Autumn is here, bringing with it cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the excitement of seasonal traditions like Halloween and pumpkin patches. But for children with autism, the shift in routines and sensory input can be both stimulating and overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to carve out time for activities that are both fun and supportive of their unique needs.
At Healing Haven, we believe in creating meaningful moments that nurture growth and joy. These six fall-inspired activities are simple, budget-friendly, and designed to engage your child’s senses while building important skills.
1. Sensory Bin Fun
Sensory bins are a wonderful way to provide calming tactile input while encouraging fine motor development. Fill a small container with dried corn, pinecones, chestnuts, or other fall-themed items. Add tools like spoons, cups, or tweezers to help your child scoop, pour, and explore textures. These bins offer a soothing experience and can be easily customized to your child’s preferences. Need more inspiration? Check out additional sensory bin ideas here.
2. Bake Seasonal Treats
Baking is a great way to practice following directions, sequencing, and turn-taking—all while enjoying a delicious reward. Try making pumpkin muffins, Halloween cookies, or a warm fruit crisp together. For a cozy outdoor twist, roast marshmallows over a fire (or use a grill or oven if that feels safer). The combination of smells, textures, and tastes makes this a rich sensory experience your child will love.
3. Get Crafty with Fall Themes
Crafting is a creative outlet that can also support sensory regulation and fine motor skills. Apples and leaves are perfect materials for fall-themed projects. Cut apples in half, dip them in paint, and stamp them on paper for a festive design. Or gather leaves from your yard and place them under paper to create rubbings with crayons or oil pastels. As you craft, talk with your child about the shapes, colors, and textures they’re discovering. For more ideas, explore this list from The Everymom.
4. Make a Corn Squish Bag
For kids who love squishy textures, this DIY activity is a hit. Fill a Ziploc bag with clear hair gel, corn kernels, and a few drops of food coloring. You can even decorate the outside with fall-themed drawings using permanent markers. This activity is not only fun but also a great opportunity to practice following steps and working together.
5. Explore the Outdoors
Michigan’s fall transformation is truly magical—vibrant leaves, crisp air, and golden sunlight. Spending time outside can be grounding and joyful for children with autism. Take a walk through your neighborhood or visit a local trail to observe the seasonal changes. You can also rake leaves together and create a pile to jump into. The textures, sounds, and movement offer rich sensory input and a chance to connect with nature.
6. Carve Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving is a classic fall tradition that’s full of sensory exploration. From the smooth exterior to the slimy seeds inside, this activity engages multiple senses. Let your child help scoop out the insides, choose a design, and watch the transformation as their pumpkin lights up. You can even roast the seeds for a crunchy snack or bake a pumpkin treat to extend the fun.
Prepare for Halloween
As you enjoy these fall activities, it’s also a great time to begin preparing your child for Halloween. If dressing up or trick-or-treating is new or challenging for them, we’ve put together some helpful strategies in our blog post: Halloween and Autism: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Child.
Autumn offers so many opportunities to create joyful, sensory-rich experiences that support your child’s development. Whether you’re crafting at home or exploring your community, these moments can be both therapeutic and fun.