[Round Up] Thanksgiving Recipes + Tips for a Successful Day!
Holidays can sometimes feel like a challenge to navigate when you have a child with autism. With a food-focused holiday like Thanksgiving, it can be tricky to find foods that fit into a nourishing diet. That’s why we’ve collected 20+ autism recipe ideas that are free from gluten, dairy, soy, and corn (many are nut-free too!).
As parents, we look forward to celebrating the holidays each year. What’s not to love? We get to catch up with loved ones, eat delicious food, and take the day off from work to celebrate. But for our kids on the autism spectrum, it's a day full of chaos and things outside their comfort zone. A different routine, new foods, and new people can really stress out a child with autism. Below are 8 tips to help your Thanksgiving work for you AND your child!
8ThanksgivingTips
Talk about it ahead of time - Sometimes knowing what to expect can make a big difference, so if your child is old enough to have a conversation about what the day will look like on Thanksgiving, it can be helpful to talk about your plan for the day. If there are choices your child is able to be a part of, try to include them. For instance, what snacks would they like to have that day, or what toy(s) would they like to bring with them to grandma’s house? Giving them some input with the small things can help give them a sense of control on a day that is full of new and different things.
Try to make Thanksgiving about more than just food - For many kiddos with autism, having a day full of foods they don’t normally eat can be really stressful. While adults may be really excited about turkey and all the trimmings, that can be a nightmare for a picky eater. There is so much more to Thanksgiving than just the food, so make a point to enjoy some non-food traditions - things like watching the parade on TV, playing games together as a family, or making a “thankfulness tree” full of all the things you are thankful for this year.
Don’t put too much pressure on what your child eats - Thanksgiving is just one day of the year, so if your child doesn’t want to eat anything on the table (except maybe a dinner roll), that’s okay. Maybe ask your child ahead of time what they would like to eat, and include that on the table, or get them involved in washing potatoes, or mixing the salad. Try to keep things positive and help make happy Thanksgiving memories with your child.
Come up with a plan - Before the big day, try to think of how your child might respond to what you have planned and decide how you’ll handle it if your child gets overwhelmed and acts out. Plan to have a quiet place for your child to retreat to if all the commotion gets to be too much.
Eat a “normal” meal - Earlier in the day, try to have a “normal” meal with foods your child eats on a routine basis. That way, even if they don’t eat a ton at the Thanksgiving meal, they’ll have a chance to fill up on their regular foods earlier in the day. Hangry kids are no fun, so make sure your child has a chance to eat before all the festivities begin.
Include some snacks - Most kids love snacks, so have some on hand that your child enjoys. Try balanced snacks like trail mix, crackers with hummus, apples and peanut butter, a smoothie, or LaraBar. You know your child best, so choose the snacks they are most likely to eat. This is a great post if you need snack ideas for children with autism.
Talk to the host - If you’ll be going to someone’s house for Thanksgiving, talk with the host ahead of time. If they’re not familiar with you and your child, you may need to let them know that your child may not be able to sit at the table the entire meal, or eat everything (or anything!) on the table. Your child might need a quiet place they can go if things get to be too much for them. Sometimes a simple explanation ahead of time can help avoid any awkward situations at meal time, and most hosts are understanding and accommodating.
Be prepared - If you’re heading to another home for Thanksgiving, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need for a successful holiday. Bring toys, games, or whatever your child may need to feel comfortable and calm. Pack extra food and snacks, so your child has something to eat. Consider fueling them with a hearty meal right before you go in case they don’t eat much while you are there. Try to anticipate what your child might need (headphones, a special toy or blanket).
Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about family and togetherness, so above all, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to create the “perfect” day. Focus on fun and quality time together, and don’t worry too much about all the details. You’ve got this - the thing kids remember most is the time spent with family.
20+Thanksgiving Recipes
Appetizers and Snacks
Appetizers and snacks can be a great way to make sure your child has fun foods to eat on Thanksgiving. They are easy to make, and low pressure - you can set them on the table and allow your child to enjoy them whenever they are hungry. It’s also a great way to sneak in fiber and nutrient-rich foods that your child might not otherwise eat.
Ranch Hummus - Serve with your child’s favorite veggies or gluten-free crackers.
Spinach Artichoke Dip - Serve with plantain chips, veggies, or gluten-free bread.
Pigs in a Blanket - This is a great nut-free recipe that uses grass-fed cocktail sausages.
Bacon Wrapped Dates - These are the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Fruit with Coconut Whipped Cream Dip - Coconut whipped cream makes the perfect dip for just about any fruit.
Turkey Veggie Tray - This veggie tray is so cute and festive, it may help picky eaters to get more excited about trying some veggies!
Snack Board - These are so fun, and you can include whatever foods your child loves. Put together a cutting board loaded with dips, veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, jam, gluten-free crackers, and let your child have at it!
Main Dish
Most thanksgiving main dishes revolve around meat, which can be tough for an autistic kiddo to eat for a variety of reasons. Meat can be notoriously tough for kids to chew and swallow, and many kids just don’t love the texture. Here are some ideas to mix things up if you’re looking to try a twist on a traditional main dish!
Turkey Meatballs and Gravy - If your child likes ground meat, this could be a good option to try.
Turkey Burger - This easy recipe is perfect for the kiddo who will eat anything on a bun!
Glazed Ham - Glazed meats are moist and flavorful, and are usually tender enough for kiddos who struggle with tough meat. Just be sure to cut them in very small pieces!
Falafel - If you’re looking for a kid-friendly vegetarian option, falafel are great, especially served with your child’s favorite dip.
Side Dishes
Side dishes are an excellent way to add variety and include some of your child’s favorite foods. Here are some Thanksgiving sides that are sure to be a hit!
Mashed Potatoes - These dairy free mashed potatoes are so creamy, and always a crowd pleaser.
Gluten-free Dinner Rolls - Rolls are a favorite for so many, and here’s an easy version to try!
Green Beans with Bacon - Bacon gives this dish so much flavor, and it couldn’t be easier to throw together. You can sub any veggies your child enjoys - try cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, or peas.
Gluten-free Stuffing (or Dressing) - This recipe is easy and full of delicious herbs.
Cranberry Sauce - For a twist on traditional cranberry sauce, this one uses some orange zest and juice, and is so fresh and bright. To make it a uniform texture, puree it with an immersion blender before cooling, or spoon it into a regular blender and blend until smooth.
Desserts
Who doesn’t love a good dessert on Thanksgiving?!? It is definitely possible to have delicious gluten and dairy-free dessert, and here are a few of my favorites!
Pumpkin Pie - Here’s a traditional take on a classic Thanksgiving dessert.
Coconut Milk Vanilla Ice Cream - This is the perfect topping for a pie fresh from the oven. You can sub up to half of the cane sugar with maple syrup if you are looking to reduce sugar intake.
Apple Crisp - Warm apples with fall spices pair well with ice cream for dessert.
Pumpkin Bread - For those kiddos who love anything bread-based, this recipe is a keeper. Just be sure to use gluten-free oat flour.
Hot Cocoa - This is great if you are too tired for a fancy dessert, but want something warm and cozy. As a bonus, kids love it!
Store-Bought Shortcuts
Sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to make everything from scratch. Here are some great options for store-bought shortcuts.
Simple Mills Bread Mix - This can be used to make dinner rolls!
Gluten-free Pie Crust Mix
No matter what recipes you choose, Thanksgiving will be special because of the time you spend as a family. Get your child involved in the kitchen, watch a movie or parade together, get outside and play in the leaves, or play a favorite game. There are so many great ways to connect and make Thanksgiving special!
A note on ingredient quality: If possible, choose products with ingredients that are primarily organic and non-GMO. Stores such as Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and other health food stores can help finding higher-quality products and ingredients. If access to higher quality products isn't an option for you, choose the best option that is available to you locally.
