Halloween and Autism: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Child

BY JOCELYN COOK

Halloween is usually a favorite holiday for kids, but for a child with autism, Halloween holds the potential for anxiety and irritation. Everything is “out of the norm,” and most kids with autism thrive on routine. Our team here at Healing Haven incorporates the holiday into our therapy to help our kids learn to enjoy Halloween. So, we’ve compiled some tips for families navigating Halloween and autism to help you and your child have a wonderful, and not frightful, holiday.

1. Make the Unknown Known

Talk to your child about Halloween for a few weeks ahead of time so when the day comes it’s not a surprise. Show pictures of kids in costumes, download social stories about Halloween, play videos of children trick-or-treating, etc. If you create a social story and have pictures of your kid(s) from past years, that can help to remind them of what this holiday is about.

2. Practice Wearing Costumes

By having a “dress rehearsal” you can help your child adjust to the uniqueness of wearing a costume. For children with severe sensory issues, try making something homemade out of their clothes. Additionally, light-up shoes or accessories can be helpful to keep track of your child in the dark.But remind yourself that, in the end, it’s okay if your child just refuses to wear a costume at all. Get them a Halloween T-shirt and call it good.

3. Do a Neighborhood Walk-Through

During Halloween time, we’ve all seen houses that have intense decorations. A walk through your neighborhood – or the area you plan to trick-or-treat – at night can be helpful to plan for any houses you might want to avoid that your child may find scary.

4. Practice Trick-or-Treating

Teaching your child with autism about the rules of trick-ortreating is an important part of Halloween prep. By going through the steps of how trick-or-treating works, you will help them feel more comfortable and confident.Be specific when you practice the steps: knock on the door, say “trick-or-treat,” say “thank you.” Also, train them to not go inside the house, but go to the next house. And if your child uses an AAC device, make sure these phrases are loaded and they know where to find them.

5. What To Do With All That Candy?

Creating a plan for handling the trick-or-treat haul your child brings home is wise, and if they have allergies or a restricted diet, it’s absolutely necessary. If you haven’t already heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project, it’s a great way to support those with food allergies. Also, talking about the issues with Halloween candy and allergies with your child can help prepare them for some items not being safe for them.

6. Be Flexible

It’s important to remember that Halloween is supposed to be fun. So, if your child is overwhelmed by all the elements of trick-or-treating, don’t force them to go. They could help pass out candy or invite a few friends over who may feel the same way. Also look for alternate Halloween activities in your area.

We hope these tips are helpful and reduce some of the anxiety either you, or your child, may be feeling about Halloween!

To learn more about the comprehensive autism services at Healing Haven, visit thehealinghaven.net