Christmas Support for SEN Children in Lewisham

Christmas can be exciting, but for some children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, it can also bring changes that feel difficult to manage. Different routines, busy shops, bright lights, family gatherings and unfamiliar foods can all make the festive period more challenging. For families looking for Christmas support for SEN children, a little preparation can make a big difference. In Lewisham, there are also local activities, SEND resources and organisations that families can explore throughout the festive period.

Christmas support for SEN children starts with familiar routines

Christmas often changes the usual school and family routine.

There may be later bedtimes, different meals, visitors, trips and days when the normal timetable disappears completely.

For some children, knowing what is going to happen can make these changes easier.

You could try:

• A Christmas countdown calendar
• A simple visual timetable
• A now-next-later board
• Pictures of places you plan to visit
• Giving advance notice when plans change
• Keeping familiar meal and bedtime routines where possible

The National Autistic Society’s Christmas guidance recommends planning ahead and using visual information where it helps the individual understand what to expect.

Christmas support for SEN children with sensory needs

Christmas can introduce a lot of additional sensory input.

Decorations may flash, shops can become crowded, music may be louder and unfamiliar foods or smells may appear at home.

When thinking about Christmas support for SEN children, consider which parts of the festive environment your child enjoys and which might become overwhelming.

Simple adjustments can include:

• Choosing steady rather than flashing lights
• Keeping music at a comfortable volume
• Introducing decorations gradually
• Keeping one room or corner relatively calm
• Bringing headphones or familiar sensory items when going out
• Offering familiar foods alongside Christmas meals

A small sensory bag containing headphones, fidget items, a favourite toy, snacks or another familiar item can also be useful when visiting somewhere new.

Every child will respond differently, so involve them in planning wherever possible.

Christmas activities for SEN children in Lewisham

Lewisham has a dedicated SEND Local Offer with information about activities for children and young people with additional needs.

The council’s SEND activities and events directory includes information about:

• Arts activities
• Local clubs and groups
• Dance, drama and music
• Sports and exercise
• Activities for younger children
• SEND events and information sessions

This can be a useful place to check when looking for suitable activities during the Christmas holidays.

Before attending an event, contact the organiser if you are unsure about accessibility, sensory adjustments or the level of support available.

Christmas support for SEN children during outings

Christmas outings can be enjoyable, but busy environments are not right for every child.

If you are visiting a Christmas event, shopping centre or family attraction in Lewisham, planning the visit beforehand may make things easier.

Think about:

• When the venue is likely to be quietest
• How you will travel
• Where the toilets are
• Whether there is somewhere calm to take a break
• How long you plan to stay
• What your child can bring with them
• How you will leave if they have had enough

Try not to feel that an outing needs to last a particular amount of time.

A successful Christmas activity might be twenty enjoyable minutes rather than several stressful hours.

Christmas support for SEN children at family gatherings

Family gatherings can involve lots of conversations, unfamiliar expectations and changes to the usual environment.

Before going, explain where you are visiting and who is likely to be there.

It may also help to agree on a quiet place your child can use if they need time away.

Try to avoid pressure around:

• Hugging relatives
• Sitting at the table for a certain length of time
• Opening presents in front of everyone
• Eating unfamiliar foods
• Joining every group activity

When supporting SEN children during Christmas, adapting traditions to the child is often more helpful than expecting the child to adapt to every tradition.

Choosing Christmas presents for SEN children

Christmas presents do not need to follow age-based expectations.

Think about the things your child actually enjoys.

Ideas might include:

• Toys linked to a special interest
• Sensory items
• Favourite books
• Building toys
• Arts and crafts
• Comfortable clothing
• Games they already enjoy
• Experiences linked to a favourite activity

If opening lots of presents at once feels overwhelming, spread them throughout the day.

You can also ask relatives to speak with you before buying gifts so presents are more likely to suit the child’s interests and sensory preferences.

Christmas support for SEN children through communication

Visual communication can be especially useful during unfamiliar situations.

Simple cards or symbols could communicate:

• “I need a break”
• “Too loud”
• “I don’t want this”
• “I want to go home”
• “I need help”

Social stories can also help prepare a child for activities such as visiting relatives, going to a Christmas event or having Christmas dinner.

Practising these situations beforehand can reduce some of the uncertainty.

Finding SEND support and activities in Lewisham

Lewisham’s Local Offer brings together information for children and young people with SEND and their families.

Alongside its activities directory, Lewisham Council provides information about local SEND services and opportunities.

The council also operates holiday activity programmes, some of which offer SEND support. Previous programmes have included sensory spaces, creative activities, sport and provision for children with autism, ADHD, communication needs and physical disabilities. Availability and individual suitability should always be confirmed directly with the provider.

You can explore the wider Lewisham SEND Local Offer when looking for local information and support.

How Caremark Lewisham can help when supporting SEN children during Christmas

Caremark Lewisham supports children and young people with a range of additional needs.

Our team understands that every child is different, so support is built around their routines, communication, abilities and individual preferences.

Caremark Lewisham works with autistic children and can support areas including routines, communication, social skills, learning and accessing activities in the community. Families remain involved in planning so that support reflects what works best for their child.

You can find out more about autism support through Caremark Lewisham and learning disability support in Lewisham.

During Christmas, this could include helping a child maintain familiar routines, enjoy activities they are comfortable with or access the local community in a way that reflects their individual needs.

Frequently asked questions about supporting SEN children during Christmas

How can I make Christmas less overwhelming?

Keep familiar routines where possible, introduce changes gradually and make sure your child has access to somewhere calm when they need it.

What if my child does not want to join Christmas activities?

That is okay. Adapt the activity or offer something they enjoy instead. Participation should not feel forced.

Where can I find SEN-friendly activities in Lewisham?

The Lewisham SEND Local Offer activities page is a useful starting point for clubs, arts, sports and local SEND events.

How can I prepare my child for visiting family?

Explain where you are going, who will be there and roughly how long you will stay. Pictures, social stories or a simple visual timetable may also help.

About Caremark Lewisham

Caremark Lewisham supports children, young people and adults throughout the borough, including areas such as Catford, Brockley, Forest Hill, Hither Green, Ladywell, New Cross and Sydenham.

Our team supports children with autism, learning disabilities and other additional or complex needs, with plans built around each individual’s abilities, preferences and routines.

For families supporting SEN children during Christmas, having people around who understand the child’s communication, routines and preferences can help make the festive period feel more predictable and enjoyable.

Find out more about Caremark Lewisham or contact our team to discuss the support available locally.