Helping Prepare a Child with Autism for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for family, food, and togetherness, but it can also present challenges for children with Autism due to changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and sensory overload. With the right preparation, you can help make the holiday smoother and more enjoyable for your child. Below are some tips to help them feel ready and comfortable during Thanksgiving festivities.

1. Use a Social Story to Review the Day

Social stories are a great way to help children with Autism understand what to expect in new or unfamiliar situations. Before Thanksgiving, you can create or use a social story that walks through the entire day—from waking up, going to a family member’s house, to having dinner and interacting with others. Make sure to include specific details about things that might be different from their usual routine, such as seeing relatives they may not know well or trying new foods. Reviewing the story daily in the week leading up to Thanksgiving can help alleviate anxiety and give them a sense of control over the day.

2. Use a Calendar to Help Prepare for Changes in Routine

Changes in routine can be stressful for children with Autism, especially when they are used to the structure of school and familiar daily activities. Using a visual calendar can help prepare them for the shifts in routine that holidays often bring. Mark the days leading up to Thanksgiving and visually show them what will happen on each day. This could include no school, traveling to see family, or special events like cooking or decorating. By reviewing the calendar regularly, your child will have more time to mentally prepare for these changes and feel more in control.

3. Try New Foods Ahead of Time

Thanksgiving often involves a lot of foods that might be unfamiliar or overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities or picky eating habits. To reduce anxiety around mealtimes, try introducing some of the Thanksgiving foods ahead of time in a low-pressure setting. Offer small portions of common dishes like mashed potatoes or turkey and let your child explore them at their own pace. Even if they don’t eat them on Thanksgiving Day, this exposure helps lessen the unfamiliarity and can make the holiday meal less stressful.

4. Review Who Will Be Present with Pictures

Thanksgiving gatherings often involve extended family or friends that your child may not see regularly. To help them feel more comfortable, show your child pictures of the people who will be there, and go over their names. This can help reduce the anxiety of seeing unfamiliar faces and ease the transition into social interactions on the day. You can also practice what to say when greeting people, which can further prepare them for the social aspects of the holiday.

5. Bring Activities and Sensory Items

If you are going to someone else’s home, it’s important to pack familiar activities and sensory items to help your child stay calm and engaged. These could include their favorite toys, books, or even portable sensory tools like fidget spinners or noise-canceling headphones. Don’t forget to bring chargers for any electronic devices, including AAC devices, to ensure they are fully charged and available throughout the day. Having these items on hand can give your child comfort and provide necessary breaks when things get overwhelming.

6. Ask for a Quiet Space

Thanksgiving can be loud and chaotic, which can be overwhelming for children with Autism. If traveling ask your host if there is a quiet room or space where your child can take a break if needed. A quiet space will provide them with a safe area to decompress from the sensory overload. This space doesn’t have to be elaborate—a bedroom or even a corner of a room with familiar objects or sensory tools can work wonders in helping them self-regulate.

7. Bring Favorite Foods

Since many children with Autism have specific dietary preferences or sensory aversions, it’s a good idea to bring some of their favorite foods just in case they don’t like what’s being served. This ensures they will have something to eat, reducing stress for both you and your child. While it’s great to encourage trying new foods, having familiar options will help them feel more secure and make the mealtime experience less stressful for everyone.

8. Visit the Location Ahead of Time (or Get Pictures)

If your child has never been to the house where Thanksgiving will take place, try visiting the location ahead of time to familiarize them with the new environment. If visiting isn’t possible, ask your host to send pictures of the space. Showing these pictures to your child beforehand allows them to get a sense of what to expect, helping to reduce anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place. You can also describe what will happen in each space, such as where they will eat or where they can go if they need a break.

9. Take Precautions if Prone to Wandering or Elopement

For children prone to wandering or elopement, extra precautions are necessary, especially in unfamiliar environments. Make sure your child is wearing a medical ID bracelet or tracking device to ensure their safety. It’s also helpful to have an adult responsible for watching them closely throughout the day. If you’re at a new location, ask about potential hazards, such as nearby bodies of water. It is also important to work with family members to set a schedule make sure there is always someone assigned to keep an eye on your child. Having a clear safety plan in place will allow you to enjoy the day with greater peace of mind.

10. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even with all the preparation in the world, things may not go exactly as planned. It’s important to be flexible and have a backup plan if things don’t go as expected. Bring along extra comfort items, snacks, or activities. Sometimes, just having familiar items can make a big difference in helping them navigate the unexpected. Keep in mind that it’s okay to leave early or take breaks as needed.

With careful planning and preparation, Thanksgiving can be a positive and enjoyable experience for children with Autism and their families. These strategies can help your child feel more comfortable and confident, allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday together.