Supporting Speech, Language, Communication & Social Skills Over Christmas
Christmas is almost here and there is an expectation that this will be 'the most wonderful time of the year', but for many young people, the festive period can be challenging. Here is an article written by our Speech & Language Therapist, Corrina Lunn, exploring top tips to help support your child through the upcoming holiday.
1. Have clear communication
Christmas is a time for new experiences. It’s also a time when familiar routines are disrupted. To help your child, use clear, concise language to explain what is happening and when it will happen. Some children will need lots of time and repetition to process changes in their routine, so ensure you give enough forewarning for any new events and be prepared to repeat information often.
2. Use visual supports to help your child understand what's happening
Research has shown that young people often find information easier to process when it’s presented visually. Use calendars to clearly show when certain events will happen. Mark events on the calendar and refer to it regularly so that young people understand when that event is happening. Talk about how many days, or how many sleeps, there are between then and now.
3. Ensure you explain unfamiliar vocabulary
There are many words which are only used around Christmas. Remember to check that young people know what unusual words mean, and provide definitions as needed. Use illustrations to help children 'see' what you mean.
4. Use social stories to help your child understand how they should act in different situations
'Social stories' are short stories, written in first person, explaining how to behave in a particular scenario or situation. A social story helps a young person understand what is and isn’t socially appropriate. They can also be used as a basis for discussion. There are lots of examples and templates of social stories available on the internet.
5. Have regular sensory breaks in quiet spaces
If you know your child experiences sensory overload, encourage them to take regular sensory breaks throughout the day. Reassure your child they can take a break whenever needed, and discuss beforehand what a break might look like. For example, where they can go and what they might do whilst there. Create a quiet space in your home with blankets, sensory toys or favourite activities that help them relax.
6. Reinforce social skills
Holidays often involve social activities, which are a great teaching and learning opportunity. Beforehand, discuss what is and isn’t socially acceptable (use visual supports to support these discussions if necessary) and take time afterwards to reflect on what went well.
With a little forward planning, we can ensure Christmas is as enjoyable as possible for everyone!