Thanksgiving Dinner Tips for Children with Autism

Delightful scents in the air, cheerful fall decor around the house, and cherished family and friends visiting are all signs of Thanksgiving! For many, these wonderful holiday happenings bring excitement and joy; however, for children with autism, these unexpected and stimulating changes may lead to stress and confusion. 

So, what can you do to maintain a pleasant atmosphere that honors your child with autism this Thanksgiving? In this helpful post, we explore some thoughtful suggestions that may help provide an inclusive and joyful holiday for all! 

Plan Festivities with Your Child in Mind

When organizing your family’s Thanksgiving celebrations, a few mindful planning steps can go a long way in reducing potential triggers. Possible stressors for your child may include:

• • Bright decorative lights

• • Meeting new family and friends

• • Background music playing

• • Smelling and tasting unfamiliar foods

• • Sounds from watching football or the Thanksgiving parade

 

These stressors may cause overstimulation or frustration for your child with autism.

• • Establish a safe space for your child. The noise, smells, and commotion during Thanksgiving may be overwhelming for your child. Whether you’re hosting at home or traveling, establish a safe space where your child can take a quiet break away from the gathering. Equip the room with helpful aids to relax and comfort your child, such as:
    
    • • Noise-canceling headphones
    • • Fidget toys
    • • Your child’s favorite toy

If you’re visiting friends or family, speak to them prior about arranging a private area for your child in advance. 

• • Embrace flexibility. Consider your child by determining if any possible stressors can be modified or reduced. Some examples may include:
    
    • • Hosting a more intimate Thanksgiving gathering
    • • Reducing “flashy” decorations
    • • Playing quieter music
    • • Watching the football games in a separate room
    • • Preparing familiar foods that your child enjoys

Making these small shifts can go a long way in promoting peace and joy! 

Include & Familiarize Your Child with Upcoming Plans

Since Thanksgiving occurs at the same time each year in late November, you have plenty of time to prepare and communicate with your child ahead of the big day. Days or weeks before Thanksgiving arrives, prepare your child for the entire experience by:

• • Talking about the meal

• • Teaching them about the holiday

• • Involving them in the planning process 

There are several fun and relatable ways to help your child prepare for Thanksgiving celebrations. 

• • Teaching your child about Thanksgiving with picture boards

• • Role-playing a Thanksgiving dinner with small samples of the food being served

• • Sharing interesting facts about the holiday. 

You can also encourage your child to help design the decorations and choose foods they would like to have. These early steps of familiarization and inclusion may help reduce the uncertainty or tension that may arise when exposed to new experiences or environments.

Have a Backup Plan

Even after organizing a considerate schedule, reducing sensory triggers, and including your child in the festivity planning, Thanksgiving may still be an overwhelming experience for your child. That’s okay! Learning how to cope with disruptions in their routine and adjusting to new scenarios is an ongoing process. Patience, understanding, and adaptability will always help in those situations. 

Don’t forget to always have a “plan B” in mind! These back-up plans can help your child while keeping Thanksgiving traditions intact.

• • Take a break from the busy house and go for a quiet walk or drive with your child.

• • Serve your child familiar snacks at a time when your child is used to eating.

• • Sit out activities that may be overwhelming to your child.

Whatever the adjustments may be, offering a more pleasant experience for your child can positively influence the experience for everyone at the Thanksgiving feast! 

Remember to Have Fun! 

Thanksgiving is also a time for you to relax and enjoy the season, even if your holiday plans need to be adjusted. Be thankful for the strides your child does make during this Thanksgiving and reward them with praise.  

To nurture these meaningful life skills and behaviors, we encourage you to seek guidance from our ABA services in Lehigh Valley, PA, or any of the areas we serve. ABA therapy can positively influence many aspects of behavior, communication, and socialization, all of which can help your child:

• • Adapt to new experiences 

• • Try new foods

• • Cope with stressful environments

• • Navigate interactions with others

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and please contact Helping Hands Family for any autism support you need!