SharonKingWorldWide November 2026 Newsletter
Gratitude Begins With Understanding: A Thanksgiving Where Everyone Belongs
Hello, my beautiful special needs community!
Welcome to November a month to reflect, give thanks, honor our veterans, and recognize the caregivers whose love and dedication often happen behind the scenes. At SharonKingWorldWide, my Thanksgiving wish is that every child, adult, parent, and caregiver feels welcomed, respected, and supported. As we prepare for the holidays, let’s think beyond inviting someone into our homes. Let’s consider what they need to feel comfortable once they arrive.
Thanksgiving Through a Different Lens
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26. For some families, the excitement of gathering brings additional planning and concerns. A crowded kitchen, strong food smells, overlapping conversations, unfamiliar faces, or a change in routine may feel overwhelming to a child or adult with sensory sensitivities. What feels festive to one person may feel uncomfortable to another. (archives.gov)
A child who covers their ears, moves away from the table, or needs a break may be communicating discomfort. Before making assumptions about their behavior, pause and consider what they might need. Ask their parent or caregiver how to help, and include the individual in that conversation in whatever way they communicate.
Understanding can change the entire experience of a family gathering.
Preparing for a More Comfortable Celebration
Small adjustments can make holiday plans more manageable:
- Explain the plan. Talk about where you are going, who will be there, and what activities to expect. Pictures or a simple visual schedule may help some children.
- Make room for breaks. Identify a quiet place where someone can step away without being questioned or embarrassed.
- Welcome familiar foods. Ask about allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences ahead of time. Avoid turning dinner into a test of whether someone will try a new food.
- Bring familiar supports. Headphones, a favorite item, or a communication device may help someone participate comfortably.
- Keep plans flexible. A shorter visit, a different mealtime, or a celebration at home may work best for your family.
Parents and caregivers, you are allowed to make decisions based on your family’s needs. You do not owe anyone a perfect holiday performance.
Every Way of Communicating Deserves Respect
Some children and adults communicate through speech, gestures, signs, pictures, or communication devices. Others may need more time to respond. Speak directly to the person, allow time, and avoid assuming that someone who does not speak has nothing to say.
Please do not require a spoken greeting, a hug, eye contact, or participation in a photograph as proof of good manners or gratitude. Offer choices and respect the response. Connection can happen through sharing space, enjoying an activity, or simply being welcomed without pressure.
November Is National Family Caregivers Month
This month, we recognize family caregivers and the many responsibilities they carry. Behind a holiday gathering may be a parent who has already coordinated transportation, packed familiar foods, prepared their child for a new environment, and explained accommodations to relatives all before arriving. (acl.gov)
To our caregivers: your effort deserves recognition, and your needs deserve attention. You can love your family deeply and still feel tired. You can be grateful and still need help.
To friends and relatives: offer something specific. Bring a meal, help with cleanup, or ask what task would make the day easier. If you offer to assist with caregiving, follow the individual’s preferences and the caregiver’s guidance. Support should help the family feel comfortable accepting it.
November 11: Honoring Our Veterans
On Veterans Day, we honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces. We extend our appreciation to veterans living with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers. Honoring their service includes listening to their experiences, respecting their needs, and supporting their participation in our communities throughout the year. (department.va.gov)
November Is National Epilepsy Awareness Month
November also brings attention to individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Awareness is an opportunity to replace assumptions with understanding and learn how to offer informed support. The Epilepsy Foundation provides information and seizure first aid education. When hosting someone with epilepsy, ask what they would like you to know and respect their privacy. (epilepsy.com)
Celebrate Progress Without Comparison
This Thanksgiving, make space to appreciate the moments that matter to your family. Perhaps your child communicated a need, requested a break, tried an activity, or enjoyed time with someone they trust. Perhaps you asked for help or protected time to rest.
Progress looks different for everyone. Your family’s meaningful moments do not have to resemble anyone else’s.
Visit Our Special Needs Resource Section
Please visit SharonKingWorldWide and select the Resources tab to explore our special needs resource section. We created this space to help individuals, parents, and caregivers begin their search for information and support. Eligibility, services, costs, and availability vary by state and location, so please confirm details directly with each organization.
A Personal Thanksgiving Message
To families navigating grief, financial hardship, exhaustion, or uncertainty this season: you do not have to hide your struggles to make others comfortable. Gratitude can exist alongside difficult feelings.
My hope is that your Thanksgiving includes moments when you can exhale, enjoy your loved ones, and feel accepted as you are. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer at the table is understanding.
With love , appreciation and gratitude,
Sharon Mae King
Founder, SharonKingWorldWide