Tips for a Safe and Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving
Photo from familysearch.com.
With Thanksgiving approaching at the end of November, it’s a good time to begin preparations for the big day. A warm, family-filled and delicious holiday, Thanksgiving can also be overwhelming for some children with autism and sensory processing disorders, especially with the added stress of COVID-19 safety precautions in 2020. Read through our guide for tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
PREPARING FOR THE DAY
1. Talk to your child before the day about Thanksgiving
Make sure your child knows what Thanksgiving is and why this day looks different than most other Thursdays. Perhaps explain the history of the holiday, or consider using photos and videos — whatever is most interesting to your child.
2. Consider COVID-19 and safety in your plan
Remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and that COVID-19 cases are rising across the United States. Read through the CDC’s holiday celebration guidelines and the CDC's Thanksgiving-specific recommendations. You might skip the large family/friend gathering this year and instead opt for a small dinner with your immediate family. If you do see family or friends, try to see them outside and from a distance.
3. Review the Thanksgiving plan with your child
Will you be going somewhere? Will new people be in your home? Make sure your child knows exactly what will happen before Thanksgiving Day.
4. Think about food ahead of time
If your child has food sensitivities or preferences, make sure that there will be something they can eat at dinner. If you are going to someone else’s home, talk to them beforehand about the available food, or bring a dish for your child.
5. Make sure your child has a space for alone time
Thanksgiving dinners, whether with a small or large group, can be overwhelming for some children with autism. Ensure that your child has a quiet place to go if they become overwhelmed, especially if you will be somewhere other than your own home.
Safe and Sensory-Friendly Activities
1. Get your creativity going with arts and crafts
Arts and crafts projects are great ways to improve your child’s motor skills while engaging their imagination. An added bonus is that these activities can yield festive decorations for the house. Sensory bins — flexible, loads of fun and easily customized for any occasion — are especially great for exploring the senses. Play around with all the different objects and textures in the bin, and talk about what it feels like, encouraging your child to do the same if verbal.
2. Play Thanksgiving-themed games with the whole family
These holiday games are the perfect way to get the family together for some lighthearted fun and competition.
3. Cook up some sweet treats
Get your hands dirty while baking, or build some epic Thanksgiving-themed snacks. These activities are both fun and tasty!
Turkey platters: charcuterie, veggies or fruit
4. Practice gratitude with your family
As you can guess from its name, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Gather your family and talk about what it means to be thankful and what makes each one of you thankful. Turn the conversation into a fun activity by making a "thankful pumpkin pie" or a "thankful jar".
5. Send cards to friends and family
If you aren’t able to see some of your friends or family this year, make some festive cards for them! After you decorate the cards, write them a note and use this opportunity to tell them that you are thankful for them. When you’re all finished, you can mail the card or drop it off at their house. Look here for some inspiration, or try your hand at a pop-up turkey card.
6. Host a virtual celebration
Even if you can’t be with your loved ones in person, you can still celebrate the holiday with them. Coordinate with family and friends beforehand to plan a virtual feast or after-dinner party. Online conferencing platforms, like Zoom, can help you have a big celebration in a safe way.
Remember that this holiday is dedicated to being thankful! Take some time to reflect on what you are grateful for and what brings you joy. Be sure to share your thoughts with your child and ask them what they are thankful for as well.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the American Autism Association!