10 Sensory-Friendly Autumn Activities for Kids with Autism

By Matt Rokowsky

Autumn is here! This incredible season brings a shift in the world that’s hard to ignore. The air turns crisp, leaves transform into a palette of red, orange, and gold, and routines settle into the rhythm of school days and shorter evenings. While many children revel in the seasonal fun that comes with fall, children with autism may experience these changes differently. Sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, and unfamiliar social expectations can make fall traditions challenging. 

As the CEO of Above and Beyond Therapy, where we provide personalized ABA therapy in Nebraska, I’ve seen firsthand how, through thoughtful planning and sensory-friendly adaptations, autumn can be transformed into a season of discovery, comfort, and joy for children with autism. To help families embrace this beautiful time of year, here are 10 sensory-friendly autumn activities designed especially for kids with autism.

Nature Walks: Exploring the Outdoors at a Comfortable Pace

One of the simplest yet most effective sensory-friendly activities is a nature walk through a quiet park or trail. The rich visuals of falling leaves, the crunch underfoot, and the cool breeze offer a multi-sensory experience that can be calming and grounding. For children who may be sensitive to noise or unexpected stimulation, choosing less crowded times (like weekday mornings) can make the experience more manageable. Allowing the child to collect natural items such as pinecones or acorns also creates opportunities for tactile exploration and imaginative play.

Leaf Rubbing: A Gentle and Creative Indoor Activity

Leaf rubbing is a gentle, creative indoor activity that invites kids to explore texture and pattern in a low-stimulation environment. All that’s needed are leaves, paper, and crayons. Children place the leaf under the paper and gently rub over it with the side of a crayon to reveal the design. This can be a soothing and focused art project that helps build fine motor skills while also reinforcing nature vocabulary and observation skills.

Sensory Bins with Autumn Themes

Sensory bins with autumn themes are another engaging option. These can be filled with dried corn, uncooked rice dyed in fall colors, cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, felt leaves, or acorns. Children can scoop, sort, and explore the items at their own pace. The tactile feedback from these materials can be very regulating for sensory seekers, and for kids who are sensory avoidant, the activity can be tailored with gloves or tools to help them feel comfortable. 

Adding scent in subtle ways (like a drop of apple or pumpkin spice essential oil) can gently introduce olfactory input, but should always be tested cautiously based on a child’s specific sensitivities.

Baking: A Multisensory Learning Experience

Baking is a wonderful multisensory experience! Making a simple fall recipe (like pumpkin muffins or apple crisp) can become a rich learning opportunity. Measuring, stirring, and pouring all support executive function and fine motor development, while the smells and tastes of fall offer natural sensory exploration. For children with food aversions or sensitivities, baking can be used purely as a process activity with no pressure to eat the final product. 

Creating a visual recipe chart can help children with autism follow along step by step, which will reduce anxiety and increase independence.

Pumpkin Decorating: A Sensory-Friendly Alternative

Pumpkin decorating is another favorite fall tradition that can easily be adapted for sensory preferences. Instead of traditional pumpkin carving, which involves slippery textures and the potential discomfort of handling pumpkin guts, consider painting, using stickers, or attaching craft materials like googly eyes and pipe cleaners. These alternatives can be much more enjoyable for children who are sensitive to messy or strong-smelling activities. Providing tools like paint brushes or foam dabbers can also offer more control over the sensory experience.

Reading Autumn-Themed Books to Build Seasonal Awareness

Reading autumn-themed books is an excellent way to build seasonal awareness while supporting language development. Books with predictable text, engaging visuals, or sensory elements (like touch-and-feel books) can be particularly effective for kids with autism. After reading, children can draw their favorite part of the story or act out scenes with toys. This helps with comprehension and imaginative play. 

Creating a Fall-Themed Calm-Down Corner

Creating a fall-themed calm-down corner is a valuable strategy during a stimulating season. This space can include soft blankets, fall-scented diffusers (if appropriate), noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and calming visuals like pictures of autumn landscapes. This designated area gives the child a safe retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Including autumn-themed visuals (like falling leaves) reinforces seasonal concepts while providing comfort.

Fall Obstacle Courses That Combine Movement and Sensory Regulation

For children who enjoy structured tasks and movement, a fall obstacle course can be a fun way to combine physical play with sensory regulation. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, the course can include activities like stepping over pumpkins, crawling under leaf garlands, or jumping onto pictures of autumn objects. Each section of the course can be adapted for the child's sensory preferences and physical ability. Clear visual instructions or cue cards can also make it more accessible!

Arts and Crafts Using Natural Materials

Arts and crafts using natural materials are another gentle yet engaging way to connect with the season. Children can make collages using leaves, twigs, or seeds, or decorate paper trees with fingerprint leaves in fall colors. These kinds of projects offer opportunities for creativity, texture exploration, and color identification, all within a relaxed and familiar setting. For kids who may resist messy activities, providing tools like brushes or gloves can help reduce sensory discomfort.

Attending Sensory-Friendly Fall Events

Finally, attending sensory-friendly fall events (if available in your community) can be a safe way for children with autism to enjoy the social aspects of the season. Some farms, libraries, and community centers offer autism-friendly times for pumpkin patches, hayrides, or trick-or-treat events. These are typically quieter, shorter, and less visually intense, with staff trained in autism awareness. Preparing your child with a social story ahead of time can help them know what to expect and reduce anxiety.

To Wrap It All Up

Autumn has so much to offer children. For kids with autism, the key is thoughtful adaptation. By choosing sensory-friendly activities that match a child’s interests and comfort level, families can create positive, inclusive experiences that support learning, communication, and joy. Whether it’s exploring falling leaves, baking pumpkin treats, or cuddling up with a seasonal story, the goal is to help children feel connected to the world around them in a way that is meaningful and manageable. With a little creativity and planning, fall can truly be a season of connection, growth, and sensory delight for every child.

Matt Rokowsky is the CEO at Above and Beyond Therapy in Nebraska, which is dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder thrive and reach their fullest potential. In his role, Matt educates others on how to support autistic individuals, challenge stigmas, and understand the unique strengths and challenges they may face. He and his experienced and compassionate team deliver personalized ABA therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs. They believe every child can succeed with the right support and guidance. Using evidence-based practices, Above and Beyond Therapy creates customized treatment plans that focus on communication, social, and academic growth. Through home, school, and center-based services, they work closely with families to ensure meaningful, lasting progress. https://www.abtaba.com/