Published on: 14 December 2025
Derbyshire’s Autism Information and Advice Service has published a new Christmas guide to support autistic people and their families during the holiday season. 
The guide offers practical tips for handling seasonal challenges, such as adjusting routines, planning shopping, addressing sensory needs at meals, and navigating social events. It also emphasises self-advocacy and offers advice for those struggling with social expectations during the holidays.
Alongside this, the Alzheimer’s Society have also provided a resource on ‘how to support a person with dementia at Christmas’, which offers helpful tips for supporting individuals with dementia and ensuring the celebrations remain inclusive.
The Autism Christmas guide also provides referrals to an extensive selection of support services available during the festive season, such as the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service, NHS 111, Childline, Papyrus, and Samaritans.
The Autism Information and Advice Service phoneline will close from 25 December to 1 January, but queries can still be emailed and will be picked up in the new year.
The full guide is available through the Derbyshire Healthcare website.
