Keeping Winter Warm: Meaningful Routines and Activities for Autistic Children and Their Families

By Erica Kearney, M.A., BCBA, LABA

[This column was published in the West Springfield Republican on November 20, 2025.]

Wintertime has a beauty of its own: the quiet after a snowfall, the glow of holiday lights, and the cozy space that invites families to slow down and spend time together. But for families raising an autistic child, the season can bring unique challenges. Cold weather, shorter days, and fewer outdoor activity options can disrupt familiar routines. When school breaks or cancellations happen, it’s easy for structure to unravel and stress to rise.

It’s important to remember that structure and flexibility can and should coexist. Autistic children thrive when they know what to expect, but they also benefit from having choices and opportunities to try new things within that structure. The goal isn’t to schedule every minute; it’s to create a predictable rhythm while weaving in activities that are meaningful, fun, and suited to your child’s strengths and interests.

Below are a few tips to make the colder months a time of learning, connection, and joy for the entire family.

Keep the Routine, Add Options
The best way to start is by maintaining your child’s core daily schedule. Wake-up, mealtimes, and bedtime routines provide consistency, even when school or therapy sessions are canceled. Using visual schedules, picture calendars, or checklists can help your child understand what’s coming next and reduce anxiety around change.

Within that routine, offer small but meaningful choices. For example, you could ask: “would you like to do a craft or bake today?” or “do you want to work on the puzzle before or after lunch?” This simple strategy supports independence, motivation, and communication while giving your child a sense of control.

Creative and Cozy Indoor Ideas
When it’s too cold to be outside for long, bring creativity indoors. Arts and crafts are a great way to work on fine motor skills, focus, and following directions. You can create a project space on a table or shelf where materials stay out all week. Try painting pinecones, stringing beads, or making paper snowflakes to hang in the window.    

Baking is another wonderful activity that teaches sequencing, turn-taking, and patience, all while providing tasty results. Let your child pour, stir, or decorate cookies. You might bake for family, neighbors, or a local shelter, giving your child a chance to share their hard work and kindness.

For children who enjoy writing or art, involve them in card-making. Help them buy or create birthday and holiday cards, practice addressing envelopes, placing stamps, and walking them to the mailbox. These small steps build life skills and pride in accomplishment.

Turn to Nature
Even in winter, nature has so much to offer. Bundle up and head outside to collect sticks, pinecones, and acorns for crafts or to use as kindling for a cozy fire. Short hikes on mild days can boost mood and provide valuable sensory input. If your family enjoys festive outings, visit tree farms or local holiday light displays. Many offer drive-through options that minimize sensory overload while still creating memorable experiences.

Indoor Adventures Beyond Home
Sometimes a change of scenery helps everyone reset. Consider planning a short overnight stay at a local hotel or indoor water park. Check your child’s school calendar for random days off to book dates with low rates. Even a single night away can feel like a refreshing adventure, giving your family new memories without extensive travel.

Closer to home, try visiting libraries, children’s museums, or indoor play spaces during off-peak hours. Calling ahead to ask about sensory-friendly times can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Keep Movement in the Mix
Cold weather often means less time outdoors, but physical activity remains essential. Build mini movement breaks into your schedule, like five minutes of dancing, stretching, or indoor obstacle courses. When the sun comes out, take advantage of it! A brisk walk, a quick sledding trip, or even helping shovel snow can help release built up energy.

Making Winter Work for You
Every family’s winter will look different. The key is to find the balance between consistency and creativity, keeping a familiar rhythm while offering choices and novelty. Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about finding what works for your child and your family.


Erica Kearney, M.A., BCBA, LABA, is the Executive Director of the May School in Chicopee, Mass. She can be contacted at ekearney@mayinstitute.org.

About May Institute
May Institute is a national leader in applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interdisciplinary care for autistic individuals and those with developmental disabilities, brain injury, and neurobehavioral disorders. Founded over 70 years ago as a nonprofit organization, we provide exceptional educational, clinical, and habilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.