Why Fall Transitions Can Be Tough for Neurodivergent Kids (And What You Can Do About It)

If you’re a parent of a child with autism or ADHD, you already know: change is heavy. And fall is full of it. New routines, cooler weather, darker afternoons, costume expectations, school ramping up. That’s a lot of inputs at once.

If this month has felt like a sensory tug-of-war, you’re not alone, and there are concrete ways to ease the load.

What’s happening under the surface

When the season shifts, it’s not just “it’s getting cooler.” For neurodivergent kids, several underlying things change all at once:

• Routine disruption & unpredictability — With fall, schedules shift (after-school, daylight changes, more indoor time). Kids who rely on consistency can struggle with even small deviations. (Rising Above ABA)

• Sensory overload — New textures (sweaters, jackets), crunchy leaves, wind, dampness, early dark all those changes in temperature, touch, sound, and light add up. (Amazing K)

• Sleep & mood shifts — Less daylight means circadian rhythms shift, which can affect sleep quality, mood, and regulation. Some autistic people are also more vulnerable to seasonal depressive episodes (SAD). (Rula)

• Clothing aversion is real — Many kids with autism have sensory sensitivities around fabrics, tags, layering. The sudden need to wear coats, long sleeves, or socks can feel like torture. (Autism Speaks)

So what looks like “resistance” or “defiance” often isn’t. It’s overwhelm hidden behind a meltdown.

What you can try small but powerful moves

You don’t need a perfect strategy. You need some strategy. Here are ideas you can start now:

1. Pre-teach the changes visually

Use pictures, calendars, or social stories to show your child what’s coming: “Tomorrow you’ll wear a sweater,” “We’ll go inside earlier.” Let them see the plan. It gives them a little control.

2. Adjust routines gradually, not all at once

If you’ll shift bedtime 30 minutes earlier for darker evenings, do it over two or three days. If new clothes are coming, start by just showing them or letting them touch the fabric before requiring them to wear it.

3. Build in sensory resets every day

Think mini breaks:

• A quiet corner with soft lighting and headphones

• 5 minutes of deep pressure or heavy work (pushing, pulling, squeezing)

• A sensory bin (rice, corn, soft items)

• A short walk outside before it gets too dark

These resets help the nervous system recenter between transitions.

4. Create a “warm-up” to the fall environment

Let your child test cooler clothes or layers slowly during calm parts of the day. Wear jackets in short bursts. Incorporate textures gradually. Use their preferred fabrics where possible.

5. Honor their version of the season

If they hate costumes, skip them. If trick-or-treating is too intense, try a scavenger hunt at home, indoor decorations, or a sensory-friendly party. The goal is joy, not comparison.

6. Reaffirm safety and predictability

When routines change—like daylight savings, holidays remind them what stays the same. Bedtime rituals, family time, visual cues. Let them cling to anchors.

How therapy fits in

Therapy isn’t a “fix everything” tool. But it is a support system. In sessions we can:

• Test and build sensory strategies that match your child’s profile

• Use visual tools, social stories, and scheduled supports

• Help your child build emotional regulation skills so seasonal shifts are less “dangerous” internally

• Coach you (the parent) in consistency, anticipatory planning, and reinforcing small wins

We used some research above (see sources). Combine that evidence with what you know about your child, that’s where the real progress lives.

A note to you, the parent or caregiver

You’re going to have days where nothing feels like it works. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you failed or they “can’t do it.” It means this is hard work.

When things go sideways, pause and say aloud: “I see you’re overwhelmed. Let’s step back.” Let that moment reset something. Let rest be part of the strategy, not the enemy of it.