The Christmas season can introduce significant changes to daily life. Routines shift, environments become busier, sensory input increases, and expectations may become less predictable. For many Autistic children and young people, these changes can heighten cognitive load, influence regulation, and create uncertainty without clear support.

At Little Puddins, I am committed to sharing resources that honour Autistic communication, sensory processing, and autonomy. I am pleased to highlight a new free resource created by the Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training team. This Christmas Autism Social Visual Guide has been designed the Flourish team to offer calm, accessible explanations of Christmas routines and traditions, helping Autistic learners understand what may happen in ways that feel predictable, respectful, and supportive.

Why Social Visual Guides Are Important

Social visual guides offer clear information through structured visuals and concise language. Many Autistic individuals process information more effectively when it is presented visually and predictably. Unlike traditional social stories that are often framed through behavioural correction, social visual guides prioritise autonomy, emotional safety, and conceptual clarity. They focus on supporting understanding rather than shaping behaviour.

Social visual guides support:

• Predictability and lowered uncertainty
• Reduced cognitive and sensory load
• Emotional regulation
• Independence and agency
• Engagement through accessible communication

During Christmas, when environments are more complex and routines are less consistent, visual guidance can provide the stability and reassurance many Autistic learners need.

What Is Included in the Free Christmas Autism Social Visual Guide

The guide includes a series of clear language, visually clear pages that explore key aspects of the festive season. Content includes:

• What Christmas is and when it happens
• Environmental changes such as decorations and lights
• The idea of presents and gift giving
• A neutral, reassuring explanation of Santa
• A page about writing to Santa using any communication method
• What may happen on Christmas Eve
• Supportive visuals that provide structure and predictability
• Pages designed intentionally for Autistic children with intellectual disability or those who benefit from reduced linguistic demand

The guide can be used flexibly. Families and professionals can select the pages that best support the needs of the child or young person.

Created by the Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training Team

Our Christmas resources are grounded in neuroaffirmative practice, lived Autistic experience, and current evidence-based, knowledge about communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

Our goal at Flourish, is to create inclusive and accessible supports that respect Autistic ways of being and promote autonomy, understanding, and dignity.

The guide, together with the free related resources, can be used in homes, early years settings, schools, and community environments. It is suitable for Autistic learners across a broad range of communication profiles and developmental pathways.