Tips For An Autism-Friendly Thanksgiving
While
Thanksgiving is usually a joyous time for families to gather, it can be
stressful for those on the autism spectrum. The smells, the noise, and the
crowds can quickly bring about sensory overload. Here
are a few tips to provide your child with an autism-friendly Thanksgiving:
1. Plan
ahead
Pack a
backpack with headphones, a favorite blanket or weighted blanket, a few
favorite books or toys, and soothing music. Pack comfortable clothing your
child can change into if you plan to dress up for the meal or family photos.
Read the Thanksgiving Social Story to your child ahead of time so he or she
knows what to expect (click link below to download story) or create your own
personalized story (if you include photos and names of
relatives in your story, this will prepare your child to identify who’s who).
2. Talk
to your family
It can
feel a bit awkward telling your family what they should or shouldn’t do around
your child, but if you want to survive the gathering, you really need to. This
will minimize meltdowns which are far more embarrassing and stressful than
sharing your child’s issues with your family ahead of time.
3. Prepare
a safe space
If dinner
isn’t in your own home, ask your host to find a quiet place where your child
can retreat and rest if he or she is overwhelmed or feeling stressed. Make sure
your child knows where that safe space is located.
4. Include
your child’s favorite foods
Check
menu with your host ahead of time or bring any foods you know your child likes
and will eat, especially if he or she is a picky eater. Don’t push them to eat
foods they don’t like. Thanksgiving dinner is not the place or time to attempt
to get your child to try new foods. Even if they only have a couple of items on
their plate, it’s not worth fretting over; they can snack when you get home.
5. Adjust
expectations
Face it; you’re probably not going to be
able to sit down with your long-lost cousin and catch up on the last twenty
years. Your child is your priority. Deal with sensory issues and stress factors
immediately to avoid meltdowns.
6. Be
prepared to leave early
Again,
your child’s well-being is your priority. If he or she is stressed, you’ll need
to cut your visit short. It may not be what you want to do, nonetheless, it’s
probably what you need to do.
If you
have any tips that would be helpful, please leave a comment in the space
provided below. May you enjoy a blessed and autism-friendly Thanksgiving this
year.
THANKSGIVING SOCIAL STORY - click on link below to download to your smart-phone or print book version:
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