There are many unique sounds, smells, sensations and even tastes that come with Halloween. These new sensory experiences and changes can feel stressful, frustrating, or even scary for some children, and there are many ways to help a child feel more at ease. For autistic children, negative emotions may stem more readily from changes in routine and novel experiences. In general, there is often a lot of chaos around Halloween, but with proper preparation and accommodations, you can make Halloween an enjoyable and positive experience.
Whether you are planning to go trick-or-treating or staying home and handing out candy, these 7 Halloween tips for an autism-friendly celebration will help you turn this night into a fun memory for the whole family.
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1. Help Them Understand What to Expect from Halloween
In nearly every sphere of life, feeling confident about what to expect goes a long way to reducing negative emotions like fear and anxiety. Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability, so introducing the concept of Halloween and its associated activities can help them feel more comfortable through familiarity.
Explain the traditions and customs of Halloween, like dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and decorating the house. Use visual aids, like picture books or videos, to help your child understand what they might see and experience.
Explain that people may be wearing masks or costumes that look different from their usual appearance.
2. Choose an Autism-Friendly Halloween Costume
Involve your child in the costume selection process and let them try on different options to ensure they feel comfortable and confident.
You can practice having your child wear a costume in advance! Just like any of us, extra praise can reinforce the feeling that the costume is fun and feels good to wear. And, likewise, any small discomforts will become increasingly salient over time. Bring an extra change of clothes in case your child becomes uncomfortable in their costume while away from the home.
If your child is sensitive to or particular about clothing, it’s OK. Costumes can be uncomfortable and different from what they normally wear. When collecting options, consider comfortable, Halloween-themed clothing that is closer to your child’s normal attire, for example, a comfortable Halloween shirt, a hooded sweatshirt with animal ears or even pumpkin-printed shoelaces instead of a costume!
3. Practice Trick-or-Treating
If you go trick-or-treating, autistic children sometimes have a challenging time adapting to the “unspoken rules”, which makes it extra confusing to navigate, and that can be compounded by stringing many demanding social interactions together. Role-play trick-or-treating with your child to help them feel comfortable wearing a costume, taking or offering candy, and some of the dialogue they might encounter.
Try role-playing using your own door: Practice knocking on a door and saying “trick-or-treat!” ahead of time with your child.
If your child has food sensitivities, try giving appropriate treats or toys to your neighbors. Ask them to give them to your child when it’s time, and make sure to establish some guidelines around what happens with candy and toys after trick-or-treating is over!
4. Consider a Blue Trick-or-Treat Bucket
A blue trick-or-treat bucket has become an unofficial “autism Halloween bucket”. This tool is meant to spread autism awareness during the Halloween season. The blue bucket can let others know that your child may exhibit some difficulty adjusting to an unusual situation, which can include communication challenges (like saying “trick or treat!”)
Likewise, the blue bucket can provide an opportunity to open up a dialogue with others, particularly if you go trick or treating with a group, about what methods help support a happy Halloween for you and your child (and, potentially, others in a similar situation).
5. Safety Considerations when Going Out
Don’t forget your child’s identification. If you have a child that has a hard time staying with you when you are in the community, make sure your child is wearing their ID bracelet, carrying an ID card or wearing an AirTag.
Make sure to wear something that sets you apart from the crowd so your child can find you more easily if you get separated.
Take a picture of your child in their costume before you go out. This will make it easier to find them if they get lost.
6. Autism-Friendly Decorations and Sensory Considerations
Halloween decorations are meant to be fun, but they can be scary. Kids with autism might also struggle with sensory issues and find all the lights, sounds and movement overwhelming when they go trick-or-treating. Make sure to bring a sensory toy or headphones with you when going out.
If your child has a hard time dealing with decorations, limit exposure. There are other autism-friendly activities you can do at home.
If you decide to hand out candy at home, you may find your doorbell ringing many times! If your child is sensitive to the doorbell, try placing a sign that says “knock” over or near the doorbell. You can also let visitors know that your house is autism-friendly.
7. Other Autism-Friendly Activities for Halloween Besides Trick-or-Treating
While trick-or-treating is a popular Halloween tradition, it may not be suitable or enjoyable for every child with autism. Consider exploring alternative activities that cater to your child's interests and sensory needs:
- Halloween-themed crafts or baking: Engage your child in creative projects like making Halloween-themed decorations, costumes, or treats.
- Pumpkin carving or painting: Let your child express their creativity by decorating pumpkins or gourds.
- Sensory-friendly Halloween activities at home: Create a sensory-friendly Halloween experience at home with themed games, movies, or sensory bins.
Autism and Halloween: Making Halloween Fun for Everyone
Creating an autism-friendly holiday requires understanding, preparation, and accommodations. By following these Halloween tips for autism-friendly fun, you can help your child participate in the festivities while minimizing potential triggers and ensuring their comfort and safety.
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