Spooky season is nearly upon us. Here at the Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub, we firmly believe that children with autism can enjoy Halloween just as much as any other child. We’ve conjured up some handy tips and tricks to ensure you have an enjoyable experience with your child and remain mindful of children with autism this Halloween.
Create your own spooky (or not) fun at home!
- Put up sensory friendly decorations – there are lots of soft, non- flashing, less spooky options.
- Make fun Halloween-themed food choices – anyone for dead man’s fingers (also known as cocktail sausages and ketchup)?
- Have a movie night – Put on a Halloween themed film on a low volume with lots of soft blankets. You could even make a blanket fort. We love ‘Room on the Broom’!
- Remember to put a sign on your door ‘ No trick or treaters – thank you!’ You can always put a bowl of treats outside your house.
Trick or treating
- Explain what to expect using visual aids or simple narratives. This could be by creating your own story book or watching videos to help your child get a feel for what to expect on the day.
- The process of trick or treating is very repetitive. With the same language being used repeatedly. Roleplaying the process can be a fun and rewarding activity to help your child prepare for what to expect.
- Choose familiar routes and limit the number of houses to visit, allowing for breaks in quieter areas. It could be useful to do a trial run by supplying your friends’ houses with some treats so you and your child can do a practice run.
- Select soft, loose-fitting costumes that won’t irritate the skin and are easy to take off if needed. Some parents have found that adding a tight layer of clothing under the costume can provide a calming compression sensation.
- Your child might prefer to wear headphones as part of their costume. With all the excitement of the day, it can help limit all the competing noises.
- Head out early. Most houses in the neighbourhood are happy to accept trick or treaters from as early as 5pm to accommodate for younger children. This will allow for a quieter, less busy experience.
How to offer a more inclusive trick or treating experience
- Be patient and understanding. If a child appears hesitate or takes time to respond, allow them time and space.
- Some children might not say ‘trick or treat!’, or ‘thank you’ this could be for many reasons including being nonverbal or speech delays.
- Be understanding if you see a child that isn’t wearing a costume or a child that takes more than one treat.
- Be respectful if you see an older child or teenager trick or treating. Not all disabilities are visible.
- Offer non-food options like stickers or small toys. It’s important to recognise that some children might have dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Put up sensory friendly decorations. Avoiding loud, flashy displays and nothing that might frighten a child.
Through some simple adjustments and being mindful of sensory needs, we hope that every child can join in the Halloween fun.
Whether you’re out trick or treating or enjoying a magical night in, Happy Halloween from all of us at Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub.
Download, print, and display our Autism-Friendly Halloween poster to show your support and create a welcoming space for everyone this Halloween. Click below to get your free poster and hang it outside your home!
