A happier Thanksgiving for children and teens with special needs: 12 simple strategies

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Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday growing up. Then I had a child with special needs who couldn't stand the hustle and bustle at our home because of his sensory issues. Meltdowns were inevitable, along with the occasional eye-roll from relatives who thought Max was just being a "brat" and my own disappointment—I so wanted him to enjoy Thanksgiving. It took me a while to accept that even if Max was sitting by himself in the living room, zoning out with a video, that was his idea of a good time. I needed to let go.

These are the best strategies I've learned from experience, and other parents, for making Thanksgiving—and any holiday—happier for children with special needs.

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DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.