Thanksgiving on the autism spectrum is usually a pretty intense experience. From the travel to the family issues to the food concerns, Thanksgiving can wreak havoc with carefully crafted schedules. And coping with family is tough enough without adding autism to the equation.

By the same token, Thanksgiving can also be a time when even the most critical family member can back off a bit to reflect on the good things in life. They may even reach out to a child or adult with autism, and find ways to connect.

If you're reading this, you've obviously snuck away from the festivities to take a break... check the web... and regroup. Do you need to vent? Cheer? Reflect?

Share your Thanksgiving thoughts!

Abilify, an anti-psychotic drug, has been approved for treatment of "irritability" in children with autism. According to a Reuters article:

The FDA decision allows Abilify to be used in patients aged 6 to 17 for symptoms of aggression toward others, deliberate self injury, temper tantrums and quickly changing moods.

Abilify should be part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational and social interventions for children with autistic disorder, the companies said in a statement.

You can read much more about Abilify in articles from the About.com Guide to Bipolar Disorder, including articles on the medication's chemistry, uses, side effects and impacts.

Are you considering Abilify for your child with autism? If so, what are your hopes and concerns?

This week, the Chicago Tribune came out with a long piece entitled Autism treatment: Science hijacked to support alternative therapies and subtitled Researchers' fears about misuse of their work come true. In essence, the article is a condemnation of the Defeat Autism Now or DAN protocol and other biomedical treatments for autism. Among the article's statements:

Most physicians recommend intensive behavioral therapy and, if asked, warn parents away from experimental treatments.

Even so, studies have found that up to three-quarters of families with children who have autism try at least some alternative therapies.

Physicians and others in the movement -- many affiliated with the organization Defeat Autism Now! -- say their treatment protocols rest on a foundation of solid science. But the Tribune found otherwise after speaking with dozens of scientists and physicians and reviewing thousands of pages of research and court testimony.

Later this week, another article came out entitled Autism treatment: Success stories more persuasive to some than hard data. The gist of the second article: kids with autism may improve with or without therapies, so it can be very hard to know what's "really" working.

As might be anticipated, the articles have raised a storm of protest -- and an equally hefty shower of approval. Two regular About.com commenters, Harold Doherty and Autism News Beat, take opposite perspectives. Harold is disturbed by what he feels is an anti-therapy stance by the Tribune, while Autism News Beat says "It's called journalism..... Get used to it. Expect more in the coming months as the news and entertainment media's narrative switches from "alternative medicine produces miracles" to "science is being highjacked to fool parents". Age of Autism, some of whose writers are specifically presented in a negative light in the Tribune articles, are predictably vocal in their criticism.

Whatever happens next, it seems clear that the autism wars are nowhere near over. In the present battle, the Chicago Tribune has made its point of view very clear indeed. It will be interesting to see whether Autism News Beat is right that the "narrative is changing."

My guess is that consensus is a very, very long way away.

There's no doubt about it: Thanksgiving can be tough on everyone. Every magazine, website and radio program has a story about an underdone turkey, a mean-spirited relative or the traffic jam from hell. But even Thanksgiving can be relatively mellow if you're prepared - and if your child with autism and your family members know what to expect. The simplest tools for success include:

Practice. Kids with autism do best when they know what's coming. This week, give your child plenty of practice with sitting at the table, eating at least a few bites of selected Thanksgiving foods, and saying hi to relatives.

AT THE SAME TIME, be sure your relatives are ready for your child. Do they know what foods he prefers? Are they aware of and okay with any special needs, behaviors, etc.?

Preparation. If you can, make a Thanksgiving picture book to show your child what to expect.

Plan B. If your child is likely to tantrum, or can only handle a couple of minutes at the table, how will you cope? Some options: bring along favorite videos and toys; assign one parent the job of taking your child outside to calm down; or bring two cars "just in case."

A Positive Perspective Even when things are toughest, it's certain that your child has built new skills over the past year - and it's important that you, your child and your extended family recognize positive changes. If your extended family isn't aware, you might even want to bring along photos or videos showing your child with autism doing something wonderful (dancing, playing with a sibling, or whatever you're most proud of). When you show off the pictures, be sure your child is there to enjoy his or her moment in the sun.

What are your best tips for a successful Thanksgiving? Please share!

• Before You Celebrate Thanksgiving with an Autistic Loved One
• Gluten-free Thanksgiving Recipes
• Autism and Thanksgiving Travel