Ensuring Your Thanksgiving Celebrations Are Autism-Friendly

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Ensuring Your Thanksgiving Celebrations Are
Autism-Friendly
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Invest in noise canceling headphones.
Whether youre heading to a parade or are cooking
for a houseful of lovely, but very noisy guests,
noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver
for children who display sensitivity to sounds
and loud noises. Explain to others guests that
they are not being rude or trying to get out of
the conversation, theyre simply keeping
themselves comfortable.
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Let them choose whats on their plate.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the
food and while you may want to encourage your
child to diversify their palette and eat all
their veggies, its not worth pushing these
changes at a time when they may already be
feeling overstimulated. Instead, let them choose
what they would and would not like to eat and
dont push them if they arent feeling super
hungry.
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Put together a routine for the holidays.
As mentioned above, disrupted routines can
sometimes leave children with ASD feeling
stressed or overwhelmed. This is because they
rely on the familiarity that a routine provides.
One way in which you can make this time a little
easier on them is by putting together a routine
for the holidays this way, they know what to
expect from each day. You should also spend some
time discussing your plans with them, so they can
ask any questions they might have.
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Discuss the holidays in therapy.
Whether your child attends family therapy or
occupational therapy, discussing the upcoming
holidays with their therapist can also be a great
way to prepare them for the changes and oncoming
chaos. For example, it could give them the chance
to develop coping skills that they can apply when
they feel overstimulated.
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Help them find familiarity in unfamiliar spaces.
Your home is likely your childs safe space,
again due to the fact that it provides them with
a sense of familiarity. However, as many of us
travel to spend time with family over the
holidays, its important that you find a way to
help them find familiarity in unfamiliar
environments. For example, you should bring along
some of their most treasured toys and belongings.
You could also make it easier for them to fall
asleep by bringing their favorite bedding along,
so the guest room feels a little more like home.
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Thank You
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