Thanksgiving Communication Tools for Children with Autism

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and togetherness. However, for children with autism and their families, the holiday can also present unique challenges. The busy environment, changes in routine, and sensory overload can make family gatherings feel overwhelming. Communication can also become more difficult, especially in unfamiliar or highly social settings.

At Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy in Jenks, OK, we understand how important it is for your child to have the tools they need to communicate their feelings, needs, and preferences. With the right strategies in place, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that is enjoyable for everyone. This guide will explore some practical communication tools and tips to support your child with autism during the holiday.

Preparing Your Child for Thanksgiving

Preparation is key to helping children with autism feel comfortable during Thanksgiving festivities. The more predictable you can make the day, the smoother it will be. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Create a Visual Schedule

A visual schedule is a simple yet powerful tool that helps children understand what to expect. Visual schedules use pictures, icons, or drawings to represent each part of the day. For example, your Thanksgiving visual schedule might include:

• Morning routine (breakfast, getting dressed)

• Travel time (if visiting family)

• Arrival at a relative's house

• Thanksgiving dinner

• Quiet time or playtime

• Departure and return home

By walking through the schedule ahead of time and reviewing it throughout the day, your child will have a clear understanding of the sequence of events. This reduces anxiety and helps them feel more in control.

2. Practice Changes in Routine

Holidays often disrupt the regular routine that many children with autism rely on. Before Thanksgiving, practice incorporating small changes to your usual day to help your child build flexibility. For instance, try serving a new food at dinner or visiting a friend’s house for a short stay. The more familiar your child becomes with handling adjustments, the easier it will be to manage the bigger changes Thanksgiving brings.

3. Use Social Stories

Social stories are short, personalized narratives designed to explain social situations and expectations in an accessible way. These stories use simple language and clear visuals to help children with autism understand what might happen and how to respond. A Thanksgiving social story could cover topics such as:

• Greeting family members

• Sitting at the table

• Sharing a meal

• Taking breaks in a quiet space when feeling overwhelmed

You can create your own social story using pictures of your child, family, and home, or use pre-made templates available online.

Communication Tools to Use During Thanksgiving

Good communication is essential during festive gatherings, especially when navigating a new or stimulating environment. These tools can empower your child to express their needs and interact with others more comfortably.

1. AAC Devices

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are incredibly helpful for nonverbal or minimally verbal children. These devices—ranging from high-tech speech-generating tablets to low-tech picture boards—allow children to communicate effectively with family members. Ensure the device is loaded with relevant vocabulary for the day, such as “turkey,” “bathroom,” “help,” or “break.”

Encourage other family members to engage with your child’s AAC device, learning how to ask questions or give your child the opportunity to respond.

2. Break Cards

Break cards are a simple way for children to signal when they need a breather. These can be physical cards with phrases like “I need a break” or “I want to go to a quiet place.” If your child uses an AAC device, you can program similar break requests into it.

Establish ahead of time where the designated “break space” will be, whether it’s a guest bedroom, a quiet corner with a sensory toy, or a spot outside. Make sure your child knows it’s okay to use their break card whenever they need a moment to regroup.

3. Visual Communication Aids

Picture cards or communication boards can help your child express specific requests without relying on verbal language. For Thanksgiving, you can prepare themed cards for common scenarios, including:

• Different foods (e.g., pie, potatoes, vegetables)

• Basic needs (e.g., “thirsty,” “bathroom,” “break”)

• Social phrases (e.g., “thank you,” “nice to meet you”)

Having these visual aids on hand makes it easier for your child to communicate with family members, even in a bustling or unfamiliar environment.

Helping Your Child Navigate Sensory Challenges

Thanksgiving celebrations often bring new smells, tastes, sights, and sounds—all of which can overwhelm a child with autism. Here are a few tips for managing sensory sensitivities:

1. Plan for Selective Eating

Picky eaters are common among children with autism, and Thanksgiving menus may feature many unfamiliar or unpreferred foods. Bring familiar, safe foods that your child enjoys so that mealtime is less stressful. You can also introduce Thanksgiving dishes gradually in the weeks leading up to the holiday, giving your child time to adjust to new tastes and textures.

2. Provide Noise-Canceling Headphones

Loud environments can cause sensory overload. If your Thanksgiving gathering is full of chatter, music, or clinking dishes, consider equipping your child with noise-canceling headphones. This simple tool can help them stay calm and focused despite the noisy surroundings.

3. Create a Sensory Toolkit

Pack a small bag with your child’s favorite sensory items, such as fidget toys, weighted lap pads, or chewy necklaces. These can provide comfort and keep their hands busy during long periods of waiting or sitting.

Supporting Social Interactions

Family gatherings can be a great opportunity for children to practice their social skills, but they can also feel intimidating. Here’s how to help your child connect with others on their terms:

1. Role-Play Ahead of Time

Practice greetings, handshakes, or other common social interactions before the big day. Use role-playing to make these moments more familiar and fun for your child.

2. Prep Family Members

Share helpful tips and strategies with relatives who may be interacting with your child for the first time. Encourage them to communicate directly, use simple language, and be patient if your child needs extra time to respond.

3. Celebrate Small Triumphs

Acknowledging small successes—whether it’s saying “hello” or sitting at the table for a few extra minutes—can boost your child’s confidence and make social moments feel more rewarding.

Count on Speech & Beyond for Support

At Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves a joyful and inclusive holiday season. Our expert team specializes in child-focused speech therapy solutions, providing families with tailored strategies to enhance communication and social skills. Whether your child needs support with AAC devices, social stories, or overcoming sensory challenges, we are here to help.

This Thanksgiving, give your child the tools they need to thrive during family gatherings. Contact Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy in Jenks, OK, to learn how we can work together to create a communication plan that fits your child’s unique needs.

Wishing You a Grateful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the special moments with your family this holiday season, knowing your child has the resources to express themselves and partake in the festivities. Call our team today to schedule a consultation.