Halloween Made Calmer (Autism-Friendly Printables + Free Stuff)
Halloween can be exciting… and also a bit much. Lights, costumes, crowds, weird textures, loud noises, and surprise doorbells can overload anyone fast. If you’re supporting autistic kids, the aim is simple: keep it predictable, visual, and low-pressure.
1) Maths & money (pumpkin coin count + simple sums)
Download this Pumpkin coin count worksheet to add some change to this holiday theme.
Check out this Halloween addition worksheet for beginners.
Halloween money worksheets – (count coins with a Halloween theme).
Halloween addition/subtraction/printables – (easy worksheets across lots of levels).
KidZone Halloween maths (Grades 1–5) – (the “classic” generated worksheets, organised by grade).
Quick tip: Do just 5 questions, then a break. Short wins build confidence.
2) Counting + cut & paste (trick-or-treat bag style)
If you liked the “Trick or Treat Bag” counting activity, these are solid replacements:
Download this Halloween counting worksheet.
You should download this Trick or Treat bag. It is a 2-page counting, cut-and-paste activity worksheet.
Halloween counting cut-and-paste worksheet – (count objects, then cut and stick the correct number).
Aussie Halloween number games – (printable number cards and activities).
3) Candy choice-making + communication board (AAC-friendly)
Perfect for kids who want to join in, but words disappear when things get busy.
Here are 2 easy Halloween cross-out activities. Download the first one here and the second one here.
Download this Trick or Treat Candy Conversation Board. Print this to promote topical verbal, nonverbal exchanges and choice-making. You can do this during morning circle, calendar time, or whenever you focus on conversation.
Free printable Trick-or-Treat AAC cards – (great for “trick or treat”, “thank you”, “no thanks”, “help”, “all done”).
A roundup of AAC Halloween printables – (bracelets, labels, and more).
Free Trick-or-Treating social story – (photos + simple scripts).
4) Matching “folder games” (numbers 11–20)
These are great for independent work and calm table time.
Download these Halloween matching folder Game numbers 11-20. You can print them out. Page one, page two and page three.
Halloween number-matching cards (1–20) (use as a file-folder matching game).
Free Halloween counting file-folder games (ready-to-print pack).
5) Crafts (bat clips + pasta skeleton)
Bat clips craft (clothespin bats) with step-by-step instructions.
Pasta skeleton craft – (glue pasta “bones” onto paper—super simple, looks awesome).
Autism-friendly tweak – Offer gloves or a paintbrush for glue if sticky hands are a trigger.
6) “Blackline concentration” game (memory matching)
Free printable Halloween matching game – (print, cut, play).
Printable Halloween memory game – (with spooky pairs) (another simple option).
7) Make Halloween more autism-friendly (simple plan)
If you only read one thing, use these practical tips:
Autism SA’s autism-friendly Halloween tips – (sensory supports, breaks, and keeping it safe).
National Autistic Society tips (costume comfort, creating your own calm Halloween).
Here’s a no-stress “Halloween mini-plan” you can run at home or school:
Print 1 communication support (AAC cards or a social story).
Choose 1 maths sheet (counting or simple addition).
Choose 1 craft (bat clips or pasta skeleton).
Finish with 1 calm game (memory match).
Have a reset option ready: headphones, a quiet corner, or a short “walk break”.