Christmas stories: Kevin and Andy

Christmas can be a wonderful time for many people. ‘Tis the season for gift-giving, celebration and festive cheer. But for many autistic people and their families, the bright lights, busy gatherings, and changes in routine can be very stressful.

We caught up with YouTuber Kevin Chapman, and his teenage son Andy, who is autistic. They chatted to us about what they like most and least about Christmas, coping with routine changes, and how they’ll be celebrating this year.

Christmas icons

When was Andy diagnosed as autistic and what made you seek a diagnosis for him?

Kevin: He was diagnosed as a toddler, with concerns raised initially by his health visitor and then his portage [worker, who visits pre-school children who have special educational needs]. He had his diagnosis before he started school.

How does being autistic affect Andy day-to-day?

Kevin: The biggest impact is the need for routine - Andy always needs to know what he’s doing, when he’s doing it, who with, etc. He thrives when he gets into a regular routine, knowing that certain days and times are for certain things. It allows his anxiety to reduce to a level where he can actually enjoy himself, which he struggles to do on days without routine.

"Andy always needs to know what he’s doing, when he’s doing it, who with, etc. He thrives when he gets into a regular routine."

Andy, what kind of things do you enjoy doing?

Andy: Trams, churches, train simulator.

How do you both feel about Christmas in general? What do you like the most and least about Christmas?

Kevin: The whole family enjoys Christmas - we like the lights and the routines of it, and giving and receiving presents is always fun!

The thing Andy likes least is Christmas dinner. He has a very restricted diet, so will just be having his usual fish fingers and waffles while we’re having our big meal. We always try and keep him at the table with us and include him, but he usually doesn’t last long!

Andy, do you like Christmas, and why?

Andy: Yes. Presents and Santa.

What is Christmas like at your house?

Kevin: We like to get stuck into our presents first thing, before we’ve even started on food prep. Then everyone can enjoy their new stuff while we blast out Christmas songs and make dinner. After dinner we’ll usually have a new board game to play.

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Do you have any Christmas tips for autistic people and their families who may find the festive period challenging?

Kevin: Over the years, we’ve learned that Christmas doesn’t need to be done all in one day. Family visits can be spread over the week, presents don’t need to be opened all at once, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t get everything done that you had planned.

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Christmas tips

With help from autistic people and their families, we've put together some autism-friendly Christmas tips. We hope you find them helpful, and wish you a very happy Christmas and new year!

Read our Christmas tips

Stories from the Spectrum are a place to share different experiences and viewpoints. Opinions expressed are those of the person sharing their story, and this does not indicate they are the views of the National Autistic Society.

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“Over the years, we’ve learned that Christmas doesn’t need to be done all in one day. Family visits can be spread over the week and presents don’t need to be opened all at once.”

Kevin Chapman
- on coping with routine changes

Christmas stories: Kevin and Andy

When was Andy diagnosed as autistic and what made you seek a diagnosis for him?

How does being autistic affect Andy day-to-day?

Andy, what kind of things do you enjoy doing?