Halloween is fast approaching and it can come with mixed emotions for children and parents. Your child may be excited to wear their costume, participate in trick-or-treating, or have a special party at school. Halloween can also be an overwhelming time that brings a change to regular routine, and a lot of additional sensory input.
It can be helpful to prepare for Halloween with Autistic children to support their understanding and regulation throughout.
Here are some tips to support Autistic children in making the most of this festive occasion:
Visual Schedules
Utilize visual schedules to outline the day’s activities. This tool empowers children by providing clarity and predictability, fostering a sense of security in the midst of excitement.
Inclusive Costume Choices
Involve the child in selecting their costume to celebrate their individuality and interests. It’s important to consider sensory preferences, opting for comfortable and sensory-friendly materials. Let them express their creativity in a way that feels right for them. It may be helpful to let them wear their costumes a few times before Halloween to test how it feels and help them adjust to the change in sensory input.
Practice with Purpose
Before Halloween, practice trick-or-treating in a low-pressure environment. Familiarizing them with the process can enhance their confidence, allowing them to embrace the experience in a way that feels comfortable to them. This could include watching videos or cartoons with trick-or-treating, attending a sensory-friendly event like the one hosted by Children’s Autism Services on Oct 24, or practicing with family members and their houses.
Social Stories
Create a personalized social story that highlights what Halloween entails, including visuals that resonate with the child. This tool can validate their feelings and help them navigate the festivities. Here is a free template you can also use!
Consider the Environment
Many classrooms and schools plan Halloween activities on the day of, or leading up to the event. Chat with your classroom supports about what to expect and that will help you to prepare your child for the change in classroom routine.
Advocate for sensory-accepting environments by planning for quiet spaces where the child can retreat if the sensory input becomes overwhelming. This allows them to engage on their terms.
If you’re planning to go trick-or-treating in your community, consider what sensory tools may be helpful for your child that they take to other community events. Walking can be really regulating but it may also be helpful to have a wagon or to keep your route short to ensure it ends on a positive note.
Reflect and Celebrate
After Halloween, engage in a discussion about their experiences, celebrating the fun moments and validating any challenges they faced. This reflection can empower them to navigate future events with greater confidence.
By embracing and advocating for the unique needs of Autistic children, we can better prepare them for exciting, and sometimes overwhelming events like Halloween!