Have a Sensory-Friendly Halloween!

Halloween can be fun for many kids, but it can also be overwhelming! Lights, costumes, and candy can be a lot for any child, but they can be especially difficult for our children that may experience sensory overload. Here are some tips to help your trick-or-treater be ready for Halloween this year:
 
Before Halloween
Talk about Halloween

• Write a social story or talk about Halloween a few days prior to Halloween to help set expectations of what will happen. Repeat this story daily and continue to talk about what will happen on Halloween and during trick-or-treating.

• Remind children that Halloween is a holiday of pretend. Show children how costumes and masks are something that you wear by showing them costume items without being worn.

• Talk about what it means when things feel scary or surprising, and practice what you can do if something is scary or surprising. Model using this language so your child understands these feelings and practices using phrases like, “that was scary.”

 Practice Trick or Treating  

• Practice trick or treating at your house. Help your child practice knocking on the door and saying “Trick-or-Treat” when you open it, and “Thank You” at the end. Practice with your child’s preferred toys, like cars, dolls, or stuffed animals.

• Practice trick or treating at a friend or family member’s house. It is easier to practice with a familiar face, so taking some time to practice before the big day can help children to feel a little more comfortable.

 
On Halloween
Choose costumes wisely

• Rather than buying a costume, try to incorporate clothes that your child already wears. Jeans and a plaid shirt plus a hat make for a great cowboy or cowgirl. Even a Halloween-themed shirt or a shirt with their favorite character on it makes for an appropriate Halloween outfit.
• Avoid face paint or masks. Faces can be particularly sensitive, so avoid things on the face that can’t be easily removed or may be bothersome during trick or treating.
• If you child uses sensory gear, such as lycra/spandex clothes, weighted vest, or a Spio suit, try to incorporate those into their costume. A Spio suit would make for a great superhero!

Trick or Treat at familiar houses

• Stick to houses and neighbors that you know and that know your child. They will be more aware of your child’s needs and will be able to adjust for them, such as removing a mask, talking more softly, and not expecting “please” and “thank you.”  
• Avoid homes that are overwhelming: avoid decorations with fog machines, strobe lights, or loud music. Try to trick or treat during lighter hours when few children are out and decorations won’t feel as overwhelming.