Preparing for Thanksgiving Break: Helping Autistic Children Transition with Confidence
- Amy's Angels Health Care Team
- Nov 11, 2025
- 2 min read
For many families, Thanksgiving week is a time to relax, connect, and create memories. But for children on the autism spectrum, the sudden change in routine, especially now that most schools close for the entire week, can bring stress, anxiety, and dysregulation.
At Amy’s Angels Health Care, we know how important structure and predictability are. So let’s walk through how to prepare your child (and your household) for a smoother transition into the holiday week and set everyone up for success.
🧩 Why Thanksgiving Break Can Be Challenging
Loss of routine: No school, no buses, no structured schedule, it can feel like a freefall.
Sensory overload: Holiday decorations, food smells, loud gatherings, and bright lights may be overstimulating.
Unfamiliar social settings: Visiting extended family, sitting at big tables, or dressing up can cause discomfort or confusion.
Unclear expectations: Without consistent cues, kids may not understand what’s happening or what comes next.
✅ Tips to Help Your Child Prepare for the Break
1. Preview the Week Together
Use a visual schedule, calendar, or storybook to map out what the week will look like. Talk through each day, especially if things will feel different from the norm.
2. Maintain a Daily Rhythm
Try to stick to consistent wake-up, meal, and bedtime routines even without school. Use the extra time to build in relaxing activities, nature walks, reading time, screen breaks, or quiet play.
Pro tip: Write out a “home day” routine and hang it in a shared space for the whole family to follow.
3. Talk About Changes in Advance
If you're traveling, having visitors, or changing plans, give your child as much notice as possible. Use simple language or social stories to explain what’s coming.
4. Plan for Downtime
Set up a cozy break space at home or take sensory tools with you if you’re visiting others. Headphones, fidget toys, weighted items, and a few favorite snacks can help your child stay regulated in unfamiliar places.
5. Practice Transitions in Small Ways
The week before break, start practicing mini-transitions. For example:
Change one part of your morning routine
Visit a new park or store
Eat dinner at a different time
This helps build flexibility without pressure.
6. Include Them in Thanksgiving Prep
Let your child help pick a dish, decorate a napkin, or make place cards. Giving them a “job” helps increase confidence, ownership, and engagement.
Not into big meals? That’s okay. Do what works for your family.
Parents and caregivers: breaks are hard for you, too. Take small moments to breathe, regulate, and reach out if you're feeling overwhelmed.
We now offer Group Therapy for Parents and Caregivers at Amy’s Angels because your mental health matters just as much.
💛 Final Thoughts: Make Room for Flexibility
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. The goal is connection, not perfection. Supporting your autistic child through this unstructured week will help them feel safe, confident, and included and that’s what makes the holiday meaningful.
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