Creating a Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving for Children with Autism A Calm and Inclusive Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and celebration. However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday can feel overwhelming for children with autism, who may struggle with sensory sensitivities and disruptions to their routines. From crowded gatherings to unfamiliar smells and sounds, the holiday presents unique challenges for children and their parents.

With some preparation, you can create a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving that allows your child to participate in the festivities without overstimulating. This blog will provide practical strategies to help your child feel comfortable and included while ensuring your family has a joyful holiday.

Need additional support to help your child thrive in social situations? Learn how Brighter Tomorrow Behavioral Services can assist through customized ABA therapy.

Prepare Your Child in Advance: Build Predictability

One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is by preparing your child for what to expect on Thanksgiving. Visual schedules and social stories can help explain the day’s activities and reduce anxiety about unfamiliar events.

Tips for Preparing in Advance:

• Create a visual schedule: Use pictures to outline the sequence of Thanksgiving activities (e.g., travel to Grandma’s house, eating dinner, playing games). Let your child know when activities will happen and how long they will last.
• Use social stories: Social stories are simple, visual narratives that explain what happens during an event. Create a social story that walks your child through Thanksgiving day, including what they might see, hear, or smell.
• Practice key moments: If your child will be meeting new people, practice greetings beforehand. You can also rehearse sitting at the table or waiting for food to be served.

Tip: Review the visual schedule with your child each morning of Thanksgiving week so they know what to expect when the big day arrives.

Create a Sensory-Safe Space for Breaks

Holiday gatherings can be noisy, crowded, and overwhelming for children with autism. A designated sensory-safe space where your child can take breaks is essential for helping them self-regulate.

How to Set Up a Sensory-Safe Space:

• Choose a quiet, low-traffic area in the house where your child can retreat if they need a break.
• Include comforting sensory items like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or favorite fidget toys.
• Let your child know they can use the space anytime they feel overwhelmed. Practice taking breaks during regular days to help them become comfortable using the space when needed.

Tip: Work with your child’s ABA therapist to identify which sensory tools work best during overstimulating events.

Adjust the Meal: Make Food Sensory-Friendly

Thanksgiving meals often include unfamiliar or strong-smelling foods, which can be challenging for children with autism. Sensory sensitivities to taste, smell, or texture may cause discomfort or anxiety at the dinner table. However, there are ways to make the meal more manageable for your child.

Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Meal:

• Offer familiar foods: Include a few of your child’s preferred foods besides the traditional dishes. This will help them feel more comfortable at the table and ensure they have something to eat.
• Use small portions: Serve new foods in small portions to avoid overwhelming your child. Encourage them to try new dishes, but let them know it’s okay if they don’t want to eat everything.
• Prepare for smells: If your child is sensitive to smells, consider using air purifiers or opening windows to keep the dining area ventilated.

Tip: If your child struggles with sitting through long meals, allow them to leave the table for breaks as needed. Practice short meals at home leading up to the holiday.

Prepare for Social Interactions: Support Positive Engagement

Thanksgiving often involves interacting with extended family members or meeting new people. These interactions can be overwhelming for children with autism, especially if they feel pressured to engage socially. Preparing your child in advance and setting realistic expectations can make a big difference.

Social Interaction Tips:

• Practice greetings and conversations: Role-play greetings like “Hi, how are you?” with your child ahead of time. Practice what they can say if someone asks them a question.
• Use a conversation cue card: Create a small card with conversation prompts that your child can refer to if they get stuck in a conversation (e.g., “What is your favorite food?”).
• Prepare family members: Let relatives know what to expect and how to interact with your child. Please encourage them to engage with hugs without forcing conversations or physical contact.

Tip: Praise your child for participating in social interactions, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement encourages future engagement.

Plan for Sensory-Friendly Activities

Extended gatherings can lead to boredom or frustration, especially if your child is not interested in certain holiday traditions. Having sensory-friendly activities available can keep them engaged and prevent meltdowns.

Activity Ideas for Thanksgiving:

• Sensory bins: Create a Thanksgiving-themed sensory bin with rice, small pumpkins, or toy leaves.
• Crafts and coloring: Provide Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages or craft kits to keep your child occupied.
• Outdoor play: If your child enjoys being outside, encourage them to take breaks by playing in the backyard or going for a short walk.

Tip: Choose activities your child enjoys to help them stay calm and engaged throughout the day.

Be Flexible: Adapt the Plan as Needed

Even with careful preparation, things may only sometimes go according to plan. It’s important to stay flexible and adapt to ensure your child’s comfort.

Flexibility Strategies:

• Adjust the schedule: If an activity is causing stress, skip it or take a break.
• Shorten the visit: Leaving the gathering early is okay if your child becomes overwhelmed. Prioritize your child’s well-being over completing all planned activities.
• Use positive reinforcement: Celebrate small wins throughout the day. If your child participated in a family activity or tried a new food, offer praise or a small reward.

Tip: Focus on creating positive memories rather than sticking to a strict schedule. It’s okay if your Thanksgiving looks a little different—what matters most is that your child feels safe and included.

A Joyful and Inclusive Thanksgiving

Creating a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving is about preparation, flexibility, and understanding your child’s needs. By building predictability into the day, setting up sensory-safe spaces, and planning engaging activities, you can help your child feel more comfortable and included in the holiday celebration.

At Brighter Tomorrow Behavioral Services, we specialize in helping autistic children develop the skills they need to thrive in social situations. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized ABA therapy services if you need additional support. With the right strategies, Thanksgiving can be a time of joy, connection, and lasting memories for your entire family.