Thanksgiving is here! This holiday can be stressful and overwhelming for anyone, but particularly for individuals with autism and their families. We hope our resources and tips help increase your family's enjoyment during this Thanksgiving holiday. May your Thanksgiving be filled with lots of family, lots of food, and lots of fun!
What Are You Thankful For?
It is so important during Thanksgiving to acknowledge the things we have to be grateful for. While it is important to give thanks for the food at the table, it is also important for both you and your loved ones with autism to express thanks for family, friends, and the many other blessings in your lives.
If possible, teach your loved ones to express what they are thankful for, and be sure to let them know how thankful you are for all of the happiness and joy that they bring to your life.
Some Thanksgiving Activities
Here are a few activities and resources that can help your child better understand and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
Click here for some Thanksgiving coloring sheets.
Click here for a Thanksgiving Book for your child to fill in information about your family, the food you will eat, and what he or she is thankful for.
Some Tips to Remember for a Very Happy Thanksgiving
"The holiday season is a joyful time, but as we all know, it can also be incredibly stressful. Nobody appreciates this more than the parents and families of children with autism, who already face unique challenges."
Click here for tips from Dr. Gary Goldstein, clinical scientific advisor for Autism Speaks, and other autism professionals.
" There's no doubt about it: Thanksgiving can be tough on everyone. Every magazine, website and radio program has a story about an underdone turkey, a mean-spirited relative or the traffic jam from hell. But even Thanksgiving can be relatively mellow if you're prepared - and if your child with autism and your family members know what to expect. "
- Lisa Jo Rudy of autism.about.com
Click here to read Lisa Jo Rudy's page " Before You Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Autistic Loved One ".
Holiday Tips for Families and Children with Autism
" Holidays can be difficult because of all the expectations, as well as the sensory challenges, but with planning, information sharing, and a little tolerance, the holidays can be more enjoyable for all ."
- Chantal Sicile-Kira, author, speaker, and autism expert
For more from Chantal Sicile-Kira about the areas of difficulty for children on the spectrum and their families during the holiday season and tips for what you can do, click here. For more tips and resources, visit Chantal's website www.chantalsicile-kira.com.
Thanksgiving Recipes
Click here for Holiday Dinners GFCF style from Bonnie Sayers of www.bellaonline.com.
Tell Us About Your Experience!
We would like to hear from you! Tell us about your favorite Thanksgiving moments and experiences. E-mail us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org
