As we approach Thanksgiving this year, we would like to reflect on the aspects that we are extremely appreciative of. Although this year has been met with unprecedented challenges of all magnitudes and caused by a variety of factors, we have much to be thankful for. Here are just three of these.
Thankful For:
Interviewees: Our articles are all based on our own research or insights from those who we interview. These interviews are extremely meaningful to us and we are very grateful for those who have responded because it opens us to new perspectives. These interviews also enable a manner in which we can learn from others and their experiences. We are very thankful that these individuals have been willing to share about themselves and more about neurodiversity.
Friends and Family: The support of friends and family is also always extremely appreciated. During challenging times, we are inspired by the collaboration and support that is present.
You: This year, we are thankful for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to educate yourselves, and for putting in the effort towards cultivating a world that embraces neurodiversity. In a social climate that is currently so divided, every individual here understands the power of love that stems from understanding, compassion, and the desire to be better than who they currently are.
Resources for Thanksgiving:
We also wanted to list some resources that relate to neurodiversity and holiday celebrations, specifically Thanksgiving. Although a majority of these are geared towards individuals with autism, some of these tips can work for a wide range of other conditions under the umbrella of neurodiversity and we encourage everyone to do more research! The links to each of these articles will be in the references section in order of the list.
1. The Art of Autism: How Not to Make This Thanksgiving A #Turkeyacolypse
“How Not to Make This Thanksgiving a #Turkeyacolypse” is a compilation of of articles written by individuals who either have autism, or have autistic relatives. Tips on how autistic individuals can better handle holiday stressors or how to make autistic children more comfortable during the holidays are all included here.
2. Autistic Mama: 5 Simple Steps to Hosting an Autism-Friendly Thanksgiving
This article by the Autistic Mama highlights a few tips that can help individuals make Thanksgiving a better experience for family members with autism. From simply planning ahead to educating family members to asking about sensory needs, the article elaborates on the relative ease of ensuring Thanksgiving is filled with inclusivity.
3. Psychology Today: Holidays, Handled! Helping Your Neurodiverse Child Cope
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz discusses the T.A.R.G.E.T system, consisting of Theory, Analyze Antecedents, Rewards and Reinforcers, Goal-Directed Behavior, Educate for Effectiveness, and Train It In. While this article is a more general guide on planning for holiday parties that support neurodivergent individuals while taking these components into account, another article by Dr. Koslowitz offers more specified plans that work for many.
4. Florida Autism Center: 5 Tips for Thanksgiving with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
The Florida Autism Center’s article, “5 Tips for Thanksgiving with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum” discusses simple measures that can be taken in order to provide the best possible experience for an autistic child. Many of the steps discussed in this article relate back to acting in a considerate manner by educating other family members on what works best with your child and helping your child acclimate to the holiday environment.
5. Organization for Autism Research: Autistic Adults Share What Helped (And What Didn’t) Manage the Stress of the Holidays
In this blog post by Ellen Stumbo, Stumbo reveals the responses from individuals who are a part of the autism community when asked questions such as, “What helped you (and what did not help you) manage the stress of the Holidays?” and “What should parents of kids on the autism spectrum keep in mind to help their kids when the Holiday ‘fun’ feels overwhelming?” Some of the tips that were given include having patience and compassion, allowing music and headphones, setting up a routine or schedule, and offering breaks.
6. The Art of Autism: Insights From an Autistic Woman on How to Deal with Holiday Stressors
In Kimberly Gerry-Tucker’s article, “Insights From an Autistic Woman on How to Deal with Holiday Stressors”, she discusses how holidays may be difficult for autistic individuals as they often are accompanied with unpredictability. Oftentimes, individuals on the autism spectrum rely on routine and Gerry-Tucker’s personal outline of how to adapt to holiday stressors include “finding a safe place to decompress” and the importance of doing what makes you comfortable.
References:
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