6 Ways to Prepare for Thanksgiving with Kids on the Spectrum

by Jessica Gutierrez

The first major holiday is edging towards us -- a happy time to celebrate with friends, re-connect with family, embrace generosity and relieve ourselves of diets. Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year. While having kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may add a different kind of a challenge, some well-needed preparation will ensure an enjoyable experience. So, here are 6 tips on how to prepare for Thanksgiving with kids on the spectrum:

Tip #1: Talk it out

Your child is going to experience things wildly different from their normal routine, so prepare them by explaining what will happen. You can use pictures, or drawings to help them understand what Thanksgiving will look like. You can also talk about the actual schedule of events like: what time dinner will be, what time you plan on leaving the house, or if you’re hosting this year, then what time guests will arrive. Just be sure to let them know if any changes arise.

Tip #2: A picture is worth a thousand words

Big holidays like Thanksgiving usually means you get to see relatives seldom seen throughout the year. Starting a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, sit down with your child and show them pictures of the relatives they can expect to meet. Try to show these pictures every day until Thanksgiving to make them more familiar with the new faces.

Tip #3: The food, of course.

As you might already know, it’s common for children with autism to have aversions to certain types of foods. So, if you aren’t sure if your child’s palate will jive with turkey, then it may be best to provide other types of food you know he or she will eat. It will make you feel better that your child is celebrating with your family, and it will avoid a possible tantrum.

Tip #4: Give them space

If you’re taking your child to a relative’s house this year, then it’s possible that being in an unfamiliar house will overwhelm your child. Try talking to the heads of the household and ask for a room in the house your child can cool down in if he or she begins to feel overloaded. Be sure to take some of your child’s favorite toys or blankets and spend some time in the room.  Make sure they know they can use this room if they begin to feel anxious. If you’re spending this year’s Thanksgiving at your house, then ensure everyone knows not to go into your child’s room so he or she knows they have their own space to hide if need be.

Tip #5: Prepare your relatives

As frustrating as it can be, not everyone is familiar with even the most basic symptoms kids on the spectrum possess. Email or call some of your relatives and let them know what they can expect from children with autism, and more specifically what they can expect from yours. Giving them a heads up can prevent your relatives from being offended or surprised by incidences that may occur during the festivities.

Tip: #6 Create your own Thanksgiving

You know your child better than anybody else, so if you feel your child may not be able to handle a traditional Thanksgiving, then it may be best to opt for an alternative. Try limiting decorations or movement of furniture so your child doesn’t feel radical change in your home. If you plan on having visitors and feel this might disturb your child, then let the visitors know they can’t stay for long. The bottom line is, you don’t have to adhere to a strict definition of Thanksgiving, instead do what works for you and your family.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from all of us at CodeMetro!