Transitions are frequently difficult for children on the spectrum and, as a consequence, for families. This time of year, transitions can be more difficult than most. With frequent changes to routines, more colors and lights while out and about, and even changes to standard colors and business routines, children can have a harder than usual time moving from one place to the next or one task to the next.
Thanksgiving day is a great example of this!
Navigating Thanksgiving with autism can be challenging, but is far from impossible. Armed with some planning ahead, practice, and patience, parents, families, and children on the spectrum can all enjoy a relaxed, joyful day of giving thanks.
Transitions During Thanksgiving
Transitions are common on Thanksgiving day, and they are often significantly different from your standard daily routines. From traveling more than might be typical, to skipping or changing naptimes, to shifting the standard mealtimes, Thanksgiving is often a significant source of change for families. Preparing ahead to make transitions as supported and smooth as possible can help mitigate some of the more common concerns families run into when autism and Thanksgiving are combined.
4 Tips for Smooth Thanksgiving Transitions
To help ease some of the more common transitions on Thanksgiving (moving from one place to the next, moving from playing to eating, shifting from eating to cleaning up, and more), there are 4 strategies you can put in place and practice to get ahead of any potential concerns before Thanksgiving day.
- Discuss Ahead of Time
As early as you can, calmly discuss the changes your child or children can expect on Thanksgiving. Whether you are traveling for the holiday, you are staying in town, or you are hosting in your home, talk about any changes that may take place. For children who communicate verbally, this might mean walking through differences. For children who do not communicate verbally, a social story or first-then icons on a communication device can be utilized.
- Give Warnings Ahead of Transitions
“We’re going to be heading to Grammy’s in ten minutes!” “Let’s get your shoes on, so we can be ready to leave when the clock says “2!”” Warnings like this can ease transitions, as they can help your child understand what to expect moment to moment. These do not have to be utilized for every shift in location or activity, but using them regularly can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty children can feel around the holidays.
- Advocate Whenever Possible
Although families cannot always accommodate your wants and needs, or the preferences of your child, advocating whenever possible can help your child transition from your standard routines to holiday celebrations. Advocating can come in the form of bringing a preferred food or requesting a preferred food item, in the form of setting aside a space in your home or requesting a space in your host’s home, or even requesting a period of calm, rest, or quiet throughout the day, for children sensitive to loud or overlapping noises.
- Come with Reinforcers
Reinforcers are any activities or items that are highly preferred, and that can be offered throughout the day. Reinforcers can be offered, along with plenty of praise, when your child moves smoothly from one activity to the next. They can also be offered as an aid to help your child stay at a communal table, or eat in the midst of changes. Reinforcers are a great way to reward behavior and encourage your child to enjoy their Thanksgiving, no matter the context or potential challenges.
Coming Down After
Making it through Thanksgiving day is certainly something to work toward, but there is more after the day. Because there is often travel involved in Thanksgiving celebrations, and disruptions to standard routines are common, it can be wise to plan for the day after, as well. If possible, it can be helpful to clear all plans the day after Thanksgiving, to re-establish routines and offer a period of calm and rest.
Thanksgiving and Autism
Navigating the Thanksgiving holiday as a person with autism, or as a family with a child with autism. Families are frequently traveling, eating uncommon foods, and engaging in spirited traditions. Without some preparation, families can find themselves facing a great deal of resistance during transitions and new situations. With a little bit of forethought, however, families can enjoy a peaceful, well-supported holiday.
