Navigating the Fall Season with Confidence

Fall is in full swing! The school year is well underway, the leaves are changing, and weekends are filling up with everything from fall festivals to holiday plans. This season can bring a mix of excitement and sensory or schedule changes for families. Whether it’s Halloween festivities, new school routines settling in, or preparing for Thanksgiving gatherings, a little planning and flexibility can go a long way.

Here are some ways to support your child and keep the season running smoothly.

🎃 Halloween & Fall Events: Plan for Sensory Success

Pumpkin patches, parades, and trick-or-treating can be so much fun, but they can also be busy, loud, and unpredictable. Help your child enjoy the festivities with confidence:

• Preview the event with photos, videos, or a simple social story about what to expect.

• Test costumes early to make sure they’re comfortable. Soft or familiar clothing might be a better choice than masks or bulky outfits.

• Choose calmer options, such as “trunk-or-treat” events, small neighborhood routes, or visiting pumpkin patches during quieter times.

• Have an exit plan and a way to signal breaks when your child needs downtime.

🌟 Tip: Involve your child in the planning process by having them choose their costume or what treats to hand out can give them a sense of control.

🏫 Mid-Semester Check-In: Keep School Routines Steady

By this point in the school year, routines are starting to feel familiar, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy.

• Review your morning and evening routines to see if any small tweaks could make them smoother.

• Reinforce independence with visual checklists or short praise for following routines.

• Communicate with your child’s BCBA about any new behaviors or challenges that may have surfaced since the start of the school year.

💡 Tip: Your BCBA can help you build or refresh visual supports to keep mornings and homework time on track.

🦃 Preparing for Thanksgiving and the Holidays Ahead

The holiday season often means changes in schedules, travel, and gatherings—all of which can be exciting but overwhelming. Start small and prepare early:

• Talk about what’s coming up: who you’ll see, where you’ll go, and what will happen that day.

• Use visuals or photos to preview foods, family members, or new places.

• Practice greetings or table routines through role play at home.

• Bring familiar comfort items for travel or large gatherings.

• Plan downtime: breaks can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

🍽️ Remember: It’s okay to adjust traditions to fit your family’s needs. A shorter meal or a quiet corner with a favorite activity can make all the difference.

💬 Reach Out for Support

From building social stories about holidays to preparing for travel or school adjustments, our team is here to help your family navigate the changing seasons with confidence! If you’d like personalized strategies, connect with your child’s BCBA.

Let’s make this fall one filled with comfort, connection, and community.