Teaching gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated. For children with autism, simple routines and small moments can help them learn to notice kindness, understand feelings, and build positive connections with others.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s about helping children recognize when something good happens, how it makes them feel, and who helped make it happen. With gentle practice, gratitude can become a natural part of a child’s day.

Why Gratitude Helps Children with Autism

Research shows that gratitude supports:

• Emotional awareness — helps children notice and understand their feelings
  
  
• Social skills — helps them recognize when someone helps or shares
  
  
• Resilience — shifts focus from challenges to positive moments
  
  
• Family connection — helps create warm and meaningful routines

For many children with autism, predictable routines and visual supports make learning gratitude easier and more meaningful.

Simple Ways to Teach Gratitude Every Day

Below are easy ideas parents can start using right away—no special materials needed!

1. Mealtime Gratitude Moments

During breakfast or dinner, ask your child:

• “What’s one good thing from today?”
  
  
• “Who helped you today?”
  
  

If talking is hard, your child can:

• Point to a picture
  
  
• Use a gesture or thumbs-up
  
  
• Show a favorite object they liked that day
  
  

Tip: Start with very simple answers like “I like my yogurt,” “I had fun outside,” or “Dad helped me.”

2. Gratitude in Playtime

Play is full of chances to notice kindness.

When your child shares a toy, helps a sibling, or receives help, try saying:

• “You shared your toy. That was kind!”
  
  
• “Your sister helped you. That was something to be thankful for.”
  
  

Praise the moment, not just the words. Even a smile or a small gesture counts.

3. For Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children

Gratitude can be shown in many ways beyond words.

Try using:

• A sign for “thank you”
  
  
• A picture card
  
  
• A smile or a wave
  
  
• Giving a small drawing
  
  
• Tapping a “thank you” button on a device
  
  

Celebrate any form of communication that shows appreciation.

Why These Routines Work

These gratitude practices help children:

• Notice positive moments in their day
  
  
• Understand the cause and effect of kindness
  
  
• Build stronger family and peer relationships
  
  
• Practice emotional intelligence in a simple way
  
  
• Feel more connected and understood
  
  

And they help parents, too—because gratitude is a calming practice for the whole family.

Tips for Parents

• Keep it short and simple
  
  
• Use routines you already have (meals, bedtime, play)
  
  
• Celebrate small steps
  
  
• Be patient—gratitude grows with repetition
  
  
• Model gratitude often (“I’m thankful you helped me clean up!”)
  
  

Your child learns as much from what you show as from what you say.

Gratitude isn’t about perfect manners—it’s about noticing everyday moments of kindness, joy, and connection. With small routines and gentle support, children with autism can learn gratitude in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them.

These little moments add up. Over time, they help children grow more confident, more emotionally aware, and more connected to the people around them.

How Autism West Behavior Partners Can Help

At Autism West Behavior Partners, we understand that every child learns and expresses gratitude in their own unique way. Our team of compassionate therapists works alongside families to make social-emotional growth—like practicing thankfulness—feel natural, achievable, and part of everyday life.

Have questions? We’re here to help.

📍 Serving Aurora, Northglenn and Westminster
📧info@awbpartners.com
🌐 https://www.autismwestbehavioralpartners.com/ 

Resources: 

https://childwiseaba.com/why-gratitude-matters-in-children-with-asd/ 

https://theautismhelper.com/teaching-thankful/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/teaching-your-child-gratitude