And that’s a Wrap for 2025!

19 Dec

As 2025 comes to an end, I want to thank all those who have reached out to us at Badger’s Place for ND-affirming support for themselves and/or their loved ones. We have now been operational for two and a half years but honestly it just feels like yesterday that we launched Badger’s Place specifically for the neuro divergent community providing a safe place to nurture, advocate for, and celebrate difference.

Accepting neuro-developmental differences as natural variations in human neurology is the beginning of a new social narrative benefiting humankind. I continue to be a proud part of this movement and I am honoured to be guiding families on their journey to self-acceptance by drawing attention to their many strengths, understanding their challenges through a social model of disability, and acknowledging their passions and interests as an integral component to self-care and well-being.

For those who are new to understanding this paradigm shift I encourage kindness, and compassion to ND friends and family especially over Christmas and school holidays. Transitions, surprises, unexpected changes, and social expectations can easily overwhelm ND nervous systems. Christmas is synonymous with family traditions including moral and social expectations which can be a perfect storm for overwhelm and meltdown for ND brains. Consider ways to reduce overwhelm by asking ND friends and family what they might need to thrive as opposed to survive this festive period.

My top tips for nurturing a neurodivergent Christmas continue to be:

Social, Emotional and Communication Support

Consider gifting store cards or money
Reduce gift giving overwhelm by organising one Secret Santa gift each (with cost limit)
Exchange personal & special gifts before Christmas Day
Give advanced warning of changes
Be clear about who is invited so no one feels caught out
Consider providing organised games to reduce social awkwardness and give structure to connect with others
Connect via a video call on or before Christmas day if attending in person is too overwhelming
Catch up with family or friends before or after Christmas day when expectations and demands are lowered
Remove the pressure of having to attend for the entire day

Sensory Support

Limit time spent in busy Christmas shopping periods
Use online shopping options
Provide safe foods on the day
Provide a variety of spaces to eat
Limit the use of colognes and scented products
Reduce the volume on Christmas songs
Set aside a comfy quiet space for retreating
Provide access to regular tools for soothing and regulation (headphones/iPad)
Turn off bright flashing Christmas lights (use a non-flashing mode)
Avoid exploding crackers (bon bons)
Respect body boundaries (no expectation to kiss, hug, or shake hands)
Wear comfortable clothes

Providing a flexible, accommodating, and compassionate Christmas Day environment is likely to improve everyone’s experience, lifting the pressure to conform and connect us with each other.

We have closed our doors for the year now and will re-open on Monday 5th January 2026. From everyone at Badger’s Place we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please see the below contacts for support over the holiday period: