As the air turns crisp and days grow cozier, autumn in Kawartha Lakes brings beautiful sights - and meaningful transitions - for families supporting children with autism.

With a little thoughtful support, this time of year can be less overwhelming and more full of connection. Here are 7 calming, sensory-friendly ideas to help your child feel safe and steady as fall unfolds.

1. Gradually Introduce New Fall Sensations

Autumn brings crunchy leaves, brisk air, and heavier clothing - all fun, but potentially overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kiddos. Let’s ease in softly:

Try wearing fall clothing indoors for small bursts - like slipping on a hoodie during a favourite cartoon.
Layer soft, tag-free shirts under new sweaters to minimize scratchiness.
Bring nature inside: create a sensory tray with pinecones, leaves, and acorns to explore touch and textures in a calm space.

"Let's try on your cozy hoodie for just five minutes while we build with Legos - see how it feels!"

2. Ease the Shift to Darkness & Shorter Days

As daylight fades earlier, routines can feel disrupted - especially when your child relies on light as a cue for schedule. Help your home reflect the gentle rhythm of the season:

Consider a wake-up lamp or gentle sunrise clock to mimic morning light indoors.
Swap bright overhead lighting for soft lamps or warm-toned bulbs in the evening.
Keep bedtime steady - even on weekends - and weave in soothing ritual like storytime, quiet music, or breathing games.
Use blackout curtains or soft white noise if lights or sounds interfere with rest.

"The sun's setting earlier now - let's turn on your favourite lamp and get cozy with a story."

3. Invite Fall Flavours Without the Pressure

Pumpkin, apples, and spices fill our senses in autumn. To introduce these tastes gently:

Offer new treats next to familiar favourites - no pressure to taste right away.
Let your child smell or touch ingredients - maybe stir pumpkin in a bowl or feel the texture of apple slices.
Make exploration playful: set up a “food explorers” station with visuals and textures instead of focusing on eating.

“Want to smell the cinnamon or help stir the batter? You don’t have to eat it unless you’re curious.”

4. Offer Clothing Choices with Sensory-Friendly Options

Warm layers come with fall, but stiff or itchy fabrics can make dressing feel like a chore. Help smooth that out with thoughtful choices:

Present two wearable options - your child chooses, keeping them in control.
Pick soft, stretchy, or tagless fabrics as undergarments.
Let them wear new pieces in a fun, familiar activity - like playtime or game night.
Pre-wash items or snip tags to ease textures.

“Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one under your sweater for today’s art project?”

5. Tailor Fall Activities to Your Child’s Interests

From nature walks to sensory bins, fall is rich with seasonal opportunities - but only if they feel right for your child. Let’s personalize:

Head outside to collect and sort leaves, acorns, or pinecones by color or size.
Build a season-themed sensory bin - perhaps with dried corn, mini pumpkins, scoops, or toy animals.
Try simple experiments like "Will this leaf float?" or decorate paper leaves together.
Display choices visually - a “Fall Fun” board your child can pick from.

“Do you want to scoop the acorns into the truck or sort the yellow leaves by size?”

6. Create Cozy, Predictable Indoor Routines

As outdoor daylight fades, bring warmth and structure into the heart of your home:

Build a sensory nook with soft seating, dim lighting, favourite books, and calming fidgets.
Use a visual chart for after-school flow: snack → play → TV time or reading.
Insert movement breaks - mini trampoline jumps, hallway races, or simple stretches.
Include rituals like a favourite show after snack or bedtime reading, and support transitions with countdowns or visual timers.

“After snack, it’s time for your puzzle, then storytime. Let’s count down - 3...2...1…!”

7. Support Your Child’s Communication Around Change

Change can be tricky - even joyful fall moments can feel uncertain. Help your child express and understand emotions:

Use visuals, first-then boards, or social stories to introduce transitions or upcoming events.
Provide emotion tools like mood cards or a feelings chart.
Role-play or create a story around events like darkness, weather shifts, or themed days.
Model simple self-talk aloud: “I’m chilly - that scarf feels nice.”

“It’s okay to feel unsure when the air gets cooler. Can you show me how you're feeling with your chart?”

Why These Tips Matter

They prioritize sensory comfort, helping changes feel anchored in warmth and familiarity.
They lean on choice and predictability, so children stay in control and grounded.
They build connection - celebrating rhythms, textures, tastes, and emotions that fall brings to families across Kawartha Lakes.

7 Ways to Support Someone with Autism This Fall