Thanksgiving Made Simple (Autism-Friendly Ideas + Free Stuff)
Thanksgiving can be really fun… but it can also be loud, busy, and full of surprises. If you’re supporting autistic kids (or a whole class), the goal isn’t “perfect”. It’s calm, clear, and everyone is included.
This page has songs, printables, crafts, maths, communication and things you can do on Thanksgiving with people who have special needs.
Quick note: Thanksgiving is mostly a US/Canadian holiday.
1) Communication help (food choices + “thank you” talk)
These are great for kids who need visuals to join in.
Thanksgiving Communication Board (free PDF) – “I am thankful for…” choices and blanks to add your own.
Thanksgiving core + fringe communication board (single-page board with common words).
AAC-friendly Thanksgiving ideas + free boards (a curated list from an AAC site).
Download this November Song – piggyback lyrics by Jaen and Pat, sing:
How Much is That Doggie in the Window?
Simple way to use it: Pop the board on the table before lunch and model 2–3 short phrases like “I want ___”, “more please”, “all done”.
2) A simple Thanksgiving “story script” (social story)
This helps kids know what’s coming next (and feel safe).
“My Family’s Thanksgiving” social skill story (PDF) – fill-in-the-blanks, very kid-friendly.
Another free Thanksgiving social story (PDF) – useful if your day includes travel/visitors.
Here is a simple Thanksgiving story script that you can rehearse during November.
3) Word search (quick quiet activity)
Free Thanksgiving word search (PDF/printable) with different difficulty levels.
Here’s another Thanksgiving word search. Download it and have some fun
4) Calendar skills (November practice)
If you liked the old “November calendar skills” worksheet idea, this is a great modern replacement:
Free November calendar worksheet (printable) – good for date questions and routines.
Do you want to have some November calendar skills? Download this worksheet
5) Reading comprehension (simple and printable)
Free Thanksgiving reading comprehension PDFs (Grades 1–5) – multiple worksheet options to download.
Free Thanksgiving worksheets library (lots of printable options in one spot).
Do you want to try this Thanksgiving reading comprehension worksheet? If so, you can download it and have some fun.
6) Maths folder game vibes (addition + counting)
Check out this Thanksgiving folder game. There are 2 pages of games for you to try.
Free printable Thanksgiving maths worksheets (counting, addition, puzzles).
Thanksgiving-specific maths worksheets (addition/subtraction and more).
7) Thanksgiving coin counting
Free download Thanksgiving coin counting worksheet that will keep them entertained.
Free coin counting worksheets (printable, lots of levels).
8) Crafts (turkeys kids actually want to make)
Paper bag turkey puppet (free template) – fun and easy, good for fine motor skills.
Hand and foot turkey craft – classic and super visual.
Paper bag turkey craft (Crayola) – another option if you want a different style.
Download this Colour a Turkey worksheet for some Thanksgiving fun.
9) “What can you say thank you for?” conversation board
If you want the same idea without buying anything:
A seasonal conversation starter board that you can try. What Can You Say Thank You For?
Gratitude worksheets and activities (free printables) – prompts, journals, scavenger hunt ideas.
Free gratitude conversation starters (printable prompts).
Print this Thanksgiving food choice sheet to promote topical verbal and nonverbal exchanges. You can do this during morning circle, calendar time, or whenever you want to practice choice-making and conversation.
Bonus: “Veteran’s Day Word Search” with an Aussie-friendly option
Instead of US Veteran’s Day, here’s a brilliant Australian alternative:
Remembrance Day word search (Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Anzac Portal)
Click to download this Veteran’s Day Word Search. You’ll have fun doing this.
Here’s a super simple “Thanksgiving mini-plan” (no overwhelm):
Print 1 communication board
Pick 1 calm worksheet (word search or reading)
Pick 1 craft (paper bag turkey or hand/foot turkey)
Add 1 gratitude prompt at the end of the day