Candies, children laughing and screaming, scary decorations, scratchy costumes—Halloween is always a fun night for kids of all ages (including bigger ones). However, it can be a lot to handle for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Why is Halloween such a challenging holiday for a child with autism? Of course, some are not entirely bothered by the hubbub of this holiday. Yet, some cannot engage with people or pay attention to all the things happening around them. Autistic people live in a world of their own, so most won't understand the horror of Halloween. Some might not be prepared for the chaos, get confused, or may experience meltdowns.
But who wouldn't want to dress up as their favorite superhero and get delicious free candy from their neighbors? Children with autism have role models, too, and will like to participate. Of course, you know your child best and can be the judge of what he needs or if he can participate.
To make this spooky day more enjoyable and ease your worries, we have prepared a few tips and tricks so you and your child can enjoy this holiday.
Tips for…
Trick or Treating
Going trick or treating is a classic for Halloween. For a child with autism who's not prepared for it, it can quickly become a nightmare. Keep it short and sweet if it makes your child uncomfortable. Before Halloween, it's essential to explain what's going during the holiday. Show them how it looks, what they can expect, and practice the routine to minimize anxiety. Practice walking to the door, the usual greeting, putting candy in the bag, and saying "thank you." A visual story or visual cues also help him understand Halloween better. You can also use social stories.
Children with autism spectrum love routine, and this might help them cope with it better. Remember to practice some safety rules when crossing the street and consider any dietary concerns. Talk to your neighbors about it, so they know about any sensory issues. Let your child go with familiar friends, and be close to home if your child needs a break.
Costumes
Costumes are a part of Halloween, and many kids will want to dress up as their beloved Disney characters. For a child with autism, however, costumes can pose a severe sensory issue. Some costumes are made out of cheap materials and are scratchy. If you want to apply makeup or have him wear masks, that also can be irritating. Consider your child's sensitivities when choosing the perfect costume. What do they like to wear? Are they too hot or cold? Is it stiff and smelly?
It's important to have your child practice wearing the costume beforehand and walk around the house with it until he gets used to the feeling. Watch out for any safety risks and resolve any issues your child has with the costume to make it a less stressful experience. Also, it's ok not to wear any costume if your kid doesn't want to or keep casual clothes at hand if he wants a change when uncomfortable.
READ MORE: 7 Tips for Dressing Sensory Sensitive Children.
Spooky Decorations, Sounds, and Places
There is no Halloween without the fear factor. Ghosts, witches, skeletons, black cats, and spiders are everywhere and can be scary. That's their purpose. Decorations often come with bright and flashing lights or loud noises that are meant to set the mood. For a child with autism, this can be overwhelming and NOT fun. For those with sensory issues, it can be worse.
To deal with this, tell your child that decorations and sounds are not real; just pretend. Prepare them beforehand for this by showing them videos of what they can expect. Be aware of the moving decorations or fog machines that can trigger impulsive and unsafe behaviors in the child. Find sensory-friendly activities in your area or stay at home.
Other General Safety Tips
Make Halloween further enjoyable with these tips:
- Eliminate the surprise factor. Since people with autism like routine, they certainly don't like any factor interfering with a plan. Make sure that no one is trying to scare them while they're not paying attention.
- Tell visitors your house is autism-friendly. You can hang a sign by the door or window to let other people know what to expect when coming trick-or-treating. If you go trick-or-treating, consider putting a marker on your child in case of emergencies like wandering.
- Show your children what to expect. Make your own visual cards and teach them what to expect during Halloween. You can use social stories to show your kid what's what. Remember to rehearse everything a few weeks in advance for a positive experience.
- Stay at home. There are many fun activities you can do to keep the spirit alive with your children while staying at home. You can create slimes, tons of spooky crafts, or carve pumpkins.
- Plan a route. You can work together with your autistic child to develop a neighborhood map and plan a routine. During the event, you can cross off the house you have visited so they'll be ready for the next one. Practice the route during the day before the big night.
- Take toys with you. When your child gets uncomfortable, a weighted blanket or his favorite toy can calm him. Take a bottle of water, a piece of candy, or snacks in case something happens—you never know. If you're at a loud party, take noise-canceling headphones.
- Consider going out in the early evening. Your child might not like the darkness, so go earlier or carry a flashlight with you.
- Decorate gradually. Or not at all. Halloween doesn’t need to be full of scary decorations or spooky music.
- Be patient. Your child's first Halloween probably won't be a successful experience, but it will get better in time. It's essential to be patient with your child if he doesn't want to approach a house or take candy. Take it one step at a time.
Happy Halloween!
Don't be disappointed if your first Halloween is going to be a "fail." There's always next year, or maybe this holiday is not suitable for your autistic child—and that's ok. You are the expert when it comes to your child and, sometimes, less is more.
Remember not to set your expectations too high. Your junior needs to have fun, and that's all that matters. For some, it's fun to stay at home. Some don't like to trick or treat, or he's not ready but wants to hand out candy to other children. That's perfectly fine. The most important part is to have a safe and happy Halloween with your loved ones.