After the oppressive summer heat fades, many people look forward to outdoor fall activities with comfortable temperatures. You might be nursing a pumpkin spice latte at this very moment!
Because NeuroNav’s clients are exclusively individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), we’re always thinking about accessible seasonal activities that everyone can enjoy. To that end, we’ve come up with some ideas for disability-friendly fall activities you can fill your calendar with this October. Enjoy!
Outdoor Disability-Friendly Fall Activities
If your child or loved one wants to get some sun on their face this fall, one or more of the following suggestions might work.
Accessible Corn Mazes
Corn mazes get people outside and get their brain synapses firing, making them popular fall destinations.
A few in California have implemented accommodations for people with mobility limitations:
- Cherry Acres Pumpkin Patch in Bakersfield, for instance, advertises wheelchair and stroller accessibility on its website.
- Apple Ridge Farms in Camino also provides accessible nature trails and a kids’ maze.
Pumpkin Patches
You simply can’t go a whole October without visiting at least one pumpkin patch. Online reviewers have praised Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay for its accessible amenities, as well as the wagons patrons can use to help transport their harvest.
Fremont’s Ardenwood Historic Farm is also noted for its numerous paved paths, little to no inclines, and wheelchair-accessible train ride.
Concerts
Fall is also the perfect time to catch some relaxing tunes at an amphitheater. Scores of outdoor music venues in California offer accessible features, including convenient drop-off locations, seating, and restrooms.
Some facilities, like the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, are KultureCity-certified, meaning they provide quiet zones for people experiencing (or on the brink of) sensory overwhelm. They also have specially trained staff.
Indoor Fall Activities for Individuals with IDDs
You can enjoy Halloween-y activities just as fully at home with the following suggestions.
Pumpkin Painting
If it doesn’t seem like a great idea to break out the long, sharp knives for some pumpkin carving, you and your child can have a great time with finger paints. Have some glue handy if they want to glue colorful felt sticks or small knick-knacks onto the pumpkin.
Painting a pumpkin may also be the perfect opportunity to talk about emotions and feelings. What does a sad pumpkin face look like? A happy one? A scared one? The sky’s the limit!
Halloween Mystery Bags
Mystery bags are another spook-tacular tactile adventure for your child with autism or other IDDs. Place some items in a nonporous box and cover all but a small portion of the lid for hands and fingers. Watch as your loved one feels the witch’s hair (angel hair noodles), goblin eyeballs (peeled grapes), and troll fingers (baby carrots)!
Spooky Baking
As if you even need an excuse to whip up some yummy treats, fall weather is sure to have you craving cozy apple cider or moist pumpkin bread. Baking lets your child practice executive functioning skills at their own pace while enjoying sensory soothing.
Low-Sensory Fall Activities
Looking for low-key, toned-down outings for your autistic child this October? We have a few ideas.
Pre-Halloween Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating is a must-do fall activity, but it’s easy to experience sensory overload while doing it. Over-the-top costumes, intense strobe lights, fog machines, and horror movie soundtracks are meant to unnerve, but it can be too much for children with sensory processing disorders.
Avoid the madness by setting out in the mid or late afternoon. Visibility will be better, anyway. You can even do a few dry runs the days before October 31 to get familiar with the trick-or-treating route.
Trunk-or-Treats
If going door to door isn’t feasible, check whether any local churches or nonprofits are holding trunk-or-treats in their parking lots. They’re much easier to navigate than steep driveways, and your child will have easier access to your car if they need to retreat to safety and comfort.
Nature Walks
Having trouble finding things to do in the fall for your child? Simply breathing in the scents of fall and taking in the sights of autumn-tinged leaves can provide all of the sensory input they want and need. Don’t forget their sunglasses and noise-canceling headphones if they need a toned-down experience.
How SDP Helps Californians with IDDs Access Respite Activities and Services
Unlike the traditional regional center model, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) might offer ways for your child’s IPP to fund some of their fall outings. NeuroNav has seen clients use respite care line items to take them to festivals and social outings. Instead of your child sitting at home, they can get out into the community and experience something new.
Another service that may fund fall activities is Community Integration Supports. The state Department of Developmental Services (DDS) describes community integration as “support[ing] the full access to engage in community life” and “the facilitation of connections to community events and activities.”
Locate Enriching SDP Supports and Services with NeuroNav
Unfortunately, getting SDP funding for a pumpkin patch, corn maze, or some other fall outing is more complicated than simply asking. The crucial factor here is connecting these activities to your child’s IPP, which must be in sync with the individual budget and spending plan.
NeuroNav’s independent facilitation team speaks the language of regional centers and understands the best ways to communicate with representatives. We have a long and established track record of successfully advocating for Californians and helping them live full, satisfying lives.
We’d love to speak with you over an initial consultation with one of our team members soon!