Christmas is a time for family get-togethers, carols, hot cocoa, and all things nice, including, of course... Santa. We may think we all know who Santa Claus is, but do we? We all know that Santa Clause is full of surprises, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that he may have autism - we'll go through a few reasons why he may be on the same spectrum.
Let's start by considering how he visits all of our houses at the same exact moment on the same exact day of the year. We also know how he repeatedly lines up and names all of his reindeer. Additionally, he has this habit of going over his list of names several times. Repetitive behavior is one of the characteristics of those who suffer from autism. It gives them control and allows them to relax and focus on one item at a time - allowing their brains to slow down, giving them some downtime.
Santa Claus, as we all know, wears the same red suit every day. It's safe to say that it's a part of his everyday routine for him. And the fact that he never wears anything else is most likely due to the suit's comfort. Routines are very beneficial for people with autism because of their familiarity and repeating patterns of behavior, activities, and hobbies. Knowing what to expect in our daily routines may provide relief to all of us, especially to our friends with autism - this is most likely why Santa is usually dressed in his red attire.
What kind of food do we put out for Santa when we expect him to come to our homes? Due to his extremely limited choice of diet, we usually leave out some milk and cookies for him. Because many children and people on the autism spectrum are sensitive to certain qualities of food, such as flavor, color, texture, and smell, they tend to cling to their usual preferences of food. The demand for consistency that is prominent in people with ASD may be one of the reasons why adding new foods to their diets is challenging - but given that milk and cookies are an undeniably delicious combo, can we really blame Santa?
Every year, Santa follows the same routine: he prepares gifts, visits our homes, and then leaves presents for all of us. Routines, as previously said, provide a sense of security and familiarity. Having a routine is especially beneficial during the Christmas season, which is a particularly stressful time of year.
Have we ever seen Santa in person? When does he generally put gifts beneath the Christmas trees? Isn't that when we're all sound asleep? This is because Santa avoids social engagements and prefers to complete his tasks while the rest of us are sleeping. Interactions with other people can be stressful and difficult at times. Adults and children with autism may perceive the social environment as frightening and unpredictable as a result of the social issues that ASD presents. Most people aim to avoid connections rather than embrace them. Instead, they want to remain in the safety of their own isolated worlds. So if we're wondering why we haven't met Santa in person, don't assume he doesn't like us. In reality, he does, and he simply expresses it in his own unique way.
Santa is completely unaware of the social stigma that comes with creeping into other people's houses. As previously stated, social normalcy and social cues are sometimes misunderstood as a result of the social issues that ASD brings. Children and adults with autism may be unaware that their words and actions have an impact on others. Without explicit awareness of why this is necessary and how to do it, it is hard for some people with ASD to take another person's perspective.
Every year, Santa spends the whole 364 days of the year preparing for one night. Preparation and routine are essential for ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that nothing goes wrong. This is particularly necessary for people on the autism spectrum since anything out of the norm can be upsetting - they know what to expect on a daily basis when they stick to a pattern. As a result, they are more at ease in their daily lives. Santa enjoys making everyone happy, so he devotes a great deal of work and time to us which makes him so wonderful.
Everything is either black or white for Santa; everyone is either naughty or nice. There are no gray areas nor inbetweens. Surely, many of us have had our own instances of becoming stuck in black-and-white thinking patterns. However, given some of the difficulties connected with ASD, this way of thinking is understandable. People aren't aware of the entire variety of options open to them because of this way of thinking. When there are several possibilities in between, people believe they must make either/or decisions. For people who only perceive the world in extremes, it is critical that they obtain some perspective and understand that reality rarely fits neatly into an "all or nothing" viewpoint.
Finally, Santa accomplishes things that astonish people and leave them wondering how he accomplished them. Despite his quirks, Santa is adored all around the world! Every one of us is touched and amazed by his uniqueness. We're still amazed by the way he does things, and he doesn't have to conform to any social norms to be exceptional. To our friends with autism, just know that we view you as the same and that you are recognized for all of the wonderful things you do. Being different is what makes you wonderful.
Here at Solstice Pacific, we understand the challenges that Autism Spectrum Disorder brings - which is why we are here to help you cope on a daily basis. Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as appropriate once a person is diagnosed. Early identification and treatment are critical in order for patients to learn how to manage their symptoms and maximize their abilities in everyday life. Treatments will differ depending on the individual, which is why Solstice Pacific takes the time to get to know you and your family. Our passion is to help you find a strategy that works for you. We don't believe in fast solutions or taking shortcuts to wellbeing. We'll pay attention, educate you, and encourage healing and communication.
Medication can assist with hyperactivity and concentration issues, as well as mood-related symptoms. Patients with ASD can benefit from behavioral, psychological, and educational therapy to learn how to regulate their bad behaviors and develop new social and learning abilities. Individuals with ASD might benefit from learning language and communication skills to connect with their peers, develop friendships, and handle social situations more effectively. Additionally, dietary changes can have life-changing consequences in terms of lowering environmental contaminants to the brain and enhancing mental cognition.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), a non-invasive therapy studied to improve cognition, communication, and behavior, is maybe our most significant therapeutic option for ASD. EEGs (electroencephalograms) are used to guide MeRT because they provide a non-invasive look at the brainwaves. MeRT can then affect and repair brain wave patterns that are often faulty in people with ASD. This is a necessary reset for the inflamed and fatigued brain, and it can provide solace to both ASD sufferers and their families.
Now that we know the common characteristics of persons with ASD, we can completely comprehend why they occur. Santa is a fantastic illustration of how neurodiversity contributes to the world's uniqueness. If you or a loved one requires treatment, we are only a phone call away. Please let us know how we can assist you and your family.
Solstice Pacific wishes you all a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
