The Day After Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weekend is over. Now what? For my daughter with autism, returning to normal routines after days of disruption requires intentional support and planning.
Why Post-Thanksgiving Recovery Matters
- Sensory system exhausted from overstimulation
- Sleep schedule disrupted
- Routines broken
- Emotional regulation depleted
- Transition back to school looming
Our Post-Thanksgiving Recovery Plan
- Return to normal wake/sleep times immediately. Friday morning, we’re back to regular schedule.
- Resume normal meal routines. Regular foods, regular times, familiar routines.
- Provide extra downtime. Friday and Saturday are low-key days with minimal demands.
- Limit social activities. No playdates or extra events—she needs recovery time.
- Do a school-routine practice. Sunday, we practice the school morning routine.
- Use calming sensory activities. Extra bath time, quiet reading, familiar comfort activities.
Preparing to Return to School
Monday means back to school. We prepare by:
Reviewing the school schedule visually
Talking about what to expect (normal routine returns)
Packing backpack together Sunday night
Practicing the morning routine Sunday morning
Early bedtime Sunday night
Ezducate Social Stories
- “Going Back to My Regular Routine”
- “After the Holiday Is Over”
- “Returning to School After Thanksgiving”
- “When Special Days End”
Recovery Is Part of the Holiday
Plan for post-Thanksgiving recovery just as intentionally as you plan for Thanksgiving itself. Building in downtime and routine restoration helps kids on the spectrum bounce back after holiday disruption.
Navigate Transitions with Ezducate
Ezducate
Ezducate provides social stories about returning to routines after holidays.
Subscribe at www.ezducate.ai.
EZRead
EZRead offers reading tools for children with autism and learning differences.
Visit www.ezread.ai.
Plan your post-Thanksgiving recovery. Subscribe to Ezducate at www.ezducate.ai and visit www.ezread.ai.
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