Press Release – Bright Lights, Loud Holidays: How Neurodivergent Families Can Reduce Sensory Stress

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Vancouver, B.C. — December 4, 2025 — The holiday season is often celebrated as the most joyful time of year—but for neurodivergent children, youth, and adults, it can also be overwhelming. Studies show that over half of neurodivergent children experience sensory processing challenges — a major driver of anxiety and family stress — which makes the holiday season particularly overwhelming. Learn. Develop. Succeed. (LDS) is raising awareness about holiday-related sensory overload and sharing practical strategies to help families navigate the heightened sensory demands of the season. 

Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process, leading to feelings of overwhelm and a need for calm, space, or reduced stimulation. Bright lights, loud music, crowded spaces, strong scents, and sudden changes in routine can intensify these experiences for individuals with sensory processing differences, ADHD, autism, and learning differences. 

“Holiday traditions often come with a lot of expectations, but for neurodivergent children and families, the season can be physically and emotionally exhausting,” says Rachel Forbes, Executive Director at LDS. “Recognizing sensory overload for what it is—a biological response, not a behaviour issue—helps families feel validated and better equipped.” 

“Last year, my son would get so anxious at holiday dinners that he couldn’t enjoy them at all,” says Jennifer, a Vancouver parent. “With support from LDS using sensory tips and resources, we were able to plan breaks and bring his favourite tools—this year, he actually looked forward to the celebrations.” 

Practical Tools for Families During the Holiday Season

1. Plan Ahead and Build Awareness 
   Identify potential triggers before holiday events to reduce stress and increase comfort. Families can attend events during quieter times, limit visit lengths, or select environments with fewer sensory demands. Using visual schedules, social stories, communication scripts, and previews of upcoming activities can also help children and youth feel more in control. 

2. Support Regulation and Calm Spaces 
   Create a personalized holiday comfort kit with items like noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, weighted objects, snacks, or familiar comfort items. Designate quiet areas where children and adults can rest, decompress, and recover from sensory demands. Regular breaks help support emotional well-being throughout the day. 

3. Maintain Routines and Honour Neurodivergent Celebrations 
   Even with shifting schedules, maintaining consistent anchor points—such as regular meal times, rest breaks, or bedtime routines—offers stability. Families can also embrace alternative ways to celebrate, including small gatherings, outdoor activities, or quiet home traditions, all of which are valid and supportive holiday choices. 

Making Holiday Spaces More Inclusive 

LDS encourages communities, hosts, and event organizers to consider the sensory needs of attendees when planning holiday gatherings. Simple adjustments—dimmed lights, reduced noise, flexible participation, or designated quiet spaces—can help neurodivergent individuals feel included and comfortable. 

“When communities take sensory needs into account, they foster belonging,” adds Becky Bishop, Senior Manager, Youth & Adult Programs. “Awareness is the first step toward creating truly inclusive holiday traditions.” 

About LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed. 

Learn. Develop. Succeed. is a nonprofit charity that empowers children, youth and adults with learning differences to build the confidence, skills and independence they need to thrive. Founded in 1970, LDS delivers research-informed, individualized education programs both in person and live online. LDS is committed to ensuring that high-quality learning support is available to all learners, regardless of their financial circumstances. Visit ldsociety.ca. 

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Media Contacts: 

Rachel S. Forbes, Executive Director 
W: 604.873.8139 M: 604.345.9129 
Rachel@ldsociety.ca | ldsociety.ca 

Sara Jane R. Walker, Senior Manager, Communications 
W: 604.873.8139 M: 604.762.6354  
sarajane@ldsociety.ca | ldsociety.ca  

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.