Thanksgiving is a special time for families to gather, share meals, and celebrate togetherness. However, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the hustle and bustle of the holiday can be overwhelming. The break in routine, loud environments, and large crowds can trigger anxiety, meltdowns, or sensory overload. Thankfully, using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies, you can help prepare your child for the day and make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Here are some tips for preparing your child for Thanksgiving using ABA principles:
Prepare Your Child with a Social Story
One of the most effective ways to prepare a child with ASD or ADHD for an event like Thanksgiving is by using a social story. A social story explains what will happen during the day, including who will be there, what the environment will be like, and what is expected of the child. Social stories help set clear expectations and reduce anxiety by explaining things in a way the child can understand.
- How to create a social story:
Use simple language and visuals to describe Thanksgiving. Include details about the people they will meet, what the house will look like, the types of food they might see, and what activities will happen (e.g., eating, talking, watching TV). Be sure to explain the behaviors that will be expected, such as sitting at the table, using manners, or saying hello to relatives. - Example:
“On Thanksgiving, we go to Grandma’s house. There will be many people there, and we will eat a big meal. If I feel overwhelmed, I can take a break. Everyone will be happy to see me!”
Use Visual Schedules to Create Predictability
Children with ASD or ADHD often thrive on routine, so sudden changes to their typical schedule can be difficult. A visual schedule can help provide structure and predictability during a busy day like Thanksgiving.
- How to create a visual schedule:
Use pictures or icons to show your child what will happen throughout the day. Break down the event into smaller, manageable steps, such as:- Getting dressed
- Driving to a relative’s house
- Greeting family members
- Sitting down for dinner
- Playing or taking a break
- Saying goodbye
- Review the schedule with your child before the day begins and refer to it throughout the day to help them stay on track.
Practice Social Skills in Advance
Family gatherings can be challenging for children with ASD or ADHD, especially if they involve social interactions that your child isn’t used to. Practicing important social skills ahead of time can ease this stress.
- Role-play scenarios:
Practice common Thanksgiving interactions, such as saying hello to relatives, answering questions about school or hobbies, and saying “thank you” after the meal. Use positive reinforcement during these practice sessions to encourage your child’s efforts. - Teach self-advocacy:
Help your child learn to express when they need a break. For example, they can practice saying, “I need some quiet time,” or using a gesture or a visual card to communicate their feelings.
Plan for Sensory Breaks
The noise, smells, and large gatherings of Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Plan ahead by creating a designated sensory-friendly space where your child can retreat if they need a break.
- Create a calm-down corner:
Bring familiar comfort items like noise-canceling headphones, a favorite stuffed animal, or a weighted blanket. Let your child know it’s okay to take breaks whenever they feel overwhelmed, and help them identify quiet areas where they can go if the environment becomes too much. - Teach relaxation techniques:
Practice calming strategies such as deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, or using visual calming tools. These techniques can help your child manage sensory overload and regulate their emotions.
Use Positive Reinforcement for Desired Behaviors
Thanksgiving can be full of new challenges for your child, so it’s important to reinforce positive behaviors throughout the day. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your child when they demonstrate desired behaviors, making it more likely they will repeat them in the future.
- Set clear expectations:
Before Thanksgiving, clearly explain the behaviors you’d like to see, such as sitting at the dinner table, using polite language, or sharing toys with cousins. Break these down into manageable steps. - Offer rewards and praise:
Use specific praise to reinforce positive behavior (e.g., “Great job sitting quietly at the table!”). Consider offering small rewards, like a favorite snack or extra screen time, for achieving certain goals throughout the day. You can also create a token system where your child earns tokens for positive behavior and exchanges them for a reward at the end of the day.
Prepare for Transitions and Changes
Transitions, such as leaving home or moving from one activity to another, can be difficult for children with ASD or ADHD. Use transition cues to make these moments smoother.
- utes, we’ll get ready to go to Grandma’s house”).
- Use visual or auditory timers:
A timer can be a helpful visual cue to indicate when a transition is about to occur. It can also help your child prepare for the end of an activity, such as leaving the dinner table or getting ready to leave a relative’s house.
7. Be Flexible and Follow Your Child’s Lead
Finally, remember that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. Be flexible in your plans and willing to adjust if needed. If your child seems overwhelmed or needs to leave early, it’s okay to change plans to keep them comfortable.
- Know their limits:
If your child can only handle part of the day, that’s perfectly fine. You can gradually increase their exposure to larger gatherings over time. - Celebrate small successes:
Even small steps forward, like greeting one family member or staying calm at the dinner table, are worth celebrating. Focus on the positive moments, and remember that your child’s well-being is the priority.
Preparing your child with ASD or ADHD for Thanksgiving using ABA strategies can make the day more manageable and enjoyable for everyone. By using social stories, visual schedules, practicing social skills, and offering positive reinforcement, you can help your child feel more confident and comfortable during family gatherings. Remember to be patient, flexible, and supportive as you navigate the holiday together.
