Tips for an Autism-Friendly
Thanksgiving

PLAN AHEAD

Everyone – the individual with Autism, the host, and the attendees – should be aware of the day’s itinerary and accommodations.

What’s on the Menu?
Find out what will be served so you can plan accordingly. Remember that the dishes you eagerly anticipate for Thanksgiving might not be the same ones your child enjoys. Consider letting your child sit down to a plate full of their favorite foods for the family meal. There might not be a single thing that resembles a traditional holiday meal on their plate, but that’s okay! They will be content which could help create a positive atmosphere for a successful family gathering.

Prepare your host, extended family, and friends.
Use this One Page Profile Template to talk about your child’s interests, what foods your child likes and any allergies, ways people can interact with your child, and situations that are difficult for your child (hugging, loud noises, flashing lights, certain smells, etc.)

Designate a Safe Place.
Ask if there is a place at your host’s home for your child to take a break if they’re heading towards sensory overload. Pack some favorite items to bring to the hosts’ house so that it feels more familiar. Ask for a photo to include in a social story if that will help reduce the anxiety for the person with Autism.

If you are hosting, then explain to guests that the individual with Autism needs a place where they can take a break. They could be used to the entire house being a safe place for them, so having visitors may feel very uncomfortable.  Consider putting signs or symbols on the door of safe spaces to let guests know the boundaries.

Extra Supervision at Gatherings

Holidays always have potential safety hazards, from unfamiliar homes to new decorations. Extra supervision may help avoid potential risks.
• Mind Fire Hazards: consider using flameless LED candles to reduce fire risks.
• Wandering: If an individual with Autism is prone to wander or elope from supervised locations, wearing a tracking device or having alarms on the exits can be helpful. Make sure everyone knows if an Autistic individual wanders call 911 and search nearby waterways immediately.

Have an Exit Strategy

It’s important to have a plan in place if your loved one becomes overwhelmed and needs to leave the event early.
• Create a Code Word or Signal: A discreet code word can help signal when it’s time to wrap things up without causing undue attention.
• Prepare in Advance: Have transportation ready, or plan for one parent or caregiver to step out with your loved one if needed.

If you think the person with Autism is up to it, give them things to do to help. This could include assisting in small ways in the kitchen, decorating, setting the table, or even answering the door and welcoming guests. Of course, it’s a good idea to determine in advance what they can help with and make it part of the preparation for the big day. Include their assigned task if you’re creating a social story or visual schedule.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Thanksgiving Placemat: Put this Thanksgiving Placemat at each place setting – you can practice ahead of time and it can serve as a reminder of where the utensils are placed. Set a box of crayons on the table and have each member write on their placement what they are thankful for then share during dinner.

Thanksgiving Turkey Name: A fun way to greet people using name tags or labels and this template: What’s Your Thanksgiving Turkey Name?

Thanksgiving Jokes: Put one of these Thanksgiving Jokes at each place setting. Have each person share their joke during dinner or play this as a game after dinner.

Thanksgiving Prayer: Use this Prayer Helper Template to help individuals of all ages say a Thanksgiving prayer.  Includes a word bank and photo starters for all types of communication.

Thanksgiving Treat Bags: Create treat bags to hand out as people arrive.  Make a simple trail mix, put into baggies, then staple this bag topper to the bag.