuffed into this room."
“I am on complete sensory overload."
When people are feeling this way and don't have the means to express themselves like most other people do, they often engage in challenging behaviors that bring the loved ones in their lives to pray, "Lord, just get us through the holidays as fast as possible so we can get back to normal."
A simple, short guide won't make all the challenges go away, but it can help everyone enjoy the holidays a bit more. This guide, written by Barbara Newman, gives practical advice that can be of help to parents, siblings, Sunday school teachers, and others who care about people who have a difficult time with all the changes that come with the holidays.
Comments
Hi Mark,
Good advice to be preemptive in dealing with holidays. Maybe I could add planning alternate activities especially for the disabled.
My perspective as a disabled person, holidays can be tough or rewarding depending on planning. Thanks Mark
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