Room at the Table: Making Thanksgiving Comfortable for Everyone

Thanksgiving is about gathering the people we love. For guests with autism or sensory needs, crowds, noise, and new foods can make that harder. A few small, thoughtful touches help everyone feel welcome. A great place to start: asking what helps.

Before the day

• Share the schedule for the day (general mingling, sit-down dinner, football game on TV, etc.) and who's coming, so there are fewer surprises.
• If your loved one hasn't been to your home before, a few pictures of inside your home can help.
• Let guests come early, leave early, or just join for the meal.

Make it cozy and calm

• Set aside a quiet room guests can go to if they get overwhelmed.
• Keep music and TV low.
• Skip scented candles and strong perfumes, there will be plenty of delicious scents from the kitchen.

Keep food easy

• Give guests a heads-up on what will be served.
• Invite guests to bring the foods they love.
• Serve sauces and toppings on the side so everyone can get what they like.
• Let every plate look the way its owner likes it.

Welcome everyone as they are

• Make traditions and hugs optional.
• Let breaks and stimming happen without comment.
• Be flexible - the most important thing is that you're surrounded by loved ones, no matter what that looks like.

Making room at the table is what this holiday is all about.