Halloween Tips and Tricks

It's that time again...

Halloween can be a difficult time for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. From the changes in routine to denying that one last piece of candy, it’s no surprise that Halloween may feel like there’s more trick and less treat. Here are some tips to have an autism-friendly Halloween!

Start Planning Early.

Trying to finagle a bombardment of little pumpkins, pirates, and witches at your door while your child is attempting to dash out the door can be stressful. Do yourself the favor of planning a safe space for your child within your home. They won’t see you giving all that candy away and you won’t have to worry about them bolting. Organize fun activities to keep them occupied so they can partake in some Halloween festivities! If you plan on taking your child trick-or-treating, practice roleplaying with friends and family ahead of time. This may mean practicing waiting with both hands holding their trick-or-treat bucket or grabbing only one piece of candy at a time.

Plan for Sensory Needs.

If your child relies on sensory needs, remember to bring them along with you. Children on the autism spectrum may feel overwhelmed from the surrounding crowd noise level. If your child appears to be sensitive to loud noises, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earmuffs may be the answer. As for the bright lights from Halloween decorations, it may be best to plan your route ahead of time to avoid triggering houses.

Limit Candy.

Too much complex sugar can be a real headache to deal with right as it’s time for bed. Try breaking up candy bars to restrict excess snacking along the way so your child doesn’t feel sick or dysregulated. Bring extra water and healthy snacks that you can redirect your child to if they’ve had enough candy.

Know Your Child.

As a parent of a child with autism, no one will know your child better than you. If your child displays aversion to trick-or-treating, stay at home and have a Halloween party of your own! If your child shows signs that they are feeling overstimulated, take a break in a quiet place. If your child has difficulty sustaining attention, cut the night short. Make Halloween a positive and fun event that your child will associate with good memories!

Have Fun!

Halloween should be a fun and memorable event! As a parent of a child with autism, opportunities for fun are often overshadowed by worries of how your child may behave or how others around you may perceive to your child. Invite a supportive friend or a fellow neurodivergent family and enjoy the festivities together!