Thanksgiving, a time for family, feasting, and gratitude, can also be a source of stress and anxiety for individuals with autism and their families. The hustle and bustle of the holiday, with its changes in routine, social demands, and sensory overload, can present significant challenges. But with a little planning and understanding, Thanksgiving can be a joyous occasion for everyone.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities at Thanksgiving
Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. What might seem like ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to others can be overwhelming and even painful for someone with autism. Recognizing and accommodating these sensory differences is crucial for a successful sensory-friendly Thanksgiving.
Common Sensory Triggers at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is often filled with potential sensory triggers:
- Loud noises: Conversations, laughter, clattering dishes, and the television can create a cacophony of sounds.
- Crowded spaces: A house full of relatives can feel overwhelming and claustrophobic.
- Strong smells: Aromas from cooking, perfumes, and scented candles can be overpowering.
- Unfamiliar textures in food: Traditional Thanksgiving dishes may have textures that some autistic individuals find challenging.
- Changes in routine: Disruptions to regular schedules and sleep patterns can be unsettling.
- Unpredictable events: Unexpected guests or changes in plans can cause anxiety.
Recognizing Signs of Sensory Overload
It's important to be aware of the signs that an autistic individual may be experiencing sensory overload:
- Withdrawal or avoidance behaviors: They may retreat to a quiet space or avoid interaction.
- Increased stimming: Repetitive movements or sounds, like flapping hands or rocking, may increase.
- Meltdowns or shutdowns: Overwhelm can lead to emotional outbursts or complete withdrawal.
- Irritability or anxiety: They may become easily agitated or express feelings of anxiety.
Tips for Minimizing Sensory Overload at Thanksgiving
Here are some strategies to help create a more sensory-friendly Thanksgiving:
- Create a quiet space: Designate a quiet room or area where individuals can retreat if needed. This could be a bedroom, a den, or even a corner of a room with comfortable seating and minimal distractions.
- Offer sensory tools: Provide noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to help reduce auditory input.
- Adjust lighting: Dim the lights or use natural lighting to create a calmer atmosphere.
- Minimize strong scents: Avoid using scented candles or strong perfumes.
- Maintain a comfortable temperature: Ensure the room is neither too hot nor too cold.
Adapting Thanksgiving Traditions for Autistic Individuals
While Thanksgiving traditions are cherished, it's essential to be flexible and adapt them to accommodate the needs of autistic individuals.
Food and Mealtime Considerations
- Offer familiar foods: Alongside traditional Thanksgiving dishes, include familiar and preferred foods that the autistic individual enjoys.
- Provide options: Offer plain or less strongly flavored versions of dishes for those with sensitivities to strong tastes or textures.
- Flexible seating: Allow individuals to eat in a separate, quieter space if needed.
- Flexible mealtimes: Don't insist on everyone eating at the same time. Allow for flexibility if someone needs to eat earlier or later.
- Visual supports: Use visual supports or social stories to explain new foods or mealtime routines. For example, a visual schedule can illustrate the steps involved in serving oneself or clearing the table.
Social Interaction and Communication
Social interactions can be challenging for autistic individuals. Here's how to make them more comfortable:
- Prepare in advance: Talk to the autistic individual about who will be present and what to expect.
- Clear communication: Use clear and concise language, avoiding idioms or sarcasm that may be difficult to understand.
- Visual supports: Social stories can help explain social expectations, such as greeting guests or engaging in conversation.
- Breaks: Allow for breaks from social interaction as needed.
- Encourage understanding: Talk to neurotypical guests about autism and sensory sensitivities, encouraging empathy and acceptance.
Activities and Entertainment
- Variety of activities: Offer a range of activities to cater to different interests, such as board games, puzzles, art supplies, or outdoor activities.
- Structured activities: Provide structured activities with clear expectations and rules.
- Sensory-friendly options: Include sensory-friendly activities, such as quiet games, coloring, or playing with sensory toys.
- Downtime: Allow for downtime and independent play.
- Incorporate special interests: If the individual has specific interests, try to incorporate them into activities. For example, if they love dinosaurs, you could have a dinosaur-themed craft or game.
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
An autism-friendly Thanksgiving is about more than just managing sensory input and adapting activities. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, understood, and accepted.
Communication and Planning
- Open communication: Communicate with autistic individuals and their families about their needs and preferences. Ask them what would make them feel most comfortable.
- Involve in planning: If possible, involve the autistic individual in planning the Thanksgiving celebration. This can help them feel a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
- Visual schedule: Provide a visual schedule or itinerary of the day's events to help with predictability and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to be flexible and adapt plans as needed. Things may not always go as planned, and that's okay.
Building Understanding and Acceptance
- Educate guests: Take the time to educate neurotypical guests about autism and sensory sensitivities. This can help foster understanding and acceptance.
- Encourage empathy: Encourage guests to be patient, understanding, and respectful of individual differences.
- Welcoming atmosphere: Create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Supporting Families
- Offer assistance: Offer to help with meal preparation, childcare, or other tasks to alleviate some of the burden on families.
- Provide resources: Share information about local autism support groups or organizations.
- Be understanding: Be patient and understanding. Remember that families may be dealing with a lot of stress and challenges.
Additional Tips for an Autism-Friendly Thanksgiving
Here are a few more tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving:
Preparing for Travel
- Plan carefully: If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, plan your route and accommodations carefully, considering potential sensory triggers along the way.
- Pack sensory items: Bring along sensory comfort items, such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, or favorite books.
- Allow for breaks: Schedule breaks during travel to allow the individual to decompress and avoid sensory overload.
Managing Transitions
- Clear warnings: Provide clear warnings and reminders about transitions, such as moving from one activity to another or getting ready to leave.
- Visual supports: Use visual timers or schedules to help with transitions.
- Extra time: Allow extra time for transitions, recognizing that they may take longer for autistic individuals.
Creating Positive Memories
- Focus on the positive: Focus on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Celebrate differences: Celebrate individual differences and strengths.
- Capture memories: Take photos or videos to capture special moments and memories.
Get Specialized Treatment with ChildWise ABA
If you're looking for specialized support for your child with autism, ChildWise ABA offers high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy throughout Ohio. At ChildWise ABA, we specialize in providing ABA therapy, which offers numerous benefits for children and families. We offer In-home therapy that minimizes disruptions to the child's routine and eliminates the need for travel to a clinic. Also, Children receive therapy in the comfortable and familiar environment of their own home, reducing stress and anxiety. To learn more about how we can help your child, visit our website or contact us.