Can Your Family Enjoy Thanksgiving Despite Sensory Overload?
Support for atypical kids doesn’t stop on holidays.
Published in
4 min readNov 24, 2020
This year is so different, and for some families, like ours, that’s actually a blessing. There is less pressure to be social, and fewer critical eyes on our family. Maybe I’ll stay in my stretchy pants all weekend!
Noticing Resistance
Still, there are feelings. Notice yours. Give them space.
A day dedicated to gratitude (and eating) has always been a favorite of mine, but since having my atypical kid, it has been different. Not worse, but different - more stressful. Here’s what I try to do throughout the day:
- Notice what is happening.
- Notice any resistance to what’s happening.
- If possible, relax that resistance.
Sensory support doesn’t stop on holidays. When schedules are different, it can be dis-regulating for everyone. We may need to let something slide, or create some structure. I encourage you to be proactive.
