Thanksgiving can be a joyful and festive time for many families, but it can also present challenges for children with autism. The combination of new places, new people, new foods, and potential sensory overload can be overwhelming. NCR Behavior Services is here to provide you with strategies to help make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable experience for your child with autism and your family. Here are some of our favorite strategies:

1. Prepare in Advance:
  Discuss the Thanksgiving plans with your child well in advance. Use social stories or visual schedules to help them understand what to expect.
  If possible, visit the Thanksgiving location ahead of time to familiarize your child with the surroundings.

2. Sensory-Friendly Space:
  Designate a quiet and sensory-friendly space at the Thanksgiving gathering where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. Include sensory tools like fidget toys or noise-canceling headphones.

3. New Foods and Dietary Needs:
  Communicate dietary restrictions and preferences to the host in advance to ensure there are suitable food options for your child.
  Bring familiar foods that your child enjoys to the Thanksgiving meal to provide a sense of security.

4. Social Stories:
  Create social stories or visual aids that explain the social interactions and expectations during the Thanksgiving event. Use these tools to help your child navigate social situations.

5. Transition and Wait-Time Supports:
  Teach your child strategies to cope with waiting, such as using a timer or visual countdowns to help them understand when it's time for an activity or a meal.
  Practice transitions between activities to reduce anxiety associated with abrupt changes.

6. Prepare for Denial or Sensory Overload:
  Pack a sensory kit with items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or a favorite blanket to help your child cope with sensory overload.
  Develop a signal or safe word that your child can use to indicate when they are feeling overwhelmed or need a break.

7. Engage in Joint Activities:
  Encourage joint activities that your child enjoys, such as playing with toys or engaging in a preferred hobby. This can help them feel more comfortable and provide a sense of routine.

8. Use Visual Supports:
  Implement visual supports like visual schedules or social stories to help your child understand the sequence of events and the rules of the Thanksgiving gathering.

9. Stay Mindful of Communication:
  Be patient and use clear, concise language when communicating with your child.
  Use visual cues or gestures to supplement verbal communication if necessary.

10. Model Social Interactions:
   Model appropriate social interactions and communication for your child by demonstrating greetings, sharing, and taking turns during the Thanksgiving gathering.

11. Seek Support:
   If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for support or assistance from a family member or friend.
   Connect with local autism support groups or professionals to gain valuable insights and resources. NCR Behavior Services is ready to provide support and would love to hear from you.

Remember that every child with autism is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to be flexible, patient, and attentive to your child's needs. Also remember, it's your holiday too- give yourself and your child plenty of grace, Thanksgiving comes but one day per year. By implementing these strategies, you can help create a more inclusive and enjoyable Thanksgiving experience for everyone in the family.