Thanksgiving BLOG 2023
Autism Dietitian. Retrieved online from:
https://www.autismdietitian.com › blog ›
As parents, we look forward to celebrating the holidays each year. What’s not to love? We get to catch up with loved ones, eat delicious food, and take the day off from work to celebrate. But for our kids on the autism spectrum, it's a day full of chaos and things outside their comfort zone. A different routine, new foods, and new people can really stress out a child with autism. Here are some tips to help your Thanksgiving work for you AND your child.
The Piece of Mind Retreat. Retrieved online from:
https://www.thepieceofmindretreat.com › autism-thanksgivin
Autism Thanksgiving - What Does That Look Like?
In some families,Thanksgiving is about dressing up, sweeping any and all conflicts under the rug, and eating a fancy meal off the “good” China. In other families, the focus is on sweat pants and (turkey) smokers, turkey trots and (American) football. It is often a day of (warm) chaos, (loud) conversations, and (routine-breaking) holiday traditions. In other words, autism Thanksgiving can be an autism nightmare. It is a day that highlights how little even our close friends and family understand our day-to-day realities.
CHOP Research Institute. Retrieved online from:
https://www.research.chop.edu › car-autism-roadmap
Thanksgiving from a Child's Perspective: This is going to be a hard day. I am not going to school; Mom and Dad are not going to work. It isn’t a Saturday or Sunday, so our normal weekend routine is not happening. We have a long drive and there might be lots of traffic. I will not be able to play on the computer like I usually do each afternoon. Dinner will be served earlier than I eat at home. The food will be different and I might not like it. There will be many people trying to talk to me, and it will probably be quite noisy. Everyone will be busy, and I will not know what to do.
Autism-Friendly Holidays: Tips for an Autism- Friendly Thanksgiving. Retrieved online from: carmenbpingree.com. https://carmenbpingree.com › blog › tips-autism-friendly-holidays
Thanksgiving can be stressful for children on the autism spectrum, but preparation for the travel and crowds can help you have an autism-friendly holiday. Keep to your routine as much as possible.
Children on the autism spectrum tend to do better when their routine is followed. If your family plans to eat at 2 p.m., but your child normally eats at noon, it’s better to let your child eat at noon. Try to keep to the bedtime routine.
Make Thanksgiving traditions your own to have holiday memories for your family. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow and make the best of things.
The Piece of Mind Retreat. Retrieved online from:
https://www.thepieceofmindretreat.com › autism-thanksgiving
So how do you make autism Thanksgiving manageable? You make accommodations. Accommodation: Stay Home.
< My Thoughts > Give your child an opportunity to experience a family holiday. Use ‘Visuals’, such as Social Stories, Power Cards, or a Daily Chart of Expectations.
Example of how the above Power Card format might look for the task of asking for ‘HELP’ –
Autism Dietitian. Retrieved online from:
https://www.autismdietitian.com › blog ›
As parents, we look forward to celebrating the holidays each year. What’s not to love? We get to catch up with loved ones, eat delicious food, and take the day off from work to celebrate. But for our kids on the autism spectrum, it's a day full of chaos and things outside their comfort zone. A different routine, new foods, and new people can really stress out a child with autism. Here are some tips to help your Thanksgiving work for you AND your child.
The Piece of Mind Retreat. Retrieved online from:
https://www.thepieceofmindretreat.com › autism-thanksgivin
Autism Thanksgiving - What Does That Look Like?
In some families,Thanksgiving is about dressing up, sweeping any and all conflicts under the rug, and eating a fancy meal off the “good” China. In other families, the focus is on sweat pants and (turkey) smokers, turkey trots and (American) football. It is often a day of (warm) chaos, (loud) conversations, and (routine-breaking) holiday traditions. In other words, autism Thanksgiving can be an autism nightmare. It is a day that highlights how little even our close friends and family understand our day-to-day realities.
CHOP Research Institute. Retrieved online from:
https://www.research.chop.edu › car-autism-roadmap
Thanksgiving from a Child's Perspective: This is going to be a hard day. I am not going to school; Mom and Dad are not going to work. It isn’t a Saturday or Sunday, so our normal weekend routine is not happening. We have a long drive and there might be lots of traffic. I will not be able to play on the computer like I usually do each afternoon. Dinner will be served earlier than I eat at home. The food will be different and I might not like it. There will be many people trying to talk to me, and it will probably be quite noisy. Everyone will be busy, and I will not know what to do.
Autism-Friendly Holidays: Tips for an Autism- Friendly Thanksgiving. Retrieved online from: carmenbpingree.com. https://carmenbpingree.com › blog › tips-autism-friendly-holidays
Thanksgiving can be stressful for children on the autism spectrum, but preparation for the travel and crowds can help you have an autism-friendly holiday. Keep to your routine as much as possible.
Children on the autism spectrum tend to do better when their routine is followed. If your family plans to eat at 2 p.m., but your child normally eats at noon, it’s better to let your child eat at noon. Try to keep to the bedtime routine.
Make Thanksgiving traditions your own to have holiday memories for your family. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow and make the best of things.
The Piece of Mind Retreat. Retrieved online from:
https://www.thepieceofmindretreat.com › autism-thanksgiving
So how do you make autism Thanksgiving manageable? You make accommodations. Accommodation: Stay Home.
< My Thoughts > Give your child an opportunity to experience a family holiday. Use ‘Visuals’, such as Social Stories, Power Cards, or a Daily Chart of Expectations.
- Helps teach routines, expectations, and behavioral standards in an alternative way
- Reinforces correct behavior
- Shows more ways to be disciplined at an earlier age
- Uses a visual format (Link with favorite characters, animals, or Superheros.)
- Provides visual examples of #behavior expectations
- Delivers a more personalized and tailored behavioral intervention
- Involves children in the #learning process
- Gives child immediate feedback
- Works well with kids on the #autism spectrum and those with #ADD #ADHD
Example of how the above Power Card format might look for the task of asking for ‘HELP’ –
- List – REASONs & NEED Sometimes I need help –
- State – PROCESS When I don’t know how to do something… I should ask for ‘help’.
- Steps – a. Ask for ‘help’ b. Ask before I get upset c. Make sure I am safe while I’m waiting for help
- Show – VISUAL Use pictures
- Restate – REASONS Now I know what to do when I need help
Davide-Rivera, J. (2013). Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed: Growing Up with Autism; eBook Edition.
When smells overwhelmed me, I had a sensitive stomach. When I only ate a few select items, I was a picky eater.
< My Thoughts > “…picky eater.”
Picky eating may not become a real problem unless growth is affected, or allergies are suspected. Many children go through periods of not wanting certain tastes, textures, or temperature of foods. Smells and nausea may be a ‘sensory problem’. Sonny has times when he eats only the red or green things he sees on his plate. This has something to do with those colors being visually pleasing and nothing to do with the fact that it is Christmas. Maybe!
Bogdashina, O., & Casanova, M. (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism & Asperger Syndrome; 2nd Edition, eBook.
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) tell us that ‘olfaction’, the sense of smell, has in its olfactory system 10 million smell receptors in the nose, of 20 different types. These receptors in the nostrils respond quickly, guiding the chemicals in the air. But the intensity of the smell is lost very rapidly. Some children will lick objects, and easily regurgitate. The sense of taste is not very strong because one tastes chemicals and liquids.
Schneider, J. (2012). Tales for Very Picky Eaters; eBook Edition. Schneider (2012) tells everyone who will listen what he thinks about food, in his book – Tales for Very Picky Eaters. Recounting his refusal to eat disgusting, smelly, repulsive, lumpy or slimy foods… that is until his father introduces some bold and daring meal choices.
7 Tips for a Kid with Autism to Enjoy Thanksgiving. Retrieved online from: Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers https://www.hopebridge.com › blog › 7-tips-kid-autism
Together, pre-determine a signal he or she can use to tell you when a break is needed. Set up a semi-private space where your kiddo can play independently on Thanksgiving if any part of the day becomes a bit too overwhelming.
Have some of your kiddo’s favorite food on hand for comfort. Many families have picky eaters and their own Thanksgiving Day favorites. Create your own traditions by letting your kiddo choose a dish. It is ok if it’s not part of the typical Thanksgiving menu!
CHOP Research Institute. Retrieved online from:
https://www.research.chop.edu › car-autism-roadmap
Jun 8, 2020 — While the holidays are regarded with anticipation
Additionally, writing a Social Story™ outlining the day may be beneficial. A Social Story™ can include the following:
Plan an exit strategy with your family. You know how long your child will last at this type of function. Some parents find it beneficial to drive separately in case their child needs to leave earlier than expected or planned.
Happy Thanksgiving!
When smells overwhelmed me, I had a sensitive stomach. When I only ate a few select items, I was a picky eater.
< My Thoughts > “…picky eater.”
Picky eating may not become a real problem unless growth is affected, or allergies are suspected. Many children go through periods of not wanting certain tastes, textures, or temperature of foods. Smells and nausea may be a ‘sensory problem’. Sonny has times when he eats only the red or green things he sees on his plate. This has something to do with those colors being visually pleasing and nothing to do with the fact that it is Christmas. Maybe!
Bogdashina, O., & Casanova, M. (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism & Asperger Syndrome; 2nd Edition, eBook.
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) tell us that ‘olfaction’, the sense of smell, has in its olfactory system 10 million smell receptors in the nose, of 20 different types. These receptors in the nostrils respond quickly, guiding the chemicals in the air. But the intensity of the smell is lost very rapidly. Some children will lick objects, and easily regurgitate. The sense of taste is not very strong because one tastes chemicals and liquids.
Schneider, J. (2012). Tales for Very Picky Eaters; eBook Edition. Schneider (2012) tells everyone who will listen what he thinks about food, in his book – Tales for Very Picky Eaters. Recounting his refusal to eat disgusting, smelly, repulsive, lumpy or slimy foods… that is until his father introduces some bold and daring meal choices.
7 Tips for a Kid with Autism to Enjoy Thanksgiving. Retrieved online from: Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers https://www.hopebridge.com › blog › 7-tips-kid-autism
Together, pre-determine a signal he or she can use to tell you when a break is needed. Set up a semi-private space where your kiddo can play independently on Thanksgiving if any part of the day becomes a bit too overwhelming.
Have some of your kiddo’s favorite food on hand for comfort. Many families have picky eaters and their own Thanksgiving Day favorites. Create your own traditions by letting your kiddo choose a dish. It is ok if it’s not part of the typical Thanksgiving menu!
CHOP Research Institute. Retrieved online from:
https://www.research.chop.edu › car-autism-roadmap
Jun 8, 2020 — While the holidays are regarded with anticipation
Additionally, writing a Social Story™ outlining the day may be beneficial. A Social Story™ can include the following:
- Waking up and not getting ready for school
- Getting dressed in holiday clothes
- Getting in the car and activities to do on the long car ride
- Picture of the home and the people you will see
- Foods served at Thanksgiving dinner (for example, pictures of the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes)
- Seeing everyone watching the Thanksgiving Parade or playing football games, etc.
- Saying “goodbye” and getting back into the car to go home
- Things to do on the long car ride home
- Arriving home
Plan an exit strategy with your family. You know how long your child will last at this type of function. Some parents find it beneficial to drive separately in case their child needs to leave earlier than expected or planned.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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