Navigating Thanksgiving with Your Child
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for families to come together and give thanks. For families with children on the autism spectrum, it can present unique challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies can be used in ensuring a successful and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner for children with autism.
Visual Supports: Visual supports are powerful tools for children with autism. Create a visual schedule or social story to help your child understand the Thanksgiving day plan. This can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of predictability.
Sensory Friendly Environment: To create a sensory-friendly environment, consider dimming lights, reducing noise levels, and offering sensory-friendly items such as noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys. Providing a safe space for your child to take breaks can also be helpful.
Reinforcement: Utilize reinforcement principles to encourage positive behavior during the Thanksgiving meal. Don’t forget to reinforce or praise your child for throughout the gathering.
Food Selectivity: Many children with autism have food preferences or aversions. To accommodate this, consider preparing familiar foods that your child enjoys. Respect their food choices to make the meal less stressful.
If there is a specific skill you would like to practice with your child, talk to your ABA team about how they can support a successful Thanksgiving!
At The Co-Creative Center, we specialized in providing exceptional ABA therapy services. Our team of dedicated clinicians is committed to helping individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges reach their full potential. We offer personalized ABA therapy programs tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. To learn more about our services and how we can support you and your family, please visit our website thecocreatives.com today! Together, we can create positive and lasting changes in the lives of those we serve.
