Halloween Tips

HELP…..I want my child to do all the things that other children do, like Trick or Treating….BUT their disruptive behaviors won’t allow.

What can I do to help prepare them for a “night of fun” and not a “night of terror” (for ALL of us)?

Trick-or-treating can be great fun for many families but also very stressful and almost impossible for other families, especially those who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Processing issues.

The success lies in the planning. Think ahead. Practice. Practice. Practice. And then be flexible in case it doesn’t go the way you planned.

One mom said, “Trick-or-treating can be stressful because you want them to participate, to have that experience, but you also know that it could be overwhelming on so many levels. It’s a tricky balancing act for parents.” She is absolutely correct!

So we put our heads together (as well as our education and training) and created this helpful list of DO’s for your next Halloween event.

Do

• Choose a costume (or let them choose, depending on your child) that is comfortable, especially for those who struggle already with textures and sensory processing challenges.

• Choose the costume several weeks in advance and have them practice wearing it around the house. (Be flexible…if your child will not wear a costume then consider a Halloween/fall t-shirt or sweatshirt)

• Take a picture of your child in their costume, weeks in advance so that you can use it to help prepare them.

• Use the picture of your child in costume and create a social story, giving simple, direct details as to how the night will unfold and what is expected of them.

• Create a visual count-down board and hang in a high traffic area of the home to help prepare them for the big day.

• Discuss with your child what is real and what is pretend, as well as potentially scary costumes and makeup.

• Be sure to take lots of pictures while out trick-or-treating — they can be used to visually prepare for Halloween next year.

• Practice ahead of time. This can be parts or all of the route you will walk, what houses you will walk up to, saying “trick-or-treat’ and “thank you”, and even waiting for the person to give the candy, and not take it from the neighbors.

• Review safety issues, holding an adult’s hand and practice how to cross the street

• Keep the “fun” manageable.

• Watch for signs in your child that they are becoming overwhelmed or “done” and head home long before the meltdowns can begin.

• Practice with family members, modeling the appropriate behavior and then let your child practice too. (Familiar faces will help alleviate some anxiety…especially if you practice more than once before the big event)

• Start the evening early….and long before your child’s normal bedtime routine.

• Take your own “reinforcements” with you to help your child be successful (and motivated)

• Be flexible and follow your child’s lead when it comes to what they can handle. (They may take their costume off by house #2 and not wear it the rest of the night. However, the goal is to have fun and make memories….just go with it)

Other ideas:

• Trick-or-treat inside your own home or yard

• Plan a “trick-or-treat” even with family and friends when you KNOW that trick-or-treating in your neighborhood is NOT an option for your chils.

• Instead of trick-or-treat in the neighborhood, plan a family “fun” or “game” night with a Halloween theme.

• If you child has special dietary needs/restrictions, visit your neighbors (whom you plan to visit on trick-or-treat night) and give them the “approved” treats for your child (these can even be small sensory toys instead of candy)

• If your child is non-verbal, consider telling these neighbors ahead of time so that there isn’t an uncomfortable moment when they keep trying to get your child to say the magic words, “trick-or-treat”.