Top 7 Ways to Celebrate Easter at Home with Your Child with Autism
Holidays can be magical—but they can also be overwhelming, especially for our kids on the spectrum. At Autism Family Circus, we believe that Easter doesn’t have to be loud, chaotic, or filled with pressure. Instead, it can be a time to connect, create joy in simple ways, and honor your child’s unique needs and preferences.
Here are 7 fun, simple, and sensory-friendly ways to celebrate Easter at home with your child with autism:
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1. Plant Jelly Beans That “Grow” Suckers Overnight
This is a sweet little tradition that brings a sprinkle of magic to Easter morning. Have your child “plant” jelly beans in a pot or in the yard the night before. Then, while they sleep, replace the jelly beans with colorful lollipops that have “grown” overnight. It’s a fun, low-stress surprise that doesn’t require big crowds or noise.
2. Create a Sensory Easter Egg Hunt
Skip the competitive egg hunts with lots of kids and opt for a personalized, sensory-friendly version at home. Use plastic eggs filled with favorite textures (pom-poms, slime, putty, rice, etc.) or simple treasures like stickers, fidget toys, or safe snacks. Hide them in easy-to-reach places, or even just scatter them in plain sight—whatever works for your child.
3. Easter Crafts at Their Speed
Crafting can be a great way to connect without pressure. Try finger-painting eggs on paper, decorating foam eggs with stickers, or using dot markers. Keep it simple and mess-free, or go all out if your child loves to get hands-on. Let them lead the way!
4. Watch an Easter-Themed Movie Together
Sometimes the best celebration is a cozy one. Make a little nest of blankets, pop some popcorn, and enjoy an Easter or spring-themed movie. Some gentle options: Hop, Peter Rabbit, or even an old-school classic like Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo.
5. Bake Together
If your child enjoys cooking or baking, making a simple Easter treat together can be a joyful activity. Think bunny-shaped cookies, bird’s nest cupcakes, or just decorating sugar cookies with pastel sprinkles. It’s less about perfection and more about togetherness.
6. For Older Kids: Let Them Take the Lead
Tweens and teens may not be into egg hunts anymore—and that’s okay! Let older kids decide how (or if) they want to celebrate. Maybe it’s helping set up an egg hunt for a younger sibling, picking out the movie, or skipping the Easter stuff altogether in favor of a pizza night. Their way of celebrating still counts.
7. Create a Calm Space—Or Opt Out Altogether
Some years, the best Easter celebration is no celebration at all. If your child is overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just not into the holiday, that’s 100% okay. You are not failing. In fact, you’re honoring their needs. You can always celebrate in your own way, at a different time—or not at all.
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However You Celebrate, You’re Doing It Right
The truth is, every child is different. What brings joy to one child might cause anxiety for another. The most important thing is to listen to your child, follow their lead, and let go of any pressure to create a “perfect” holiday.
Easter can be whatever you need it to be. Big or small. Loud or quiet. Full of magic—or full of peace.
From our circus to yours, we’re cheering you on.