The spooky season of Halloween is upon us! Everywhere you can see smiling pumpkins, spider webs, and ghostly decorations on home fronts and in the stores. Candy fills the shelves.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year for all!
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However, for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Halloween season can be a challenging time. There are sensory concerns from uncomfortable costumes, scary decorations, and lighting, as well as peers ringing doorbells with shouts of “trick-or-treat” ringing up and down the street.
The social rules of Halloween can also be difficult,
and then there is the role of candy and dietary concerns.
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Overall, Halloween can be a chilling struggle. If you want to help your individuals enjoy Halloween, or at least make it more comfortable for them, start by PREPARING THEM!
Let's Talk Halloween
Social Stories
Write a social story describing what your individual will do on Halloween. Autism Speaks provides free story templates to help you create the perfect one. Read the story several times before the actual night so your individual has time to get used to the plan. You can also read Halloween books with your individual written by varying authors. You can find a nice selection at your local library.
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Gradually Decorate
If your child has difficulty with change, you may want to decorate your home gradually instead of all at once. Adding a decoration here and there every now and then can be easier for your individual to tolerate.
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Practice, Practice, Practice!
Let your individual practice wearing their costume at home. This gives you time to make any last-minute modifications and time for your individual to get used to it. Practice trick or treating a few times before Halloween. Visit friends and family, and give neighbors treats to give should there be any dietary restrictions. Make written cards or a sign for your nonverbal individual to give or hold up when requesting a treat and to say thank you.
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Visuals
Create a visual schedule. This might include a map of where you will go. Be sure to walk the route several times before the big night. ​
​Role Play
Use role play to practice receiving and giving treats and set clear expectations on the amount of treats your individual will be able to have.
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Length of Time
Keep trick or treating short and comfortable. Don’t expect your individual to walk the entire path you practiced. Keep in mind that when you were practicing, there were fewer people, noises, lights, etc. Consider letting siblings (that might want to go longer) continue trick or treating with a friend.
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Other Tips
If your individual isn’t interested in trick or treating, try having them pass out the candy.
Pack a bag with earmuffs/noise canceling headphones, sunglasses, favorite small toys, a flashlight, and comforting items to have available should your individual become over stimulated by sounds, lights, movements,etc.
Remember, Halloween looks different for every child on the spectrum and you know your individual best. Use your intuition and if you only make it to three houses, if you don’t even leave the house, or if you just have to turn off those porch lights... that’s perfectly okay!
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