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We have covid in our house this Christmas (second round for us), and are 4 neurodivergent individuals. The isolation has allowed us to reflect on how we “do” Christmas as a family and will hopefully give us the push we need to take a step back and make it work for us, not everyone else. More relaxed, less pressure. This is brilliant, thank you Emily. Wishing you well in your recovery ❤️

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I’m sorry you have Covid it sucks so much. But what beautiful reflections ❤️

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For my neurodivergent boy I've bought a complicated Lego model that will take him around 2-3 hours to complete. I'm looking forward to the hyperfocus and quiet (hopefully).

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Wonderful ❤️❤️❤️

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Wonderful resource, thanks very much Emily. It's very true about how accommodating ND people invariably benefits everybody. Having experienced meetings and gatherings accommodateing ND attendees, I've been struck that how often we do things so badly when we only take an NT approach. Our society is often too noisy, too relentless, too grabbing of attention for anybody to be comfortable!

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So so true Quentin. Beautifully said.

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I’m so sorry to hear your family has Covid. ❤️❤️ Take care of yourselves and try to let your body rest if you can. Thinking of you all.

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Great article, thank you Emily. All the best with illness and Christmas this week.

We are navigating Christmas staying with family overseas and realizing just how hard this is for our neurodivergent child. Not only no normal term-time schedule but not having his own room, space, possessions, bike, backyard etc. We are figuring this out together slowly. X

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founding

Thanks for these, really good to think about this stuff.

Take care, hope each day is easier than the last

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I found this so interesting! My son used to drive everyone crazy needing to know when things were happening when he was young (will the guests arrive at 6 or do you mean 6.15, mum 🤷🏻‍♀️). And I remember my friends staying with a youngster who could only eat "safe" foods he called "Dunedin foods" (in Australia, we did our best!) So yes, we all experience the world differently 😊. Covid sucks, I hope you all feel better soon ❤️

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Best wishes dealing with the Covid, hope it isn't too bad. Thank you for the interesting article and take care.

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Thanks Nick ❤️

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Thanks Emily for these thoughtful tips. As always you help me feel less alone. Thinking of you all, so sorry about the covid x

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Arohanui x you’re never alone

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No need to apologise! This was a great article

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Thank you Emily. Those guidelines are useful for all families I think. If I elude covid (close contact who stayed on weekend had positive RAT on Monday) I will be going to Wellington for a family Christmas. With little kids, and for me as an older adult, the guidelines make a lot of sense.

I hope you are over the worst with covid. Wishing you peace and some fun over the holidays.

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Fingers crossed for no Covid for you!

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So good! Really useful tips for everyone. Much love and best wishes to you and your beautiful family.

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Thank you ❤️

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Hope you all feel better soon, and thank you so much for such a compassionate and practical guide. Meri Kirihimete and wishing you joy, peace and happiness.

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Thanks so much x

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Rest and recover.💞

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Currently sandwiched between two boys watching The Mole! ❤️

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Also, this article is a good reminder to

me that my needs as an autistic person matter as well, and this time of year is hard on me

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Same!

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