Celebrate Halloween with Behavior Frontiers!
Halloween can be a great time for children and families. From costume parties to trick-or-treating, this holiday can provide some awesome opportunities for fun and socializing. However, for parents or caregivers of children with autism, it can also be a complicated time, filled with lots of questions: will my child be able to tolerate their costume? If we participate in any events, will there be too much light or noise that will affect my child? Can we all take part in the celebrations together?
With that in mind, we have some ideas for how you can help your child to take part in the celebrations, while minimizing stress for them and for the rest of your family.
Costumes
Children with autism can have a number of sensory issues that may make costumes difficult. Things like a cape tied around the neck or a mask that covers the whole face can cause a lot of stress for your child. Allow your children to have a choice in their Halloween costumes, and try it on in advance. If you notice that they’re pulling or tugging on the costume, or acting as if they want to remove it, it may be causing them sensory issues. If your child is unwilling to wear any costume, consider letting them wear pajamas or regular clothes.
Trick or Treating
A child with Autism may appear to be uncomfortable or unwilling to greet people as they open their door, make eye contact, say “Trick or Treat”, or hold out their bag/bucket. Even if your child has participated in trick or treating in the past, they may need help with the routine. Set up expectations in advance by preparing them 1-2 weeks before the holiday using stories, visual reminders, movies, or photographs. Review memories from past Halloweens and remind him/her about trick or treating, costumes, candy, and how to behave when trick or treating. Watch a movie or cartoon about trick or treating and have your child practice saying, “Trick or Treat”. Visuals, such as a poster, can help children with Autism understand complex or abstract concepts. Go over this information several times before the day approaches. On the night of Halloween remind the child of the routine as needed. For example, as you approach someone’s front porch say to your child “Okay, first we go knock on the door, and then what do we say?”
If your child has limited language abilities, you can print cards that say “Trick or Treat”, or use our free printable (at the bottom of this article) and tape it to their bucket or bag! Then, instead of practicing having them verbally say the words, work with them on going to the door and showing their sign.
Participate in Other Events
There are many different types of events that occur around this time, and some of them may be a better fit for your child’s needs. For example, a Trunk or Treat event is usually confined to one area, so your child would only have to adapt to one new place, and you can leave quickly if your child becomes overwhelmed. Also, reach out to your local Autism Society office! Many of them are either hosting sensory-friendly events or can direct you to those who are.
Join Us For a Behavior Frontiers Halloween Event!
One of our Behavior Frontiers offices is hosting a sensory-friendly Halloween Event! If you are in the Sacramento, CA area, we would love to see you and your family at our free, sensory-friendly Halloween party. Space is limited, and tickets are going fast, so sign up today! We hope to see you there.
To download our free printable, CLICK HERE!
