5 Simple Steps to an Autism-Friendly Thanksgiving

Navigating the holidays can be difficult for anyone, but especially for children and families affected by autism. With Thanksgiving comes family gatherings, loud football games, a lot of food choices, and just a general change in schedule. Any or all of these things can disrupt the regular routine of a child with autism. But, it’s possible to make Thanksgiving an enjoyable holiday for your child. Below we will share 5 simple steps to hosting an autism-friendly Thanksgiving.

1 - Discuss What to Expect

In preparation for Thanksgiving, it would be helpful to have a written schedule or picture schedule of events. Typically, holidays bring a change of routine, which can be unnerving or alarming for your child. Creating a schedule will allow you an opportunity to discuss the day with your child and prepare them that things will be different. This is something you can repetitiously discuss in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Depending on your child, they may want to keep a copy of the schedule.

In the schedule, you can be specific and include things like where you will be celebrating, who will be attending, and what new things they will be experiencing, such as new sounds and smells.

2 - Plan for Sensory Breaks

With all of the added noise and the addition of family members, it might be an overwhelming experience for your child. Because of this, you can plan (and try to anticipate) when your child might benefit from a break. These breaks will probably also happen spontaneously, but having a plan of where to go and what to do will be beneficial.

These breaks can include rest, playing with a favorite toy or game, reading, etc. Whatever activities your child enjoys doing at home, they no doubt will enjoy doing at your relative’s home as a break. You might find it to be the case that your child would rather spend more time away from the activities of Thanksgiving.

3 - Create a Safe Space

During these planned or spontaneous breaks, your child will benefit from a space where they can feel safe and tune out all of the new sights, sounds, and smells. If you are at your own home for Thanksgiving, it would be helpful to create a sign in the space or on the door to alert guests in your home that the area is off-limits. If you are at a relatives’ home, it may require a little bit of extra work, but it will be well worth it!

4 - Communicate with Family Members

Many of your family members may not be sure how to communicate with your child. Some may be fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. Depending on your child’s age, speaking ability, sensory sensitivity, etc., it might be helpful to send a text or email to family members letting them know the best ways to interact and communicate with your child. This is something you can do to help educate your family members and giving them an opportunity to better understand.

When communicating with family members, you can include whether or not your child likes to be touched or hugged, whether or not your child will show or acknowledge affection, topics your child likes to discuss, any rooms in your house that may be off-limits, and reassurance that you appreciate their efforts.

5 - Include 1-2 Favorite Foods

There will be many new sights and smells on Thanksgiving. This typically includes what is being served for dinner. If your child is a picky eater or has difficulty eating new foods, you can prepare to have one or two of their favorite and familiar foods served in addition to the traditional foods.

All 5 of these simple steps include the theme of preparation. When planning for large family gatherings such as Thanksgiving dinner, being prepared with a plan, prepping your child, and communicating with family members will allow for the greatest chance of success. But, allow yourself the ability to be flexible and adaptable to spontaneous needs that arise.

These tips are general in nature, and we encourage you to adapt as necessary to fit the needs of your child, family, and Thanksgiving plans. If you would like to discuss additional steps for an autism-friendly Thanksgiving, contact us today!