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5 Fun & Sensory-Friendly Fall Activities for Parents with Autistic Children

By Crystal Jordan

Auesomely You Magazine

Published: 9/20/2025

Pillar Focus:  Parenting & Caregiving | Advocacy

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Fall is here — crisp air, colorful leaves, and a season full of transitions. For parents raising children on the autism spectrum, autumn brings unique opportunities to create moments of joy, growth, and connection. As both a mom and an advocate, I know this season can feel busy, but it’s also the perfect time to slow down and lean into experiences that celebrate our children’s uniqueness.


Here are five meaningful ways to embrace fall with your auesome child:


1. Explore Sensory-Friendly Fall Activities

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, or even a neighborhood nature walk can be full of sensory input. Prepare ahead with noise-canceling headphones, a favorite snack, or a fidget toy. Let your child explore at their pace — crunching leaves, picking pumpkins, or simply enjoying the sights and smells.


2. Create Seasonal Routines

Autumn often means new schedules — school, therapies, holidays around the corner. Build predictable routines with visual schedules or a first-then board to help your child transition smoothly. Adding a fun fall activity, like “Pumpkin Friday,” can make routine shifts exciting instead of stressful.


3. Use Fall Crafts for Communication

Art is a beautiful bridge for expression. Try leaf rubbings, painting pumpkins, or building a fall sensory bin. Pair the activity with AAC, signs, or simple phrases to encourage communication. “Orange leaf!” or “Pumpkin big!” can turn play into practice.


👉 If your child is nonverbal, find creative ways to help them use words. My son has an AAC device, but I also created low-tech communication lanyards for when the device isn’t available or needs charging. I made lanyards not just for him, but for his teachers, therapists, and even family members — so everyone can stay consistent. It’s important for my son to start using his voice, because one day, he’ll need to know he can advocate for himself.


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4. Celebrate Strengths Through Play

Cooler weather is perfect for active games — jumping in leaves, obstacle courses, or indoor sensory play. These activities help regulate energy and build motor skills. More importantly, they highlight what your child can do, creating confidence and joy.


5. Make Space for Family Traditions

Holidays are coming, but traditions don’t have to be overwhelming. Keep them simple and sensory-friendly. Maybe it’s baking cookies together, hosting a quiet family movie night, or lighting a candle to mark the season change. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating memories your child can feel safe and included in.


🍁 Fall isn’t just a season; it’s an opportunity to see the world through your child’s eyes. These small, intentional moments remind us that every day can be a celebration of being Auesomely You.


👉 Read more stories like this at auesomelyyoumagazine.com




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