Halloween is approaching, and the anticipation of costumes, candy, and decorations will grow through the October days! The excitement peaks for the trick-or-treating adventures on Halloween night. For children with autism, trick-or-treating may present unique challenges. Fear not! With planning, creativity, and adaptability, you can make Halloween enjoyable for your child with autism! There’s no “right way” to celebrate Halloween. Cater the holiday to your child’s needs and preferences. Here are some tips for navigating trick-or-treating with ease.
1. Choose the Right Costume
Comfort is key! Consider your child’s hypersensitivities. Some costume “do’s” are:
- Incorporate soft fabrics
- Avoid itchy materials
- Steer clear of restrictive masks
If your child has difficulty wearing a full costume, try a themed t-shirt or use costume accessories that will be more comfortable. Involve your child in the costume selection process. As long as they’re having fun, that’s a win!
2. Set Expectations
Before starting trick-or-treating, have a conversation with your child about what to expect. Explain the process through a visual schedule with pictures illustrating each step:
- Dressing up
- Ringing the doorbell
- Saying “trick or treat"
- Receiving a treat
Practicing through role playing may increase your child’s comfort. It may help to involve the neighbors and even incorporate your child’s favorite treat in the practice.
3. Plan Your Route
Mapping out your trick-or-treating route ahead of time can help ease anxiety. Choose familiar houses where you and your child know neighbors. Look for quieter streets with less crowds if possible or simply drive to the houses of family or friends. Decide on how many houses you’d like to visit with your child. Starting with a small circle may decrease the chance your child is overwhelmed.
4. Time It Right
Going trick-or-treating during quieter hours may help decrease overstimulation or anxiety. Early evening trick-or-treat adventures are often less crowded than later hours or after dark. Having more light for trick-or-treating may be less intimidating for your child. Monitor your child’s energy levels. If they start to feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to call it a night early!
5. Plan Your Child’s Communication
As your child visits houses, consider their communication preferences for trick-or-treating. Plan with your child and choose the easiest communication methods, especially if your child is new to trick-or-treating. Have a sibling or friend accompany your child to help with any communication barriers. For non-verbal kids, consider using visuals, such as adding “trick-or-treat” to an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device or a picture exchange communication system (PECS).
6. Bring a Sensory Toolkit
Before going out, prepare a small sensory toolkit with items that can offer quick relief for your child. Include items like:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Fidget toys
- Their favorite toy or comfort item
These may come in handy if your child gets overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or crowds.
7. Communicate with Neighbors
Let your neighbors know in advance that you’ll be trick-or-treating with your child. This may help set expectations or allow neighbors to make accommodations, such as turning off overstimulating lights or offering an alternative treat.
8. Celebrate at Home
A Halloween party at home can be a great alternative if your child is hesitant on the trick-or-treating adventure or to celebrate a successful outing! Your entire family can:
- Sort through the candy together
- Watch a Halloween movie
- Enjoy some festive snacks
This relaxed environment can be a great alternative to a hectic trick-or-treating outing or a way for your child to unwind after trick-or-treating.
With a little preparation and creativity, trick-or-treating can be a fun experience for your child with autism and the whole family. Our clinical team at Helping Hands Family can help prepare your child for the Halloween season. We can also offer more tips to help maximize Halloween enjoyment for your child!
