Published on 12, July, 2020
As summer is still getting started, it might seem strange to think about wintry activities! But, we are hoping you might be able to help us, as we start to build our communications for November onwards.
This year, we want to ensure we are fully representing what the festive season and Christmas mean to the autistic community and their families. This means reflecting on the good – the different, fun-filled approaches to the winter holidays – and the bad. We know that for many autistic people and their families, this time of year is fraught with upsetting challenges.
We would like to feature a range of stories to capture all these experiences, as part of our work to increase understanding and to change attitudes, whilst also helping to help raise money to fund our important work.
If you would like to share your story, please do get in touch – we would love to hear from you. Share your experience below or by emailing kate.vickers@nas.org.uk.
I feel like I need to enjoy Christmas to make up for the lost youth. My family didn't "celebrate" Christmas that year because my dad was killed in the Troubles. It was also my brother's first Christmas, but we did get toys. I'm a little more hopeful. I'd rather think about the birth of Christ than eat too much or spend too much. All the rest is left over from Paganism.
Helen, I couldn't help but notice that your comment is almost identical to the one left by Desmond79 several days ago.
Desmond79 said:I feel that I wish to make up for my lost childhood; by enjoying Christmas. When my father was killed in the Troubles, my family didn't 'celebrate' Christmas that year - also my brother's first Christmas - though, of course, we got toys. I feel a bit more realistic. Rather than overdo food, and spending, I like to think about the Birth of Christ. Everything else is residue from Paganism.
I feel that I wish to make up for my lost childhood; by enjoying Christmas. When my father was killed in the Troubles, my family didn't 'celebrate' Christmas that year - also my brother's first Christmas - though, of course, we got toys.
I feel a bit more realistic. Rather than overdo food, and spending, I like to think about the Birth of Christ. Everything else is residue from Paganism.
A bot? Weird enough that it is copied (AI rewording?) But for a 'Digital Marketer' to be so off-colour as to use something that will be so traumatic to Desmond is really really strange - but probably not strange for an AI bot.