Giving Thanks in Different Ways: Exploring Non-Verbal Expressions of Gratitude

Giving Thanks in Different Ways: Exploring Non-Verbal Expressions of Gratitude

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Thanksgiving and the season of thanks bring us an opportunity to express our gratitude. For children with autism, sometimes showing gratitude is a little challenging if they have challenges with verbal communication. Gratitude does not need to be spoken to be meaningful. There are innumerable ways that children with autism can share their thankfulness in ways that feel comfortable, authentic, and accessible to them. Exploring non-verbal expressions of gratitude can become a lovely way to connect, communicate, and celebrate the spirit of thankfulness.

Art as a Gratitude Expression

Art provides an impressive avenue for speaking about what is in their hearts. With autistic children, drawing or painting is an effective activity for making the statement, "Thank you," but not verbally. Let them create a card, paint a picture, or decorate a small gift to express this appreciation. This can let them express themselves meaningfully but, at the same time, help their creativity as they make art for someone special. The receiver gets to have something special.

Gestures and body language

A gentle touch, a smile, or even an enthusiastic high-five can speak volumes about gratitude. For many children with autism, gestures are much more easily managed than words and can become meaningful tokens of appreciation. Teaching simple gestures, such as hand-over-heart, can help children communicate "thank you" without needing to say it. Such gestures can later become comforting ways for children to communicate their feelings when words become too much or difficult.

Tactile Tokens of Thanks

Having or making a token is a way for children with autism to show appreciation, too. A small, little handmade bangle, your favorite soft toy, or even an inflatable ball thing might have some value in a sense, and hence it stands to be a very real kind of token. Physical tokens do not need to always be big or complicated- what matters here is what is in it and all the effort it took you to make one. These tokens may be the gateway to enabling children to express their thankfulness palpably and memorably.

Acts of Kindness and Helping

Sometimes, actions speak more than words. Helping around with chores, assisting in any activity, or even just simply being there can be effective ways to express thanks. For a child who could not utter a word for himself, an act may be an effective way for him to say thanks. His way of showing love or gratitude for people around may be simple actions such as helping a sibling with any task or even helping in the kitchen.

Personalized Routine or Rituals

Using gratitude as part of everyday routines or rituals can be comforting and meaningful. For example, setting up a "gratitude moment" each evening—whether it is a quiet hug, a sharing of a calming activity, or even a snuggle time—can be a precious ritual for both the child and their loved ones. This daily connection does not necessarily need words but allows gratitude to be expressed continually and comfortably.

Using Picture Supports to Show Appreciation 

A "thank you" board or a gratitude chart is an especially good visual support for children who learn very well by sight and image. The child can place images or symbols of what they are thankful for onto the board; this provides a visible, concrete expression of their thanks. Visual tools further foster the reflection of children on gratitude over time, creating a positive focus that allows them to build a sense of thankfulness.

Expressions of gratitude

Gratitude is an emotion that has been around the world. Children with autism can be shown many different ways to appreciate others in their ways. Therefore, we create an avenue for them to express appreciation, which enables us to make meaningful relationships and raise their confidence level. It is just as beautiful in its non-verbal sense, often more so, as it's reflective of the personal strengths, creativity, and true spirit of Thanksgiving.

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