<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><em>CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis, overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive period.</em></p><br><p>If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe, please reach out:</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Samaritans (24/7)</strong> - <em>Call 116 123</em> or visit <a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.samaritans.org</a></li><li><strong>Shout Crisis Textline</strong> - Text <strong>SHOUT</strong> to <strong>85258</strong></li><li><strong>Mind</strong> – <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mind.org.uk</a></li><li><strong>NHS 111 (urgent mental health support)</strong> – <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services</a></li><li>If you are in immediate danger, call <strong>999</strong> or go to A&amp;E.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>________</p><br><p>If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:</p><p><a href="https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto</a></p><br><p>Host: Ben Branson</p><p>Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné</p><p>Video Editor: James Scriven</p><p>Social Media Manager: Charlie Young</p><p>Music: Jackson Greenberg</p><p>Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller</p><br><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard</p><p>3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure</p><p>5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People</p><p>6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions</p><p>10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt &amp; Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress</p><p>14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking &amp; Avoiding Burnout</p><p>25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas</p><p>30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries</p><p>34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication</p><p>36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains</p><p>39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas</p><p>42:39 Managing Sensory Overload &amp; Navigating Christmas Traditions</p><p>45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress</p><p>48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&amp;A From Our Listeners</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD &amp; autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.</p><br><p>Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.</p><p>No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.</p><br><p>1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.</p><br><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><br><p>Become a monthly donor.</p><p>Be part of our community where great minds think differently.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348</p><p>______________</p><br><p>Follow &amp; subscribe…</p><br><p>Website: www.hidden20.org</p><p>Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity</p><p>Ben Branson @seedlip_ben</p><p>Dr Alison Lennox <a href="https://www.dralisonlennox.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.dralisonlennox.com/</a></p><br><p>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.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Hidden 20%

The Hidden 20%

The Neurodivergent Christmas Survival Guide: Dr Alison Lennox on Family, Burnout & Boundaries

DEC 10, 202559 MIN
The Hidden 20%

The Neurodivergent Christmas Survival Guide: Dr Alison Lennox on Family, Burnout & Boundaries

DEC 10, 202559 MIN

Description

<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><em>CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis, overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive period.</em></p><br><p>If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe, please reach out:</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Samaritans (24/7)</strong> - <em>Call 116 123</em> or visit <a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.samaritans.org</a></li><li><strong>Shout Crisis Textline</strong> - Text <strong>SHOUT</strong> to <strong>85258</strong></li><li><strong>Mind</strong> – <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mind.org.uk</a></li><li><strong>NHS 111 (urgent mental health support)</strong> – <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services</a></li><li>If you are in immediate danger, call <strong>999</strong> or go to A&amp;E.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>________</p><br><p>If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:</p><p><a href="https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto</a></p><br><p>Host: Ben Branson</p><p>Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné</p><p>Video Editor: James Scriven</p><p>Social Media Manager: Charlie Young</p><p>Music: Jackson Greenberg</p><p>Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller</p><br><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard</p><p>3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure</p><p>5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People</p><p>6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions</p><p>10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt &amp; Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress</p><p>14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking &amp; Avoiding Burnout</p><p>25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas</p><p>30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries</p><p>34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication</p><p>36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains</p><p>39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas</p><p>42:39 Managing Sensory Overload &amp; Navigating Christmas Traditions</p><p>45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress</p><p>48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&amp;A From Our Listeners</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD &amp; autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.</p><br><p>Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.</p><p>No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.</p><br><p>1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.</p><br><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><br><p>Become a monthly donor.</p><p>Be part of our community where great minds think differently.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348</p><p>______________</p><br><p>Follow &amp; subscribe…</p><br><p>Website: www.hidden20.org</p><p>Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity</p><p>Ben Branson @seedlip_ben</p><p>Dr Alison Lennox <a href="https://www.dralisonlennox.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.dralisonlennox.com/</a></p><br><p>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.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>