Why “Just Try It” Doesn’t Work During the Holidays
Holiday pressure can come disguised as kindness — “just try it,” “just wear it,” “just smile.” But for neurodiverse individuals and those with FASD, these small nudges stack on top of an already overloaded nervous system. When everything is new, loud, bright, or unpredictable, “just try it” doesn’t feel gentle — it feels like pressure. Parallel choices, not pushy demands, help protect regulation and create a calmer, more compassionate holiday season.
The Decorations Dilemma
Holiday décor can be magical, but for many neurodiverse individuals and those with FASD, it turns the entire home into a sensory obstacle course. New lights, smells, textures, and cluttered visuals change the familiar environment, creating overstimulation that lasts all day. A low-stimulation decorating plan can make the season feel calmer, safer, and more connected — proving that the real holiday magic isn’t in the glitter, but in the peace we protect.
Silent Night, Chaotic Brain
Holiday bedtime isn’t broken — it’s overstimulated. When the lights go out, the nervous system doesn’t magically power down; it keeps processing all the extra sugar, excitement, noise, transitions, and unpredictability from the day. For neurodiverse individuals and those with FASD, that leftover sensory load turns bedtime into a snow globe of swirling thoughts. A calmer night starts with a gentle Decompression Bridge — a slow, supportive downshift that helps the brain settle after a high-energy day.
Sugar, Excitement, and Regulation: A Holiday Trifecta - Part Three
Holiday highs always have a sequel — the crash, the cling, and the emotional come-down that shows up long after the cookies are put away. What looks like “meltdowns” or “moodiness” is really the nervous system running out of fuel, especially for neurodiverse individuals and those with FASD. This post explores why the drop happens, why it’s not misbehaviour, and how a Soft Landing Zone can help create a gentler recovery after big holiday excitement.
Sugar, Excitement, and Regulation: A Holiday Trifecta - Part 2
Holiday magic is fun… until sugar highs and sparkle-filled chaos drain the nervous system faster than anyone expects. What looks like “overexcitement” is often the brain simply running out of regulation fuel — especially for neurodiverse individuals and those with FASD.
This part of the series explains why sugar + excitement + sensory overload can lead to big emotions, prickly edges, or sudden shutdowns, and why recovery takes longer than we think. You’ll also learn how a simple “Slow-Down Sandwich” — calm → fun → calm — can help create smoother, gentler holiday moments for everyone.
Sugar, Excitement, and Regulation: A Holiday Trifecta - Part 1
Sugar, Excitement, and Regulation: A Holiday Trifecta
Holiday magic comes with its own special blend of chaos — bright lights, big emotions, and treats everywhere you turn. For neurodiverse individuals, including those with FASD, this combination can create bigger energy swings and stronger emotional reactions than usual.
Excitement disrupts regulation.
Sugar disrupts regulation.
Holiday environments disrupt regulation.
Put them together and… you know exactly what it looks like.
This isn’t about avoiding treats or dampening the fun. It’s about understanding why things might feel more intense during this season — and giving the brain a bit of support along the way.
Let go of the pressure to keep up with the holiday snack free-for-all. You're not being “too careful” by pacing treats; you're helping your loved one stay regulated so the whole family can enjoy the day (and avoid the peppermint-fuelled emotional cliffs we all know too well).
A simple “pair and plan” approach can make a huge difference: pair treats with something filling or grounding, and plan when they happen. Predictable timing and supportive activities — like puzzles, quiet time, or a cozy show afterward — help smooth out energy spikes and create calmer transitions throughout the day.
Small adjustments. Big impact. A much smoother December.
The Social Battery Myth: Why People Time Is Expensive
The Social Battery Myth: Why People Time Is Expensive
Holiday gatherings affect every brain differently. Some people leave a party buzzing with energy, ready for round two. Others — especially many neurodiverse individuals, including people with FASD — leave feeling like they need to lie face-down on a carpet for a while.
It makes sense when you consider what socializing actually requires: sensory processing, emotional regulation, decoding expressions, filtering noise, shifting attention, navigating conversations, coping with unpredictability… it’s a full workload. And during December, the workload gets even heavier.
So if your loved one hits their limit faster than everyone else, it’s not rudeness or immaturity — it’s battery depletion. Some brains simply burn energy quicker in social environments.
This holiday season, release the pressure to stay longer than your family can handle. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting regulation. Leaving early isn’t a failure; it’s preventing the meltdown at minute 92 instead of wrestling through it at minute 93.
Try creating a “social battery” exit plan before events: how long you’ll stay, what the “I need a break” signal is, and where the quiet space will be. This small strategy gives your loved one safety, predictability, and a sense of control — all essential in overwhelming environments.
The Routine Rollercoaster: Why Predictability Matters This Month
The Routine Rollercoaster: Why Predictability Matters This Month
The holidays have a funny way of turning everyone’s schedule upside down — school breaks, travel plans, changing activities, and a general sense of “winging it.” But for neurodiverse brains, including individuals with FASD, routine isn’t boring. It’s comforting. It’s grounding. It’s the thing that helps the world feel a little more predictable in a season that loves surprises.
Research shows that consistent routines support emotional regulation, lower stress, and help people feel more at ease in their bodies. So when routines wobble, it’s no surprise regulation sometimes follows. This isn’t about being rigid — it’s about understanding what helps your family function.
If spontaneity sounds good in theory but goes sideways in practice, you’re not alone. A little structure can go a long way toward keeping the season calmer. Try creating a simple “Holiday Rhythm” for the week: a loose guide with a morning plan, one daily activity, meals, quiet time, and a predictable bedtime. It’s not a strict schedule — just a gentle roadmap to make December feel a little smoother for everyone.
And bonus? Caregivers often find the rhythm just as grounding as their loved ones do.
Why Holidays Feel Big for Neurodiverse Brains
Why Holidays Feel Big for Neurodiverse Brains (Including Individuals with FASD)
Staying Sane(ish) for 30 Days — FFAS Holiday Series
The holidays have a very specific vibe: everything gets brighter, louder, busier, sweeter, and somehow stickier. December tends to crank the volume on life — and many of us are just expected to keep up.
But for neurodiverse brains, including individuals with FASD, that extra stimulation can be overwhelming. These brains often thrive on routine and predictability, and research shows they process sensory information differently. When the world gets louder and less predictable, it’s completely natural for overwhelm to show up sooner.
So if your loved one seems more reactive, sensitive, or “done” long before the festivities are over, that’s not misbehaviour — that’s a brain saying, “This is a lot right now.” And honestly? It usually is.
This season, we invite you to release the pressure to “do it all.” Families raising children with FASD, and caregivers supporting neurodiverse individuals of all ages, are navigating real, brain-based needs. Your holidays don’t need to look like everyone else’s to be meaningful. Sometimes a quieter, simpler approach ends up being the most peaceful — and the most memorable.
If you try one thing today, let it be this: take a holiday activity and gently edit it down. Swap a big event for a slow drive to look at lights, decorate store-bought cookies instead of baking marathons, choose a shorter visit, or stick to one outing instead of three. Small changes like these help reduce sensory load and support regulation — for everyone.
And here’s the bonus: those calmer moments often end up being the ones you cherish most.
Why Early Diagnosis Changes Everything
No one wants to hear the word “diagnosis”—we get it. But when it comes to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), early diagnosis isn’t about labels. It’s about clarity, compassion, and getting families the support they truly need. At Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, our pediatric diagnostic clinic helps shift the question from “What’s wrong?” to “What now?”—and that’s where hope begins. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or like something’s just not adding up, you’re not alone. This blog explores how early assessment can change everything—and how FFAS is here to walk with you every step of the way. 💚
“It Was Just One Glass…” – Why That Myth Doesn’t Hold Up
Think FASD only happens with heavy drinking? Think again. Even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This myth-busting blog from Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society explores the science behind alcohol exposure, brain development, and why no amount is a safe amount. Learn the facts, skip the shame, and join the conversation.
FASD and Mental Health: Why It Matters
FASD and Mental Health: A Complex but Critical Connection
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is more than a diagnosis—it’s a lifelong brain-based disability that often goes hand-in-hand with serious mental health challenges. At Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, we see firsthand how anxiety, depression, and emotional distress can arise when people with FASD are misunderstood or unsupported.
In this blog, we explore why mental health matters in the FASD conversation, how misdiagnosis can hold individuals back, and what truly makes a difference in care and connection. With the right awareness and support, individuals with FASD can thrive—and no one has to walk that path alone.
Read on to learn more—and remember, we are here. 💚
Invisible, But Not Alone: Recognizing the Signs of FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) doesn’t always show up in ways you can see—but its impact is life-changing.
In this blog, we explore the invisible signs of FASD, why early recognition matters, and how support can make all the difference. If you’ve ever felt like something just isn’t adding up, you’re not alone—and neither are they.
Alcohol & the Developing Brain: What You Need to Know
Alcohol affects every body differently—but when it comes to a developing brain, even small amounts can have lasting effects. In this post, we explore how alcohol impacts the brain during pregnancy, why there’s no known safe amount, and why awareness—not guilt—is the most powerful tool we have. Whether you’re expecting, planning a pregnancy, or just curious, this is a conversation we all deserve to be part of. 💚
Navigating Summer Break
By addressing sensory sensitivities, social interactions, decision-making, safety, and emotional regulation, caregivers can create a nurturing environment. Patience, understanding, and personalized strategies ensure a fulfilling and memorable summer break for children with FASD, promoting positive experiences and continued development. If you need support as a caregiver, we are here to help.