Let’s get excited about Halloween!
Halloween can be one of the most exciting times of the year for children. Getting excited for events can come easy to some children. However, others might have a harder time understanding what the holiday really entails. Therefore, preparation is an essential component for a successful Halloween experience. It also helps children understand what is to be expected from the experience. Below are some things to consider when getting your child excited for Halloween:
Use a calendar count down! Whether your child perseverates on repeatedly talks about upcoming events because they are excited or anxious, a calendar countdown acts as a visual so they know when the events occur.
Help them understand the holiday and what to expect by reading stories on Halloween. Here is a great social story you can use (Autism speak PowerPoint).
Decorate your home for the season. Incorporate falls colors and kid friendly Halloween décor.
Consider involving your child in the decorating process by doing a Halloween arts and crafts activity. Keep their specific needs in mind when decorating. For example, avoiding noisy decorations or keeping in mind items that can break.
Look out for sensory friendly fall and Halloween events. Brevard Zoo has a specific date for Sensory Friendly Boo at the Zoo and SOAK often has events specifically set up form the autistic community.
Practice Trick-or-treating.
Written By: Ashley B.
September 18, 2024
Safety Tips!
Although fun, Halloween can be a hectic time of the year. Therefore, safety should be the main priority of the evening!
Consider trick-or-treating in familiar areas.
New stimuli such as sounds and visual displays can increase children wandering. So, consider having your child wear a bracelet with personal information such as their name and phone numbers to help you reunite with your child in case of elopement.
Trick-or-treat earlier in the evening. For example, starting at sunset can allow for more daylight to see sidewalks, cars, and familiar faces more easily.
Time can sometimes get the best of us and that’s okay! So if you trick-or-treat after dark, consider using a flashlight to help lighten the pathway.
Teach your child about personal space and boundaries. Role-play situations where they might need to say “No, thank you” to candy or interactions.
Parents should also consider wearing a costume without a mask. This way your child can easily identify you.
Sensory Considerations
While a lot of kids dress up for Halloween, there are no definite rules to follow. However, here are some ideas for considering your kiddo’s sensory needs and ensuring they are comfortable and happy!
Make it fun! You can do this by incorporating your child in the costume picking decision. Think about their special interests when helping them choose. Provide them with choices such as picking between two of their favorite characters or superheroes.
When picking a costume consider how they might tolerate certain materials. For example, some materials can be itchy or even have a funky smell that can cause your child to become uncomfortable.
Have them try on the costume several times before Halloween so they can become familiar with how it feels.
Consider getting the costume in a bigger size so that your child can wear their own clothing underneath.
Don’t force your child on a costume that can cause a challenging sensory experience for them.
Allow them to dress up in their preferred costume without judgment, no matter what their age is.
Your child can become stressed when others wear costumes that make it hard to see their face. Here are some tips to help reduce these feelings.
Before participating in all the Halloween festivities, explain that even if a friend is wearing a mask or face paint, it’s still their friend underneath.
When meeting with friends, ask them if they can remove the mask for a few minutes so your child can see that it’s someone they know.
If your friend is willing, have your child touch or hold the mask to help them understand it is not real.
If they have a sibling, have the brother or sister wear their costume or mask around the house before your Halloween events.
Trick or Treating
Although trick-or-treating can be the most exciting part of Halloween, it’s important for your child to understand what to expect from the experience. Here are some tips on making it enjoyable for the both of you!
Explain what happens during trick-or-treating so your child knows what to expect. Describe who they’ll see and what they will do and say.
If your child is nonverbal or cannot say “Trick or treat” print out a trick-or-treat sign they can take with them. This ensures inclusion!
Our communities often host Halloween festivities such as “trunk or treat.” Check with your schools or local community centers to see if this is an option. Trunk or treat, has parents gathering in a parking lot and decorating the trunks of their cars for Halloween. Kids then go “trick-or-treating” from car to car. If trunk or treat happens before Halloween, it’s a good time for your child to practice trick-or-treating before the real night!
Don’t forget reinforcers and sensory toys! Use them when your child is appropriately participating in the Halloween festivities.