Fall is finally here! The changing of the seasons brings crisp fall air, gorgeous red and orange leaves, and beloved family holidays. This time of year is packed with plenty of opportunities for seasonal activities, but for children on the spectrum, many of these opportunities can be overwhelming or even understimulating. In this guide, we want to give you the best tools to fill your Autumn with Fun Fall Activities for Kids on the Spectrum. Learn how you can adjust popular fall activities to your child’s unique needs.
To offer you ideas about what activities your family can enjoy this season, we will first talk about just what Sensory Sensitivity in Autism is. To jump down to our recommended activities, click here.
Sensory Sensitivity in Autism
Sensory sensitivity is a common symptom of Autism. It usually manifests in two different forms: “hypersensitivity” which refers to the experience of more heightened and intense sensory inputs, and “hyposensitivity” which refers to the experience of reduced sensory inputs. The degree to which a person experiences these sensory effects is completely unique to every individual. It is important to understand that while labels can help us broadly define a condition, every person will have their own perspective, likes, and dislikes.
When we understand that individuals on the spectrum experience sensory inputs differently, we can empathize when this leads to challenging behavior. After all, who hasn’t had the experience of becoming irritated by a certain repetitive sound and then lashing out? Our bodies have thousands of nerve endings that send signals to the brain, affecting our behaviors.
With patience and the right tools, a person can learn appropriate responses to sensory stimuli. However, not all sensory issues need attention, if they are not causing harm to the individual or those around them. Identify the ways in which sensory processing issues affect you or your loved one, and make wise decisions about what steps to take in addressing them. Therapy is right for some people, while simple adjustments to daily stimuli works for others.
Hypersensitivity
People who experience hypersensitivity might feel that their experiences are amplified. Sensations that are easily tuned out by someone neurotypical are overwhelming for someone with hypersensitivity. This can result in mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion.
Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity affects the individual’s ability to process things like temperature, noise, and even hunger cues. A person with hyposensitivity might not know why its too hot to wear their coat, or understand that they’re being too loud for the environment they’re in.
Sensory Seeking & Sensory Avoidance
Individuals on the spectrum may perform certain behaviors with the goal of adjusting their sensory inputs. You have probably heard the term ‘Stimming,’ before, which refers to a common form of sensory seeking that helps an autistic person “balance” the inputs they’re receiving. Conversely, sensory avoidance is where a person goes to great lengths to avoid experiencing certain sensory inputs.
Sensory Overload
If a person on the spectrum receives too much sensory input, either all at once or building up over time, they might experience what is known as “Sensory overload.” In overload, all of the brains energy is focused on sensory processing, which may inhibit other functions like speech.
Adapting Activities for Sensory Sensitivities
In our professional opinion, it is important to give your child on the spectrum as many opportunities as possible to engage in family and community activities. While some of these activities may prove challenging for kids on the spectrum, with the right adaptations and supports, they may become family traditions that everyone enjoys.
It is important to note that you should never purposefully put your child in a position that you know will cause them distress. It is good to encourage trying new things and take calculated risks. An example might be trying to go on a hay ride while wearing noise-cancelling headphones that mask the overwhelming sounds of the tractor. You should always have an exit plan in place if you discover that this environment is too overwhelming for your child.
Work up to big challenges little by little. If your child isn’t currently ready to go on their own hayride, maybe start by using social stories to talk about hay rides. Watch videos of people taking hay rides online. Drive to the location where the hay rides take place and wave from the car. With patience, you can often help ease your child into unfamiliar environments.
Unless it interferes with your child’s ability to live and work independently, there is no reason to pressure them to undergo uncomfortable sensory experiences. If your family has a tradition of carving pumpkins, but your child finds the sensation of pumpkin guts overwhelming, you can easily pivot to painting or decorating pumpkins. That way, your child still gets to participate in the tradition without having an uncomfortable sensory experience.
Fun Fall Activities for Kids on the Spectrum
In this part of the article, we will list common Fall Activities and suggest adaptations that may make them more sensory friendly for kids on the spectrum. These suggestions all assume that these activities are taking place in a “traditional” setting, that is not providing adaptations. HOWEVER, we strongly encourage our parents to research “sensory-friendly” activities in their area. More and more businesses are embracing neurodiversity and creating special spaces and activities that center children on the spectrum. This includes pumpkin patches, theme parks, apple orchards, local libraries, and more.
Pumpkin Carving
- If your child is unable to carve their own pumpkin, encourage them to participate in creating the design on the outside of the pumpkin. Maybe they draw it themselves, or engage them in questions about what they would like to see on their pumpkin.
- The process of gutting a pumpkin requires touching many slimy, sticky, and altogether icky textures. While some people love touching pumpkin guts, others may opt to wear gloves or avoid the process altogether.
- Separating pumpkin seeds from the mush is a great fine motor activity!
- If you or your child doesn’t want to go through the messy process of gutting a pumpkin, try replacing pumpkin carving with painting or using fun foam stickers.
Pumpkin Patch OR Apple Orchard
- Research busy days/times at your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Try to choose a less busy time that will be less stimulating for your child.
- Call ahead to ask about accessibility and sensory adaptations the business may be able to provide. They may even have special hours or events for children on the spectrum!
- Bring helpful tools that may help your child regulate; noise cancelling headphones, snacks, and a fidget or two can go a long way.
- Use social stories to tell your child what they might experience during the activity before they experience it.
Enjoy Fall Leaves
- Crunchy leaves can be a delightful opportunity for sensory play! Listen to the different sounds they make, create piles, and throw leaves in the air together! This all works to help your child’s sensory system develop.
- Encourage your child to describe the sights, sounds, and feelings they are experiencing while they play.
- Playing in the leaves is an easy way to help children burn off extra energy!
Fall Baking
- A simple recipe with easy tasks can be a great way to teach your child about following instructions. Go through steps one by one and cue your child using verbal instruction or even pictures.
- Baking often includes several sensory inputs – with doughs, fruits, and ingredients all having their own unique feel, smell, and taste.
- Be mindful about what ingredients are safe to be ingested raw and keep a close eye on your child.
- Leave dangerous tasks that involve sharp objects or hot ovens to Mom and Dad.
Go on a Hayride
- Wear several layers to your Hayride so that your child may adjust if they are too hot or too cold. Multiple layers can also help with avoiding scratching sensations from hay.
- Bring a thick blanket to lay on top of the itchy hay.
- Bring a pair of noise cancelling headphones to help with the loud sounds from the machinery.
- Research wheelchair accessible hayrides where applicable. Some experiences may require a reservation in advance!
- Ask your child to point out and describe different things they see, hear, and experience during the hayride.
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC contracts with around 160 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC. In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.”