Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude, but for children with autism or developmental differences, the holiday can also bring challenges. The change in routine, large gatherings, and sensory overload can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) principles can help you prepare and create a more enjoyable experience for your child and family.
In this post, we’ll share practical, ABA-inspired strategies to help your child navigate Thanksgiving with confidence and comfort.
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Preparation is key to helping your child feel secure during changes in routine. Start planning a few days before Thanksgiving to familiarize your child with what to expect.
- Create a Visual Schedule: Use pictures or words to outline the day’s events, such as getting dressed, traveling, eating, and spending time with family.
- Practice New Skills: If your child will encounter unfamiliar situations, practice them in advance. For example, rehearse greeting relatives or sitting at the table for a meal.
- Share Social Stories: Write or use a social story to explain Thanksgiving traditions, from eating turkey to expressing gratitude. This can help your child feel more prepared and engaged.
2. Consider Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Thanksgiving can be loud, crowded, and full of unfamiliar smells and textures, which may be overwhelming for a child with sensory sensitivities. Plan ahead to accommodate their needs.
- Create a Calm Space: Designate a quiet area where your child can take breaks if they feel overstimulated.
- Bring Comfort Items: Pack a favorite toy, blanket, or sensory tool to provide comfort in unfamiliar settings.
- Adapt the Meal: If your child has food sensitivities or preferences, bring a familiar meal or snacks they enjoy. This ensures they feel included without stress.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of ABA therapy and can help encourage desired behaviors during the holiday.
- Set Clear Expectations: Let your child know what behaviors are expected, such as sitting at the table or using polite words.
- Offer Rewards: Use praise, small treats, or favorite activities as rewards for meeting expectations. For instance, you might say, “Great job sitting quietly during dinner! You can play your favorite game now.”
- Acknowledge Effort: Even if your child doesn’t fully meet a goal, celebrate their effort. For example, if they attempt to greet a relative but feel shy, praise their courage for trying.
4. Plan for Social Interactions
Thanksgiving often involves interacting with extended family, which can be daunting for some children. Help your child feel more comfortable with social situations.
- Introduce Family Members: Use photos or short videos to familiarize your child with relatives they may not see often.
- Role-Play Greetings: Practice saying hello, waving, or shaking hands in a low-pressure environment before the event.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Allow your child to participate in social interactions at their own pace. If they prefer parallel play or sitting quietly, respect their comfort level.
5. Keep Routines Consistent
Consistency helps children with autism feel secure. While Thanksgiving may disrupt your typical schedule, maintaining familiar elements can reduce anxiety.
- Stick to Meal and Sleep Times: Try to keep your child’s meal and bedtime routines as consistent as possible, even if the day’s events differ.
- Incorporate Familiar Activities: Include familiar games, songs, or activities during the day to provide a sense of normalcy.
6. Encourage Gratitude in a Meaningful Way
Thanksgiving is a time to focus on gratitude, and this tradition can be adapted to suit your child’s abilities and interests.
- Create a Gratitude Jar: Encourage your child to draw or write things they are thankful for and place them in a jar.
- Use Visual Supports: If verbal communication is a challenge, use pictures or symbols to express gratitude. For example, your child might point to a picture of their favorite toy or family member.
- Model Gratitude: Share your own expressions of gratitude to encourage your child to follow suit.
7. Be Flexible and Patient
No holiday is perfect, and it’s important to remain flexible. Thanksgiving may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Focus on creating a positive experience for your child and celebrating small successes.
- Take Breaks as Needed: Allow your child to step away from activities if they feel overwhelmed.
- Adjust Expectations: Be prepared to modify plans based on your child’s comfort level. For example, if they prefer to eat in a quiet room rather than at the main table, let them.
Final Thoughts: A Thanksgiving to Be Thankful For
With preparation, flexibility, and ABA-inspired strategies, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that is enjoyable for your child and your family. By focusing on your child’s unique needs and celebrating their efforts, you can make the holiday a meaningful and memorable time for everyone.
If you’d like more tips or support for navigating special occasions, reach out to your ABA provider. Together, we can help your child feel confident and included during the holiday season.
