Christmas is often described as joyful, but for many
neurodivergent people it can be overwhelming, exhausting and full
of hidden pressure. In this special episode, Dr Alison Lennox
returns to unpack why the festive season can feel so challenging
- and how preparation, boundaries and regulation strategies can
make a huge difference.
Ben and Alison discuss sensory overload, disrupted routines,
family expectations, social fatigue and the pressure to “perform”
throughout December. Alison shares practical, compassionate
advice on preparing for gatherings, setting boundaries ahead of
time, creating exit plans, managing burnout, supporting ND
children, and finding small moments to regulate even in busy
environments.
Whether you look forward to Christmas or quietly dread it, this
episode gives permission to approach the season differently -
with clarity, self-compassion and a plan that puts your wellbeing
first.
CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis,
overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive
period.
If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe,
please reach out:
Samaritans (24/7) - Call 116 123 or visit
https://www.samaritans.org
Shout Crisis Textline - Text
SHOUT to 85258
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk
NHS 111 (urgent mental health support) –
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or
go to A&E.
________
If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider
gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the
conversation:
https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto
Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season
Is Hard
3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure
5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People
6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult
Family Reactions
10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt & Planning Ahead to
Reduce Holiday Stress
14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking &
Avoiding Burnout
25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas
30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries
34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication
36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains
39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at
Christmas
42:39 Managing Sensory Overload & Navigating Christmas
Traditions
45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in
Distress
48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&A From Our
Listeners
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic
entrepreneur Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees
neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet
too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without
support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep
showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing
stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and
research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people
turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about
brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep
fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Dr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green
dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All
proceeds go to the charity.
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