- Prepare in Advance: Talk with your child about what to expect on Halloween night. Use visual aids, like social stories or picture schedules, to help explain each step of trick-or-treating. This can reduce anxiety by making the unfamiliar seem more predictable.
- Choose Comfortable Costumes: Some costumes can be itchy, heavy, or hard to move in. Find a costume your child is comfortable wearing, ideally something lightweight and free of restrictive parts. If they’re sensitive to certain textures, try adding familiar, comfortable clothing underneath the costume.
- Practice Trick-or-Treating at Home: Role-playing at home helps your child learn the routine. Practising saying “Trick or Treat!” at the door and receiving a treat gives them a chance to understand and get comfortable with the process.
- Set Sensory-Friendly Boundaries: If your child is sensitive to loud sounds, busy streets, or flashing lights, consider quieter neighbourhoods or earlier hours for trick-or-treating. Some families bring noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload.
- Use a ‘Break Card’ or Signal: Halloween can be overwhelming. Agree on a hand signal or “break card” they can show you if they need a moment away from the excitement. This provides them with a safe, non-verbal way to communicate if they feel stressed.
- Buddy Up with Siblings or Friends: Having a familiar friend or sibling can ease the experience, especially in new environments. It provides a social support system and can make the evening feel more enjoyable and secure.
- Bring a Favourite Toy or Fidget: If they need a distraction or a sense of security, bring along a small, familiar toy or fidget. This can help them stay calm in crowded or stimulating situations.
- Use a Visual Schedule for Treats: If your child has dietary restrictions or tends to fixate on treats, set up a visual schedule or “treat limit” chart. Explain in advance when and how much candy they can eat to avoid meltdowns or overindulgence.
- Follow Their Pace: Some children may only want to go to a few houses. If they seem overwhelmed or tired, listen to their cues and let them take the lead on when to end the night.
- Celebrate Efforts, Not Outcomes: For some children, trying Halloween at all is a huge accomplishment. Celebrate their effort and focus on the fun aspects rather than focusing solely on collecting treats.
With these tips, Halloween can be a positive experience for children with additional needs, making it inclusive, enjoyable, and filled with happy memories!