Ah yes, the holidays. That time of year when society collectively loses its mind and decides the only acceptable emotional state is festive. If you’re an AUDHDer, this expectation feels less like a celebration and more like a full-contact sport that no one warned you about.

Because let’s be honest: half of the “magic” of the season is actually just sensory chaos, unpredictable schedules, and people demanding togetherness as if it’s a moral obligation. Meanwhile, your nervous system is in the corner whispering, “We talked about this. We can’t do chaos.”

The days get shorter and suddenly everything feels impossible. If you have ADHD or autism, seasonal changes hit different — disrupted routines, light deprivation, and holiday chaos can wreck your already-struggling executive function. Here's why winter makes neurodivergent brains worse and what actually helps.