October is known far and wide for its pumpkins, corn mazes, and all things Halloween. This unique holiday can be full of candy and fun for all ages, but also potential challenges for children with autism to face and navigate.
Flashing lights, scary costumes, and generally stimulating environments can be overwhelming for those who are especially sensory sensitive. However, with the right preparation and tools, children with autism can enjoy and take part in the holiday as much as anyone else.
For those who are looking to explore the spooky world of Halloween with their children this year, here are some tips that will help ensure the experience is an exciting and positive one.
Prepare and Pick the Right Places
Before ever picking a costume or putting up decorations around the house, it can be helpful for children with autism to understand what exactly Halloween is, and what to expect in the days and weeks to come.
Share or build a personalized story that familiarizes your child with the background and traditions of the holiday. This gives your child an understanding of what’s behind all the interesting but strange sights they are likely to encounter throughout October and on Halloween. This can demystify the holiday, ultimately making it less likely to scare them if they understand it is not real, but part of a silly game we all collectively play.
When plotting out your trick-or-treat route for Halloween night, it’s best to avoid places that tend to be too crowded, packed, or rowdy. These types of locations can be too much to handle for a child who is just beginning to understand the holiday, especially if they are sensitive to sensory-related triggers. Open-air venues or local streets are ideal for first-time trick-or-treaters, and can help make their first experience with Halloween an enjoyable one they will feel comfortable returning to next year.
Around the house, it’s important to put up decorations that won’t make your child feel uneasy in the weeks before Halloween. If they are eager to lend a hand, then this is a great way for them to get involved with the process and see that the spiders and ghouls aren’t real, just silly decorations for fun.
Before the big night, it can be helpful to hang a sign on your front door to let trick-or-treaters know that your home is autism-friendly. This can let other parents and other children know not to be too intense with their outreach when they stop by.
Once you have the plan in mind and decorations on the walls, the final piece of the puzzle is helping your child pick a costume that reflects their interest and Halloween spirit.
Pick a Costume that Fits
Picking a Halloween costume is one of the most classic parts of the holiday, and it’s a great way to enable children with autism to take part in the holiday on their terms.
Whether they want to be a ghost, a knight, or a witch, the most important aspect of this decision is to make sure they are comfortable, happy, and supported in their decision.
Masks can be problematic for anyone as they can inhibit breathing and sight, so if your child decides they want to wear one, make sure it is comfortable and easy to remove. For material that covers the body, it’s helpful to make sure it’s not itchy or too tight. With any costume, it’s a good idea for your child to put it on a few times prior to Halloween itself so they know what to expect, and how it feels, and parents can make any adjustments before going out in public.
Some children might wish to participate in the holiday, but don’t feel particularly compelled to dress up. This is perfectly acceptable, and a fall-themed or favorite t-shirt or sweater works just as well. No matter their age or costume preference, what’s important is they feel safe and are able to take part in the holiday without feeling pressured or forced.
Make Halloween A Tradition Unique to Your Child
When the night of Halloween finally rolls around, it’s important to let your child know that they can participate as little or as much as they want with the festivities. Staying at home to help pass out candy is a fantastic way to get a feel for the holiday while remaining in a safe and controlled environment.
If your child does wish to venture out for some classic trick-or-treating, then it’s a good idea to review the story of Halloween beforehand, practice the trick-or-treating interaction at home, and bring helpful tools along with you. Having a familiar sensory toy, headphones, earplugs, or other items that bring comfort can be the perfect response if things become too overwhelming throughout the night.
Check to see if your school or local community hosts any special community events that interest your child, as these provide a structured environment. Talk with your neighbors and see if there is any interest in forming a trick-or-treating group, as this can be a great way to build social skills with plenty of parental supervision around for additional support.
If it’s your child’s first attempt to go out into the Halloween world, then check in with them frequently and let them know beforehand they can return home whenever they want.
One of the most wonderful aspects of Halloween is that there is no set or one way to enjoy it, and if you communicate this before and during, it can alleviate tension about doing things the “right” way. Let your child know that Halloween is here to engage with on their terms, and spending it on the couch watching a movie with you is just as valid as wearing a costume and collecting candy.
While Halloween might be known for its scary sights and sounds, there are plenty of ways for children to define and enjoy it as they like. With the right communication and preparation, parents can help their child understand this quintessential fall holiday, and ensure they have a safe, fun, and suitably spooky experience this Halloween.
Learn more about KGH Autism Services by visiting www.kghautismservices.com/our-services.
