Supporting Parents of Neurodiverse Children: A Guide to Patience and Compassion, Especially During the Holiday Season

Parenting is a journey filled with love, growth and certainly challenges. For parents of neurodiverse children, this journey can include additional hurdles, such as sensory overload, public meltdowns and the need and desire for understanding from those around them. The holiday season, with its vibrant lights, loud festive music, and bustling gatherings, can amplify these challenges, making it crucial for communities to offer support and compassion rather than judgment. I appreciate that many companies and events are increasingly offering sensory-friendly options for our neurodivergent family members. Below are several ways in which you can support them instead of passing judgment and being a critical observer.

Understanding Neurodiversity

According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and difference are not viewed as deficits.” In its truest sense, neurodiversity celebrates the variety of human brains and the unique ways they function. Children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions may experiences the world completely differently that you or I. This can result in behaviors that appear challenging to outsiders, such as sensory overload and difficulty with transitions, particularly during the hectic holiday season filled with flashing lights, large crowds, loud music and much more.

The Reality of Meltdowns

Meltdowns are not tantrums! They are intense responses to overwhelming situations and are beyond the child's control. Recognizing this difference is the first step towards empathy. During the holidays, the sensory input from crowded malls, loud parties, and bright decorations can trigger these responses. Parents often feel judged during these moments, adding to their stress. Your understanding and patience can positively impact an overwhelmed, stressed parent.

How to Offer Support

• Practice Patience: Understand that meltdowns are a part of the child's coping mechanism. Patience is key. Offer a reassuring smile or a simple, "Is there anything I can do to help?" This shows empathy and understanding.

• Avoid Judgment: It's easy to jump to conclusions about parenting skills, but remember, every child is different. Refrain from making assumptions or offering unsolicited advice. Instead, offer a kind word or a gesture of support.

• Educate Yourself: Learn about neurodiversity and the specific challenges these families face. Knowledge fosters empathy and allows you to provide more meaningful support.

• Be a Friend: Sometimes, just being there to listen is the best support you can offer. Let parents know you're there for them without judgment, ready to lend an ear or a helping hand.

• Encourage Inclusivity: Advocate for environments that welcome neurodiverse individuals. Support businesses and schools that embrace inclusivity, and encourage others to do the same.

What to Know

• Every Child is Unique: Neurodiverse children have their own strengths and challenges. Embrace individuality and inspire others to do so, despite a cultural tendency to “normalize” and categorize people, which often reveals our own ignorance.

• Parents Need Support Too: Parenting a neurodiverse child is rewarding but can be exhausting and at times “embarrassing” based on others' responses. Offering to help with small tasks or simply checking in can be incredibly supportive.

• Meltdowns are Not a Reflection of Parenting: Understand that meltdowns are not a sign of poor parenting. They are a natural part of the child's experience.

By choosing compassion over judgment, you can make a positive impact in the lives of neurodiverse families. Your support not only helps parents feel less isolated but also contributes to a more understanding and inclusive community. Together, we can create a world that celebrates every child, especially during the holiday season when empathy and kindness are crucial amidst the chaos of shopping and family gatherings, which may be easy for some but can be challenging for families of neurodiverse children.

Be patient, kind, loving, and supportive to others!

Mewsic Moves has supported neurodiverse families for over 20 years. We offer complimentary 15-minute consultations to discuss our services and how music therapy can aid your family's goals and needs.

Click here to schedule your FREE 15-min consultation.

We also offer FREE resources and events for parents and professionals:

Click here for FREE Family Resources/Events

Click here for FREE Professional Resources/Events

Wishing you and your family the best of the holiday season!

Navigating the Holiday Hustle and Stress: Supporting Children with ASD and Sensory Needs Through Music and More

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of activities, lights, and sounds, which can be overwhelming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory needs. However, with the right strategies and resources, parents can help their children navigate these busy times with confidence and joy. Here are some tips, including music-based resources, to prepare for the holiday festivities:

1. Create a Visual Schedule

Visual schedules can be a powerful tool for children with ASD. They provide a clear and predictable structure, helping children understand what to expect. Use pictures or symbols to represent different events and activities, and review the schedule together each day.

2. Incorporate Music

Music therapy is a wonderful way to help children with ASD manage stress and sensory overload. At Mewsic Moves, we offer tailored music therapy sessions that can be particularly beneficial during the holiday season. Consider incorporating music into your daily routine, such as playing calming tunes during transitions or engaging in musical activities to express emotions and/or provide tools to help your child to distract.

At Mewsic Moves, we curate themed playlists on our Spotify channel titled "Harmony for All: With Empowering Tunes." These playlists are designed to ease the stress of searching for the perfect song or playlist, catering to the specific emotional needs of all ages.

We encourage you to explore the various tracks and find which ones resonate best with you or your little ones. It’s important to personalize the experience, as music can evoke different feelings and memories for everyone. Take the time to listen together, discussing which melodies spark joy or help in moments of overwhelm. We highly recommend our playlist “Calm and Focus” to start.

3. Designate a Quiet Space

Amidst the holiday chaos, having a designated quiet space can provide a much-needed retreat for children with ASD and sensory needs. Equip this area with noise-canceling headphones, favorite toys, or calming music to help your child decompress when needed.

4. Practice Social Stories

Social stories are brief narratives that assist children in understanding social situations, expectations and what to do in the event of distress or uncertainty. Create stories about upcoming holiday events, like family gatherings or visits to Santa, to prepare your child for what they may experience. At Mewsic Moves, we use visuals from clip art or real photos to make these stories more realistic, helping children visualize and familiarize themselves with the events, people, or places.

5. Engage in Musical Activities at Home

Music can be a comforting and engaging activity for children with ASD and sensory needs. Incorporate simple musical games like rhythm imitation or singing familiar songs to help your child connect, communicate and feel safe during the holiday events. Establish a musical routine to prepare your child for various events and consider returning to a music activity at home to help them settle and distract from any challenging experiences. Singing, movement, drumming, and rhythm can reduce anxiety and stress. At Mewsic Moves, we offer music-based social skills groups for all ages to support neurodiverse individuals in finding effective strategies and practicing social expectations through music.

Check out some of our supports here.

6. Plan Sensory-Friendly Outings

Look for sensory-friendly events in your community, such as quiet hours at local museums or holiday events designed for neurodiverse children. These outings can provide enjoyable experiences without overwhelming sensory input and make for a more memorable and enjoyable family holiday event. Check out this link to find sensory-friendly events throughout LA for the upcoming holiday events.

7. Communicate with Family and Friends

Inform family and friends about your child's needs and preferences, sharing effective strategies for support during gatherings. While educating the public can be challenging, especially when parents face negative reactions to their child's distress, it's important to prioritize your child's needs. Some people may understand, while others may not—this is their issue, not yours! We are also working on a new article: Supporting Parents of Neurodiverse Children: A Guide to Patience and Compassion. Will be released soon, stay tuned!

8. Utilize Online Resources

Many online resources support parents and children with ASD. Websites like Autism Speaks , Autism Resource Project and Fun and Functional offer helpful tips, education, resources and community support. At Mewsic Moves we offer convenient virtual music therapy sessions and FREE events and resources for parents and other paraprofessionals. We would love to have you at our future FREE events. Sign up for FREE HERE

9. Take Time for Yourself! Take a Break!

While it may seem simple, managing a child's extreme panic and anxiety can be quite challenging. As a marriage and family therapist, I emphasize the importance of parents prioritizing self-care to regulate their own emotions, as it's easy to absorb their child's energy and feel as panic and frustrated as they are. Engaging in daily mindfulness practices, taking walks, and other self-care activities can help prepare you to face the difficult challenges that may arise during the holidays.

With thoughtful preparation and the right resources, the holiday season can be an enjoyable and enriching time for children with sensory needs, ASD and their families. By incorporating the therapeutic and calming elements of music and other supportive strategies, you can help your child thrive amidst the holiday hustle.

We are here to help you and your family enjoy the holidays. If you need extra support or would like your loved one to benefit from music therapy for regulation strategies and more, we offer a FREE 15-minute consultation. Our services are available throughout Los Angeles in Santa Monica, Torrance, Long Beach, Glendale, and online!

If you are a parent and need additional support or need some community support we also offer FREE parent resources and events and would love to support you in any way we can. Click here to sign up for FREE parent events/support.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit Mewsic Moves or call 1-833-MEWSIC-1.

Introducing Mewsic Moves' Recommended Spotify Playlists for Music Therapy: Calm & Focus

At Mewsic Moves, we understand the transformative power of music therapy in healing, growth, and self-expression. As part of our dedication to enhancing mental health through music, we're thrilled to introduce our "Mewsic Moves Recommended" Spotify playlist series. Our first offering, the "Calm & Focus" playlist, is designed to support therapeutic music experiences and provide healing through music between sessions and into everyday life.

Calm & Focus

Playlist Description: Calm & Focus

Welcome to the "Mewsic Moves: Calm & Focus" playlist! This therapeutic music collection is thoughtfully curated to support goals like self-regulation, improving attention span, emotional grounding and much more. Created by Mewsic Moves' experts in creative arts therapy, these tracks complement your music therapy sessions, whether you're developing skills such as self-regulation and focus or simply seeking a moment of musical peace.

Get Your Calm & Focus Playlist Here!

How to Use This Playlist:

1. Listen Actively

Engage with the therapeutic music by focusing on rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. Allow the sounds and lyrics to guide your thoughts and emotions, centering yourself during moments of stress or distraction.

2. Incorporate into Daily Routines

Whether you're studying, meditating, or winding down after work or before bed, this playlist can help you stay grounded and focused. Playing these songs during activities that require concentration enhances productivity and creates a peaceful environment.

3. Interactive Listening

Use the playlist as a backdrop for creative activities like drawing, journaling, or gentle movement exercises. The music promotes self-expression while encouraging calm and clarity.

4. Reflect and Share

After listening, reflect on how the music affected your mood or mindset. Sharing your experiences with your therapist or loved ones can deepen your therapeutic process and help you connect more meaningfully with others.

The "Mewsic Moves Recommended" Spotify playlist series is now ready to enhance your therapeutic journey. These thoughtfully curated playlists extend the therapeutic music experience beyond the therapy room, supporting clients in their ongoing development and everyday life experiences.

This initiative aligns with Mewsic Moves' commitment to evidence-based therapy and could lead to improved client outcomes as you incorporate music into your therapeutic process and everyday life. 

We’d Love To Hear From You !!!

Regarding the Mewsic Moves Recommended Playlist, we'd love to hear your suggestions for our Calm & Focus playlist. If you have favorite tracks or ideas on what could enhance the experience, feel free to share them with us. Your feedback helps us create meaningful resources that align with our shared goals of peace, tranquility, grounding and maintaining focus.

Enjoy the journey of sound, and let the Mewsic Move you!

Ready to Enhance Your Therapeutic Journey?

If you're seeking support through counseling or music therapy, we're here to help! At Mewsic Moves, we offer a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how our services can meet your unique needs. Whether you're interested in our "Calm & Focus" playlist or personalized therapy sessions, our experts are eager to guide you on your path to healing and growth.

Contact Us Today!

Reach out to us at 1-833-MEWSIC-1 or info@mewsicmoves.com to schedule your free consultation. Discover the transformative power of music therapy/counseling and let the Mewsic Move you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.