Spooktacular Tips for Halloween
Editor's note: The tips and anecdotes below were submitted by members of our community. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors exclusively.
Editor's note: The tips and anecdotes below were submitted by members of our community. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors exclusively.
We go out nightly the week before Halloween comes.
We fake the knocking on the door, and saying "trick or treat" as well, at home. That makes it easier with both of my sons because they know what's going to happen that night. Of course there is the unexpected ... we saw a witch sitting on the sidewalk. We stayed back a bit and I said in a loud voice, "This little boy is scared of bad things!" and the witch just sat still! Last year, my son said hi to the witch as he walked by ... a first and a great experience!
- Anonymous
Spooktacular
Select costumes with sensory issues in mind. Avoid rough materials, full mask and face paint. Try to dress your child as comfortably as possible.
Prepare your child for the big event. Read stories about Halloween prior to that day. Role play.
Opt for a route that is familiar to your child. Familiarity is crucial to children on the spectrum.
Offer to provide some neighbors with special treats to give to your child if he/she is on a restricted diet.
Know your child's limits. Steer clear of meltdowns by keeping trick or treating to a reasonable amount of time.
Teach your child "Halloween" protocol: Rehearse at home: Ring bell, hold out bag, say "trick or treat" and "thank you."
Avoid trick or treating at homes decorated with flashing lights or loud sounds that may trigger sensory reactions.
Create a timetable and plan. Inform your child what time you'll leave, the route you'll take, the time you'll be back. Children on the spectrum have greater comfort when they know what to expect.
Understand and accept if your child wants to "quit" -- even if it's after only visiting one house, or if he/she wants to "ditch" the costume.
Limit the treats your child consumes -- let him/her know in advance how many treats are allowed per day.
Assist your child in preparing appropriate responses to well meaning questions (i.e. What are you supposed to be?) or how to decline an unwanted treat.
Remember to enjoy the fun spirit of Halloween. Dress yourself in costume, take pictures, treasure the special time spent with your child.
- Dr. Keri Chiappino, chiropractic neurologist
Select costumes with sensory issues in mind. Avoid rough materials, full mask and face paint. Try to dress your child as comfortably as possible.
Prepare your child for the big event. Read stories about Halloween prior to that day. Role play.
Opt for a route that is familiar to your child. Familiarity is crucial to children on the spectrum.
Offer to provide some neighbors with special treats to give to your child if he/she is on a restricted diet.
Know your child's limits. Steer clear of meltdowns by keeping trick or treating to a reasonable amount of time.
Teach your child "Halloween" protocol: Rehearse at home: Ring bell, hold out bag, say "trick or treat" and "thank you."
Avoid trick or treating at homes decorated with flashing lights or loud sounds that may trigger sensory reactions.
Create a timetable and plan. Inform your child what time you'll leave, the route you'll take, the time you'll be back. Children on the spectrum have greater comfort when they know what to expect.
Understand and accept if your child wants to "quit" -- even if it's after only visiting one house, or if he/she wants to "ditch" the costume.
Limit the treats your child consumes -- let him/her know in advance how many treats are allowed per day.
Assist your child in preparing appropriate responses to well meaning questions (i.e. What are you supposed to be?) or how to decline an unwanted treat.
Remember to enjoy the fun spirit of Halloween. Dress yourself in costume, take pictures, treasure the special time spent with your child.
- Dr. Keri Chiappino, chiropractic neurologist
I gave favorite snacks to my neighbors so my son would get a "reward" for going trick or treating.
Of course we went before it got dark. My son won't wear a costume, but they make great t-shirts which work as a costume. One year he was a pumpkin, another it said "this is my costume". This year he'll be Cookie Monster. We also practiced trick or treating.
- Eileen Engelman
- Eileen Engelman
If trick or treating is tough for your child, why not have a party at home?
Invite family and friends for a fun, enjoyable Halloween party. Leave the scary part out and advise guests to do the same. If you are entertaining other children with disabilities as well, respect their sensory issues and special diets. Costumes should not be mandatory but if your child chooses to dress up, make sure their outfit is comfortable and flexible. Keep candy down to a minimum and explain games by modeling or with pictures. Remember if somebody flaps, they deserve a treat!
- Bill Davis, author of the soon to be released, "Autism Tomorrow."
- Bill Davis, author of the soon to be released, "Autism Tomorrow."
Halloween is all about trick or treating, which was always difficult for my son, Robert.
From climbing the different front porches to actually looking at someone to say "trick or treat," it was all difficult. One year the weather was going to be horrible, so I tried going to the local mall. After going to the first few stores, he loved it! I'm not sure what it was, but by the end he was running from store to store, holding his bag open and saying "trick or treat" and a real loud "thank you" as he ran to the next store. Ever since that one year he now goes from house to house, ringing door bells and collecting his "loot," with a loud "thank you" as he walks away. He's 11 now and I don't believe trick or treating is "cool" anymore, but the parties are a blast!
- Jennifer Brown
- Jennifer Brown
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