Tips + Tricks: Autism and Halloween

Halloween with sensory difficulties can be overwhelming and challenging.

Crowds, notice, unfamiliar sighs such as costumes and decorations, different textures of a new Halloween costume and even smells can all be triggers for sensory processing.

Here are some tips for how to help with some common Halloween challenges:

Unfamiliar Sensations

For issues with things like the feel of fake cobwebs or the sights and sounds of spooky decorations and music, consider going to a big Halloween store occasionally to help your child get used to them.

If your child doesn’t like the texture or smell of pumpkin guts, consider an alternative such as painting or decorating the pumpkin with stickers instead.

Sensory Friendly Halloween Costumes

Let your child touch the costumes in the store before choosing one. It might be a good idea to even try it on before buying to make sure that your child is willing and excited to wear it.

Avoid masks and face painting. Encourage your child to wear the costume for increasing lengths of time in the days leading up to events where they will wear it. Have them wear comfortable clothing or pajamas underneath their costume to avoid tactile sensitivities.

Trick or Treating with Sensory Processing

Noisy crowds of kids and flashing lights may trigger sensory meltdowns.

Map out and practice your route ahead of time so the path feels familiar to your child. Go early in the evening before the crowds are out. If it becomes too much, let them come home and be in charge of passing candy out to trick-or-treaters. If possible, explain to your child what to expect when it comes to sounds and lights they may encounter.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO FIND WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD ENJOY HALLOWEEN RATHER THAN AVOIDING IT!

Visit understood.org for more tips and tricks like this.

Halloween with Sensory Processing Difficulties understood.org