How to make the Christmas season more neurodiverse friendly at work

The holidays are coming and the Christmas jumpers are being dusted off… but when you are neurodivergent whether that’s autistic, ADHD or another condition, the Christmas festivities can be too much. From Christmas lunches and parties to Secret Santa gift swaps, it can be overwhelming and the change in routine can be difficult to manage.  If you are wondering what you can do, neurodiversity consultancy Perfectly Autistic has shared some top tips on how to make the festive season more neurodivergent friendly.

The work Christmas party or lunch out can bring joy, but for others the invitation comes with a sense of dread and worry. If you are autistic or have ADHD, having ‘forced fun’ can all feel too much. Whether it’s a lunch or office party, it can often involve lots of people all in one room, intense smells, small talk, loud music and meeting lots of different people, who you may or may not want to talk to!

1 – Ban Secret Santa! This may seem drastic, but everyone knows you just end up with some unwanted present that you’ll don’t know what to do with. And then there’s the time it takes you to pick a gift for someone you’ve probably never spoken to - do you really want to have to worry about what to buy Barry from Finance? Recent research from KPMG shows that a fifth of unwanted Christmas presents end up in a charity shop and 14% of people regift them, so why not just scrap it all together?

2 – Don’t make socialising mandatory – Let people choose if they want to attend the Christmas lunch, office party or after work drinks, and don’t pressure or ask people if they have decided not to attend. Just let them know they’ll be welcome, even if it’s just popping in to say a quick hello.

3 – Scrap the dress code – Come on just admit it – no-one actually knows what smart casual really means! By removing the dress code to any events, it ensures everyone wears what they feel comfortable in. And there won’t be the pressure to rush out and buy something new, they may never wear again.

4 – Safe foods – if your Christmas party will have food available or there is a Christmas lunch, make sure everyone has seen the menu or knows the food options ahead of time, so they know what to expect. Also give the option for people to arrive after the meal, in case it doesn’t have their safe foods available, or if the sounds and smells of people eating is just too much.

5 – Make it accessible – Make sure that there are quiet spaces at Christmas events for anyone who finds it too overwhelming (neurodivergent or not). Also make sure the venue is easy to get to via public transport and has plenty of parking. By providing clear detailed instructions, with timings and visuals of the venue, people will know what to expect which will reduce anxiety and they can plan when they want to arrive and leave.

Kelly Grainger, Autism and ADHD keynote speaker and co-founder of neurodiversity consultancy Perfectly Autistic said: “For many people like myself, who are autistic or have ADHD, Christmas is great but can it feel like a lot and often become very overwhelming. Whether it’s socialising with people at parties, catching up with clients over lunch, or taking part in a Secret Santa, it can be a lot for neurodivergent people. By making some small changes that don’t cost a penny, these tips will ensure that the festive season is more inclusive and enjoyable for all.