Spooky Season Tips for Kids with Autism: A Guide for Families

At ABLE (Applied Behavioral Learning Experiences), we know the spooky season can be both exciting and overwhelming for children with autism.

From decorations popping up in stores to Halloween-themed TV shows and community events, sensory challenges and changes in routine can sometimes make this time of year tricky to navigate with autistic kids, but with the right strategies families can help kids enjoy the season while supporting their growth through ABA therapy principles.

Here are 7 practical tips for making spooky season more fun and less stressful for kids with autism:

1. Prepare in Advance

Talk to your child about what they may see in stores or neighborhoods such as skeletons, inflatables, and spooky music. Using pictures, social stories, or videos can make these sights less surprising and more predictable.

2. Practice at Home

Set up friendly decorations in your home so your child can get used to the sights and sounds before encountering them outside. You can start with something simple, like a pumpkin, and slowly add new items as they feel more comfortable.

3. Focus on Their Comfort Zone

If scary decorations or costumes are overwhelming, stick with fun, friendly seasonal activities like painting pumpkins, watching kid-friendly fall shows, or baking together. It’s okay to make the holiday fit your child, not the other way around.

4. Use ABA Strategies for Coping

Reinforce brave behavior when your child tolerates new decorations or tries something unfamiliar. Break down big activities into small, manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way.

5. Create a Calm Down Plan

If the spooky sights or sounds become too much, have a safe space at home or a calming activity your child can turn to such as listening to music, deep breathing, or a favorite toy.

6. Preview Media Together

Halloween-themed TV shows or movies can sometimes contain surprising jump scares or spooky content. Preview them first, then watch together to provide reassurance and pause when needed.

7. Make It Fun and Personal

Remember, spooky season doesn’t have to be about fear. It can be about creativity, fun traditions, and family time. Encourage your child to choose activities they enjoy like decorating cookies, wearing pajamas instead of a costume, or having a teddy bear Halloween party. That’s why we have organized Spirit Week in all our clinics for the last week of October to celebrate this spooky season in a sensory friendly way. 

Supporting Families with ABA Therapy in Central Florida

At ABLE, we use ABA therapy to help children with autism build skills for real-life situations, including handling changes in routine and sensory challenges like those that happen during spooky season. Our clinics in Tampa, Brandon, Lakeland and Clearwater are now accepting new clients, and our experienced team, including Spanish-speaking staff. provides therapy in homes, schools, and clinics.

Looking for ABA therapy in Tampa or Brandon this fall? Let’s make this season one of growth, joy, and new possibilities.

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

Together, we can make every season brighter for kids with autism.