Fun and Inclusive Halloween & Fall Activities for Kids with Autism

At ABLE (Applied Behavioral Learning Experiences), we know that the Fall season brings excitement with pumpkins, costumes, and cooler weather, but for children with autism, this time of year can also bring sensory challenges and changes in routine with all the Halloween and spooky decorations we can find everywhere.

The good news is that with a few adjustments and some ABA-based strategies, families can enjoy this season together in ways that are both fun and therapeutic.

Here are some Halloween and Fall activity ideas for kids with autism, along with ways to incorporate ABA principles that encourage communication, social interaction, and independence.

1. Pumpkin Decorating Without the Stress

Carving pumpkins can be overwhelming for some children due to texture sensitivities. Instead, try painting, using stickers, or decorating with paper eyes and smiles. This approach keeps the fun without the sensory discomfort.

ABA Tip: Offer choices (paint color, stickers, or markers) to promote decision-making and communication. Use positive reinforcement (like verbal praise or a favorite activity) to reward participation.

2. Practice Trick-or-Treating at Home

Social events can feel intimidating for children with autism. Before Halloween night, you can practice trick-or-treating in a safe, familiar environment like inside your home or backyard. Have family members take turns being the “house” that gives out candy.

ABA Tip: Break the activity into small, manageable steps (walking to the door, knocking, saying “trick or treat,” accepting candy, saying “thank you”). Reinforce each successful step with encouragement or a small reward.

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt for Fall Sensory Exploration

Take a walk outside and look for leaves, acorns, or pinecones. This can be turned into a learning game by sorting items by color or size afterward.

ABA Tip: Use task analysis to guide your child through each step to find, collect, sort and celebrate their success. Outdoor sensory play also supports regulation and attention.

4. Storytime with a Fall or Halloween Theme

Reading stories about Halloween before the actual event helps kids prepare for what they’ll see on the streets: costumes, decorations, and new routines. Choose books that explain emotions or social interactions in a fun way, such as “Room on the Broom” or “Pete the Cat: Trick or Treat.”

ABA Tip: Ask questions about the story to build language and comprehension skills, such as “How do you think the character feels?” or “What would you do?”

5. Sensory-Friendly Fall Crafts

Make leaf rubbings, paper pumpkins, or soft felt ghosts. Sensory play can improve focus and fine motor skills while allowing kids to express creativity.

ABA Tip: Let your child choose their materials and reinforce their efforts, remember that ABA thrives on positive reinforcement and engagement rather than perfection.

6. Indoor “Fall Festival” for Kids with Social Anxiety

If your child finds crowds or noise overwhelming, create your own mini fall festival at home. Play Halloween music softly, make popcorn, and do simple games like bean bag toss, ring toss, or “pin the smile on the pumpkin.”

ABA Tip: Use visual schedules to help your child know what activity is coming next. This predictability helps reduce anxiety while keeping them engaged.

7. Costume Dress-Up Practice

Costumes can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Let your child explore their costume over time, try it on in short intervals leading up to Halloween.

ABA Tip: Pair the costume experience with a favorite toy or activity as positive reinforcement, making it something to look forward to instead of fear.

Why Choose ABLE for ABA Therapy in Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater

At ABLE, we provide high-quality ABA therapy focused on helping children with autism build the skills they need to succeed: at home, school, and in the community. Our caring team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) design personalized therapy plans that support communication, social interaction, and independence.

We currently have availability in our Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater clinics with no wait list, and our team includes Spanish-speaking professionals to ensure every family feels supported.

If you’re ready to help your child thrive this Fall, we’d love to be part of your journey.

Call us today at (863) 619-2809
Email: intake@applied-behavioral.com

“Every small step forward is a big victory when it comes to growth. Celebrate progress, not perfection.”