Halloween is a fun holiday favorite for many kids, but for kids with sensory issues and special needs, it could be a night filled with discomfort, anxiety and fear. I learned over the years with Richie that it was okay to get him to try new things on Halloween, but I would never push him to go beyond his comfort level. My son has autism and with it comes many sensory related issues. This includes changes in routines, fear of sounds, uncomfortable clothing and more. I found these tips to work well with us, hopefully they’ll work for you too!
- Use a Halloween Social Story – for first timers or advanced trick-or-treaters, using a social story to help explain what to expect on Halloween may be very helpful. Some children with learning disabilities (like my son who has autism) are concrete thinkers and need information on what steps come next. I found this resource to be useful: Halloween Social Story.
- Help your child pick a costume – At first, I printed a set of pictures of the costumes for Richie’s favorite characters that year. I placed them in front of him and asked him to choose which one he’d like to be. Most years he was interested in picking a costume, others he wasn’t as interested. Today, we’re at the point where he comes to the store with me and chooses what he wants to be.
- Create a picture schedule for the event day – Halloween night or week will be very different from your usual nightly routines. There may be a character parade at school, you might attend a community event or a Halloween party in addition to Trick or Treating. Maybe your family prefers to stay at home and enjoy the show of children and adults masquerading in their creative costumes as they come to your door step. Whatever happens during Halloween season, it will be different. Picture schedules are a helpful way to avoid meltdowns, anxiety or other possible issues.
I took Richie at six years old as the Green Lantern (with no mask) to Great Adventure. The picture schedule worked out great for that day! He didn't get a whole lot of candy, but he did have fun.
- Print Halloween cards - For some kids who might not be able to speak just yet, using pre-printed cards on Halloween would be great for helping them to get in on the fun, but without the anxiety of not being able to speak. It also helps to raise awareness with neighbors who may or may not know your child has a disability. I made a few printable different cards with different sizes- Click here for different printable sizes!
- Use sound banks – My son is very sensitive to certain noises or sounds. A shrieking scream, a baby crying, or weird sounds may frighten him or cause an outburst. A few weeks before Halloween, consider using sound-banks to play the sounds you know might frighten or upset your child. Listening to these sounds may help with desensitizing him or her, and instead make the sounds familiar to your child. Try to explain to your child that many people are in character for Halloween and like to act out the part they’re playing. Click here for sound bank files.
- Take small steps – If it’s your first time going trick or treating, stick to your neighborhood first. Familiarity always offers our kids a sense of comfort. If after a few houses or the first one, your child wants to go home, please don’t feel discouraged. All things take practice and time. Participating in the community is no exception to this.
I like to introduce things (old and new) to Richie repeatedly. Even if the experience wasn’t a positive one the first time around. The first time I took Richie out for candy, we were home within ten minutes. The year after that, we were home in about 20 minutes. Today, he can go for an hour or two. He loves getting the candy!
Remember that having fun means something different to everyone. Maybe this year your child will prefer to enjoy watching others all dressed up from a distance. Maybe he or she just wants to hand out candy to other trick or treaters. Halloween, no matter how you choose to celebrate can be a wonderful experience for your entire family. I wish you and yours a safe and Happy Halloween friends!
© 2016 Sensory Friends
© 2016 Sensory Friends
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