Practical Tips for Families and Community Organizers
Easter, a time of renewal and rebirth, is often painted with hues of joy and anticipation. For many families, it’s a day filled with cherished traditions, from the excitement of an Easter egg hunt to the warmth of shared meals. However, for children and adults with sensory sensitivities or who experience sensory overload, this vibrant holiday can present significant challenges.
Imagine the disappointment of a child who longs to join the Easter egg hunt but is overwhelmed by the cacophony of excited voices and the unexpected movements of other children running about. In addition, imagine the heartache of parents who want to share the magic of the season with their family but find the sensory stimulation to be too much. Unfortunately, these experiences are all too common for individuals who process sensory information differently.
Emily’s Easter Challenge
For seven-year-old Emily, Easter iss a bittersweet holiday. The anticipation of finding colorful eggs, the sweetness of chocolate treats, and the excitement of new clothes fills her with joy. However, Emily’s sensory processing disorder often overshadows these delights. The cacophony of excited children’s voices, the overwhelming brightness of decorations, and the unpredictable movements of people during the Easter egg hunt creates a sensory storm that turns her excitement into anxiety. Even the feel of a new dress against her skin can be overwhelming.
Alex’s Easter Experience
The clatter of silverware, the insistent hum of conversation, the scent of roast mingling with floral arrangements—for most, these are the comforting hallmarks of an Easter feast. For Alex, a veteran living with PTSD, they are more like a minefield. Sudden and loud noises cause great alarm. The crowd of all the family together in a small space is overwhelming. Even the rich, unfamiliar aroma of the meal triggers a wave of nausea. They sit at the table, a ghost in their own family gathering, their mind a million miles away from the laughter and cheer around him, just trying to make it through.
The stories of Emily and Alex are not uncommon. In fact, many children and adults with sensory sensitivities face similar challenges during festive occasions. This blog post aims to shed light on these experiences and provide practical solutions to create more inclusive and enjoyable Easter celebrations for everyone. Furthermore, by understanding the challenges faced by individuals like Emily and Alex, we can foster a community and family where all feel welcome and valued.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivity and Overload
Our Senses Sensory processing is how our brain interprets input from sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, movement, balance, and internal body signals (interoception). For many, this is seamless, but for individuals with sensory processing differences, it can pose significant challenges.
Sensitivity and Overload Sensory sensitivity means heightened reactivity to sensory input, often causing discomfort or distress. When sensory input becomes overwhelming, it can lead to sensory overload—a state where the brain struggles to process stimuli, triggering anxiety, frustration, or physical discomfort.
Sensory Processing Challenges Sensory challenges aren’t limited to sensory processing disorder (SPD). Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as those with PTSD or anxiety disorders, often experience sensory differences. Over 25 conditions can make sensory processing difficult: Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
Sensory sensitivities vary in severity and affect people of all ages. Understanding these differences helps create more inclusive environments. For example, loud noises or background music can trigger sensory overload. By prioritizing sensory-friendly practices, we can create a more inclusive and enjoyable Easter for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Sensory Friendly Easter Tips for Parents
Tips
Details
Prepare your child
Look at pictures and videos of Easter events beforehand. Discuss what to expect and practice social interactions.
Choose sensory-friendly events
Search for events with limited crowds, lower noise levels, and no flashing lights.
Manage expectations
Discuss realistic expectations with your child about the Easter Bunny, photos, and treats. Be prepared for a shorter visit, leaving early, or arriving late.
Bring sensory tools
Pack items like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, a hat, or other calming tools.
Plan for meals and toilet breaks
Ensure your child is well-fed and hydrated, and plan for toilet breaks.
Practice social greetings
Practice different ways to greet people, offering options like high-fives, fist bumps, or air hugs for those uncomfortable with close contact.
Transform playtime into a rehearsal
Use imaginative play to practice social interactions, gift-giving, receiving, and table manners. For example, have your child create their own Easter Egg Hunt for their toys. Pretend play can help prepare children for unfamiliar events.
Designate calm spaces away from the main event for those needing a break.
Sensory-friendly decorations
Choose muted colors and avoid overwhelming visual stimuli.
Accessible pathways
Ensure clear and unobstructed paths for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
Ground cover
Consider alternatives to grass, such as an indoor space, for those with sensory sensitivities.
Lighting
Adjust lighting levels to accommodate different visual needs. Offer sensory-rich and sensory-friendly times.
Variety of egg types
Offer different egg textures (plastic, rubber, fabric) and sizes to cater to various sensory preferences.
Alternative hiding places
Hide eggs at different heights and in accessible locations for all participants.
Visual cues
Use clear and simple visual cues to indicate where eggs are hidden.
Sensory-friendly prizes
Provide a range of non-food prizes to accommodate dietary restrictions and sensory sensitivities.
Timed hunts
Offer different start times for various age groups and abilities.
Egg color or count
For small groups, finding eggs by color or specific count can help reduce overwhelm and provide structure.
Staff training
Educate staff on sensory sensitivities and how to interact with participants respectfully.
Communication
Provide clear and concise information about the event, including sensory-friendly accommodations.
Flexibility
Be prepared to adapt plans based on participants’ needs and preferences.
Inclusion
Welcome families with diverse abilities and create an atmosphere of acceptance.
Ideas for a Sensory-Friendly Easter Bunny Visit
Topic
Tips
Quiet room
Create a calm space or quiet room for children who may feel overwhelmed by the Easter Bunny and need a break.
Sensory-friendly decor
Use muted colors and avoid loud noises, background music, or flashing lights.
Accessible seating
Provide a variety of seating options, including chairs and floor cushions.
Staff training
Educate staff on sensory sensitivities and how to interact respectfully with children with different needs.
Flexible visitation
Offer one-on-one or group visits based on children’s preferences. Use a registration system to limit crowd size.
Gentle voice
Encourage the Easter Bunny to use a calm and gentle voice.
Visual supports
Provide visual aids like sensory stories, social stories, or visual schedules for children with communication difficulties.
Short visits
Keep interactions brief to avoid overwhelming children.
Alternative activities
Offer sensory-friendly activities, such as coloring or playdough, for children who prefer not to meet the Easter Bunny.
Sensory breaks
Provide opportunities for children to take breaks in a quiet space.
Family support
Offer support and encouragement to families with children with sensory sensitivities to ensure inclusion.
Positive reinforcement
Praise children in ways that align with their individual needs and preferences.
Sensory-Friendly Easter Meals
Creating a peaceful and enjoyable Easter meal can be a wonderful way to celebrate with your family and community. Here are some tips for a sensory-friendly meal and gathering:
Section
Tips
Sensory-Friendly Mealtime
Familiar Foods
Include familiar dishes to avoid sensory overload.
Separate Plates
Serve individual portions to minimize food touching, if preferred.
Quiet Environment
Reduce background noise as much as possible.
Accommodations
Be flexible and willing to accommodate guest needs.
A Calm Gathering
Quiet Spaces
Designate a quiet area away from the group for those who need a break.
Sensory Breaks
Plan short breaks for sensory input regulation, such as a planned walk.
Schedules
Use schedules to help manage expectations, letting everyone know what to expect and when.
Inclusive Activities
Offer a variety of activities beyond an Easter Egg hunt.
Open Communication
Encourage open communication about feelings and needs with your guests.
Bonus: Sensory-Friendly Easter Greetings
Easter is a time for celebration, connection, and sharing joy. For some, traditional Easter greetings or activities may be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities. Creating sensory-friendly Easter greetings can make the season more inclusive for everyone.
Whether it’s using quieter tones, soft colors, or tactile-friendly materials in cards or decorations, small adjustments can make a big difference. These thoughtful changes ensure that Easter greetings bring comfort and joy, not stress.
Check out the infographic below for easy tips and ideas to create sensory-friendly Easter greetings this year!
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Christel Seeberger, BSc. O.T., is a regulated health care professional with over 30 years of experience in sensory disorders, disabilities and adapting environments. As someone with a hearing disability, Christel brings her personal lived experience with an invisible disability, sensory sensitivity and sensory overload to her work. In 2016, she founded Sensory Friendly Solutions to create a more sensory-friendly, accessible, and inclusive world through training, certification, product licensing, and product recognition. Christel’s expertise has been featured in guest blogs, as a radio and podcast guest, and in interviews with numerous media outlets, including CBC, CTV, Global News, AMI,Yahoo Life, the Globe and Mail, and local Fox TV/News.
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