Autism on Pause
Autism does not go on holiday. There is no break. No vacation. No lull in how it presents. In fact, as anticipation builds leading into Christmas, a person often experiences their neurodiversity more profoundly. The tree, the parties, the anticipation of receiving gifts unknown. A change in our homes, familiar environments and in routines. Demands, even if they’re positive and joyful, can be stressful and lead to Autistic burnout. And then when it all ends, there is sadness. Because for a person that sees the world concretely, as black and white, there is the non-negotiable acceptance that a full year must be waited until Christmas arrives once again. And it is felt so intensely, it can be more closely related to grief. And then there’s me. The co-regulator. Her partner in life. Doing my best to remedy new stresses, create positive picture memories, and build resilience for us both. I try to think in advance to predict challenges and plan. I plan for food exposures, sensory ...
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