Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Foughtism

The holidays can be magical, messy, and a little too much all at once. For families in the autism community, that “too much” can sometimes feel like a storm of lights, sounds, and expectations. Every commercial and photo seems to scream that joy must look a certain way, but the truth is, it does not have to. If your child prefers quiet corners over crowded parties, or if your version of celebration includes headphones, favorite snacks, and familiar routines, then that is your kind of sparkle. You do not have to follow the script to create something meaningful. The best celebrations are not the loudest or the most perfect, they are the ones that feel safe, warm, and real. So this year, take a breath, lower the pressure, and choose…

The Gift of Communication: A Teen's Guide to Managing Expectations The holidays can feel like a juggling act, especially if you are autistic and trying to keep up with everyone’s plans and emotions. Between gift lists, parties, and social expectations, it can be tough to stay calm and clear about what you need. The secret lies in communication, not perfection. If you are hoping for a specific gift, be honest and kind about it. You can say something like, “I really love puzzles with animals, they help me relax, would it be okay if I shared a few ideas?” It might feel awkward at first, but people actually appreciate clear hints. And if you are ever unsure about a gift, it is totally fine to politely ask for a receipt.…

The Art of the "No": Protecting Your Family's Peace This Season The holidays can turn into a marathon of smiling, hosting, and pleasing everyone except yourself. For parents of children with autism, that pressure can multiply fast. Every invitation, every tradition, every “just come for a little while” can stretch your child’s comfort zone and your patience. It is okay to say no, really. You can say, “We’re keeping things low key this year,” or “Thank you, but we’re spending quiet time at home.” These small phrases can save you from exhaustion later. Declining does not make you rude, it makes you realistic. Protecting your child’s sensory balance and your own sanity is not selfish, it is smart parenting with heart. If skipping a few gatherings helps your family stay…

Our Little Holiday Miracles: Readers Share Their Joyful Moments The holidays often look different for families in the autism community, but that does not mean they are any less magical. In fact, many parents say their most treasured memories come from the small, quiet moments that others might overlook. One mom from Chicago wrote about how her son, who usually avoids loud music, hummed along to “Jingle Bells” for the very first time. Another dad from Sydney shared how his daughter helped hang ornaments for exactly five minutes before deciding to line them up on the couch instead, and he said it was the best-looking “tree” he had ever seen. Sometimes, those tiny steps and creative moments remind us that joy does not need to fit anyone’s idea of normal.…

Foughtism Reads: Holiday Edition The holidays are the perfect time to curl up with a warm drink and a story that celebrates difference, kindness, and connection. This season, our top picks feature neurodivergent characters who remind us that there is more than one way to shine. “The Christmas Light Switch” by Amy Richards follows a young autistic girl who saves her town’s holiday festival by noticing details others miss. In “Silent Night, Bright Mind,” a teen on the spectrum teaches his family that joy can be found in quiet moments, not just in noise and glitter. Both stories remind us that inclusion does not have to be complicated, it just needs understanding. They are heartwarming, gentle reads that spark empathy and reflection for readers of any age. For parents looking…

Apps for a Smooth Holiday Season The holidays can be unpredictable, and for autistic individuals, that unpredictability often brings extra stress. Between changes in routine, new places, and louder environments, things can get overwhelming fast. Luckily, technology can help keep the season calmer and more organized. One handy app is Giftster, a simple visual gift list that lets families upload pictures, add notes, and track who likes what. You can even list sensory-friendly gift ideas, like “soft blankets only” or “no scented items.” It keeps shopping stress low and helps relatives choose presents that actually work for your child. Another great tool is Social Story Creator & Library, which helps parents build visual guides to explain what’s coming up, like visiting Grandma’s house or going to a school party. It’s…

Q: Why did the Christmas tree take a nap? A: It needed to re-leaf its stress! Q: What do snowmen do when the sun comes out? A: They chill inside with the air conditioner! Q: Why did Santa use noise-canceling headphones? A: Too many jingles at once made him lose his cool! Q: What did the gingerbread man say after too much sensory play? A: “I’m feeling a little crumby today!” Q: Why did the reindeer love routine? A: Because flying the same route every year made him feel calm! Q: What did Mrs. Claus say when Santa forgot the list again? A: “It’s fine, we’ll make a visual schedule next time.” Q: Why did the elf bring a fidget spinner to the workshop? A: It helped him stay focused…

Say hello to our Sparkle Bud, 12 year old Emma Collins from Vancouver, Canada, whose cheerful curiosity and creative spark make her truly one of a kind. Emma is on the autism spectrum and has a deep love for animals, especially penguins. Her room is filled with penguin plushies, posters, and even a handmade calendar where she tracks fun penguin facts every day. She dreams of becoming a marine biologist so she can study how penguins communicate and help protect their icy homes. Her teachers say Emma’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her classmates often turn to her when they need a fun fact or a calming word during a stressful day. During the holidays, Emma brings that same thoughtful energy to her family traditions. Every year, she organizes what she…

The Gift of Regulation: Maintaining Routines Amidst the Festivity Q: Dr. Morgan, the holidays often throw our usual schedules out the window. How can parents of autistic children help their kids stay calm and grounded when everything feels unpredictable? A: You are right, holidays can turn even the calmest homes into a whirlwind. For autistic children, who often rely on structure for comfort, sudden changes can feel unsettling. The key is to keep small but steady routines intact. Think of morning rituals like breakfast at the same time, brushing teeth right after, or a few quiet minutes with a favorite book. These familiar anchors act like a reset button for the brain, reminding the child that even if the day looks different, some things stay the same. Parents can also…

The Best Gift is Acceptance: Educating Family Members The holidays are supposed to bring families closer, but sometimes they can feel like a crash course in explaining autism all over again. Before the big gathering, it helps to gently guide relatives about what your child needs to feel comfortable. A quick chat or message can make a big difference. You can say, “Sometimes he flaps his hands when he’s excited, that’s called stimming, and it helps him feel calm,” or “She might not want a hug, but a smile or wave means just as much.” These small explanations remove confusion and build understanding. Most grandparents and relatives truly want to connect, they just need to know how. The best gift they can give is patience, not pressure. You can also…

Autism and Gift-Giving: It's the Thought That Really Counts Gift-giving can be tricky in any family, but for those with an autistic child or adult, it often comes with extra layers of emotion. Many autistic people experience sensory sensitivity, social anxiety, or trouble hiding disappointment, which can make opening gifts feel stressful instead of joyful. Some may worry about saying the right thing or pretending to love something that feels wrong. Others might genuinely prefer practical gifts like new headphones, a weighted blanket, or their favorite snack over surprises. And that is perfectly fine. Parents and relatives can help by asking directly what the person wants, giving choices, or keeping things simple. The focus should be comfort, not confusion. When families rethink gift-giving with empathy, the whole experience becomes calmer…

Sensory-Friendly Santa & Hanukkah Happenings Westfield Santa Cares, Santa Clarita area Date: December 7, 2025, 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Location: Westfield Galleria at Roseville and other Westfield malls running Santa Cares sessions. Details: Quiet, low crowd Santa session before mall opens, reduced lighting and sound, trained staff. Registration often required. Cadillac Fairview Sensory Friendly Santa Visits, Canada Date: Booking windows around Nov 30 to Dec 7, 2025 at select CF malls including Chinook Centre and Rideau Centre. Location: Cadillac Fairview shopping centres across Canada. Details: Pre opening, quieter photo visits run in partnership with Autism Alliance Canada, limited slots and fee for booking. Kern Autism Network Sensory Friendly Santa Visit Date: December 14, 2025. Location: Bakersfield, CA. Details: Community run sensory friendly meet and greet with time slots to…

Your Questions, Answered by a Behavioral Therapist Q: Dr. Emily Carter, the holidays mean busy homes, crowds, and unfamiliar places. How can parents of children with dyslexia keep them safe and help them understand important safety rules, especially if they struggle with reading or remembering instructions? A: That’s such an important question, and it comes up every year. For children with dyslexia, following multi-step verbal or written directions can be tough, especially when things get noisy or distracting. I always suggest using clear visuals. Draw or print simple pictures showing safe behaviors, like “stay near mom or dad,” “ask before leaving the house,” or “wait at the door.” Rehearse these together before visiting new places. Use repetition and positive reinforcement, like a high-five or small reward, when they remember a…

Taming the Tinsel: A Guide to a Sensory-Friendly Christmas Christmas can be pure joy or pure chaos, depending on how your senses handle it. For many children and adults with autism, the holiday sparkle can quickly turn into sensory overload. Flashing lights, loud music, and surprise guests can all feel overwhelming. The trick is to keep the fun while calming the fuss. Try using warm, dim lights instead of blinking ones, and choose decorations with softer colors or textures. Quiet decorations like felt garlands or paper snowflakes can make your space festive without the extra buzz. When it comes to music, swap loud jingles for gentle tunes or let your child pick their own playlist. The goal is to make your home feel safe, cozy, and calm, not like a…

Create a Holiday Countdown Calm-Down Jar The holidays can be exciting, but for many kids with autism, that excitement can sometimes turn into sensory overload. A fun and peaceful way to balance the buzz is by making your own Holiday Countdown Calm-Down Jar. You will need a clear jar, warm water, clear glue, glitter in holiday colors like red, gold, or silver, and a drop of food coloring if you like. Pour the glue into the jar first, then add warm water until it is almost full. Sprinkle in your glitter, stir well, and seal it tight. Give it a shake and watch the glitter swirl like snow in a snow globe. It is soothing, sparkly, and simple to make. Here is the twist, you can also use the jar…

Getting What You Want: How to Talk About Sibling Gifts Holidays can be exciting, but for siblings in families with autism, they can also be a little confusing. You might notice that your brother or sister gets something different, maybe something special to help them feel calm or focused. It is okay if that makes you feel a bit left out or unsure. The truth is, everyone’s needs are unique, and gifts can reflect that. The best way to handle it is by talking openly with your parents about what you would like. You could say, “I really like art stuff, can I get something to paint with?” or “I saw a book I want, can that be my gift?” Being honest about what makes you happy helps your parents…

The Honest List: What We're Really Thankful For Every year, people share glossy gratitude lists filled with sunsets, family dinners, and good coffee. But for those of us in the autism community, our thankful list looks a little different. We are grateful for noise cancelling headphones that save the day, weighted blankets that feel like a warm hug, and teachers who finally understand that eye contact is not the only sign of listening. We give thanks for restaurants that dim the lights, friends who do not take canceled plans personally, and parents who know when to quietly hand over a fidget toy instead of a lecture. Some days, gratitude looks like finding a quiet corner at a family gathering or hearing “take your time” instead of “hurry up.” And let’s…

End-of-Year Support: Helplines and Crisis Resources The end of the year can feel like sensory overload for many in the autism community. Between bright lights, constant socializing, and disrupted routines, even joyful moments can bring exhaustion or anxiety. Reaching out for help does not always mean a crisis, sometimes, it simply means finding someone who understands. In the United States, the 988 Lifeline offers trained counselors who listen to anyone feeling emotionally overwhelmed, including autistic individuals and caregivers needing calm, supportive guidance. The Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) provides quiet, text-based help that many neurodivergent people prefer. Parents can also connect with the Autism Society Helpline at 1-800-3-AUTISM for autism-informed emotional support and local referrals. In Canada, the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline and Kids Help Phone (text CONNECT…

Gingerbread Sensory Dough If the smell of gingerbread makes your home feel like the holidays, this easy sensory dough recipe will bring that magic without the baking mess. Perfect for kids with dyslexia, sensory play encourages focus, calm, and creativity through touch and smell. To make it, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in a large bowl. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of warm water with 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and a drop of brown food coloring for that cozy cookie look. Slowly pour the spiced water into the dry mix and stir until a dough forms. When it cools a little, knead it by hand until soft and smooth.…