As the temperatures drop and the seasons change, November is the perfect time to embrace outdoor physical activities that support emotional regulation. For Autistic children, engaging in outdoor play during the fall and winter offers wonderful benefits for managing emotions, building resilience, and connecting with nature.
Outdoor activities help children channel energy, reduce stress, and find calm, which is crucial for emotional regulation. Here are some ways to make the most of the season:
Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
Exploring trails, parks, or even backyards can engage children’s senses and provide a peaceful setting for grounding. Simple scavenger hunts where they look for items like pinecones, unique leaves, or bird feathers help children focus and enjoy the environment, offering a positive sensory experience that promotes calmness.
Snow Play and Winter Sculpting
When snow arrives, snowball rolling, sculpting snow animals, or simply lying in the snow can be sensory-rich and calming for many children. These activities allow for tactile exploration, physical movement, and creativity—all of which support sensory processing and emotional regulation.
Mindful Listening to Nature with Indigenous Teachings
Introduce children to the idea of listening to the land, inspired by Indigenous perspectives on nature and respect for the earth. Encourage children to pause and listen to sounds around them—such as the wind, rustling leaves, or animal calls—and reflect on the role these elements play in the natural world. This practice fosters mindfulness and connection to nature, helping children find calm and self-regulation while learning about the importance of respecting and honouring the environment.
Movement Games in the Cold Air
Activities like jumping jacks, skipping, and gentle stretches are great ways to stay warm and active outdoors. The cool air can be invigorating and grounding, offering a natural “reset” that helps children release tension and regulate emotions.
Balance and Coordination Activities
Activities like walking along curbs, balancing on logs, or navigating simple obstacle courses can be fun ways to work on coordination and proprioceptive input, which plays a significant role in body awareness and emotional regulation. These movements help children center themselves and foster a sense of control.
These activities are wonderful ways to encourage emotional regulation through physical movement, while also building connections to the natural world.