A Quick Share from Dr Megan Anna Neff on Navigating the Holidays as an Autistic Person
- Jill
- Dec 22, 2025
- 1 min read
As the holidays approach, I find myself holding two truths at once. There can be real sweetness - quiet mornings, familiar rituals, moments of connection - and also a deep sense of strain. For many Autistic people (and neurodivergent families), the holidays are less about celebration and more about endurance. The sensory load, the social expectations, the pressure to emote cheer… it can be a lot.
This week’s article is a reflection on autism and the holidays and the things that can shift when we move from a “what’s wrong with me?” story to a neurodivergent-aware understanding. It’s about giving ourselves permission to opt out, to do things differently, to choose values over appearances, and to aim for something gentler than joy. Sometimes what we’re really hoping for is a tolerable holiday.
If this resonates, you can read this week’s holiday reflection article, watch our YouTube video on navigating clashing values and sensory needs, or explore our free boundary visual guide - all linked below.
Warmly,
Megan Anna
Happy or at least tolerable Holidays everyone!
Jill
Lots of great insight and tips from Dr Neff. Thanks for sharing, Jill!
Everyone deserves to enjoy themselves during the holidays, whatever that looks like and no one owes anyone a performance.
Unfortunately, I think it’s difficult for even neurodivergent people to understand what’s going on in another person’s head unless they’re experiencing the same thing themselves. Especially if the person has been masking and pretending to have a good time and then all of a sudden ‘can’t take it anymore.’ I've made that mistake in the past, thinking I could 'push through it' and instead had to spend days recovering.
Here’s to more understanding and acceptance, including self-acceptance, and a tolerable holiday to all!