Inclusion isn’t scary!

Lansdowne Children’s Centre offers tips for Halloween fun

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– As Halloween approaches, Lansdowne Children’s Centre is reminding everyone that inclusion isn’t scary.

Halloween can be a fun night of make believe and candy, but for some kids, it can all be too much. Susan Battin, Autism Services manager and clinical supervisor for Lansdowne Children’s Centre, noted that most of the time, children are told not to take candy from strangers, and then, “One night a year, all the rules are off the table.”

On top of that, between wearing a costume, seeing other people in costumes, hearing strange and scary sounds, and seeing spooky decorations and lighting, “there’s going to be lots of things that don’t make sense” to some kids. While Lansdowne serves children and youth who have physical, communication or developmental challenges, Battin noted, “Halloween is hard for many kids,” because it can just be overstimulating in general. Battin offered some tips to help make sure your home and/or event is welcoming to all the little heroes, mystical creatures or other things that go bump in the night, on October 31

* “Always interact as much as you as the host are willing and comfortable, but realize that that might not be reciprocated,” Battin said. Some children may not be able to verbally say things like ‘Trick or Treat’ or ‘please’ and ‘thank you’; they might need to use an alternative form of communication, like sign language, gesture, pictures or augmented communication devices (like a tablet).

* If you have stairs to get to your door, go out to meet children who have assistive devices, like wheelchairs or walkers, at the ground level so they’re included in the night’s fun.

* Make sure your walkways are clear of obstacles and debris and are well lit.

* “If any teenagers come up to you, be nice to them

… developmentally, that could be somebody that looks older than they are cognitively, so be cognizant of that,” Battin said

*If you’re driving, be sure to go very slowly, and watch for kids unexpectedly running out into the street

* If possible, try to keep the volume of music and soundtracks lowered, so as to not be overwhelming for any of your visitors

Ultimately, remember that “Halloween is largely about kids being kids,” Battin said, and most importantly, “Inclusion isn’t scary”

Practice Makes Progress

Lansdowne will host its third annual Halls of Halloween event later this month, providing an opportunity for children and youth who access services and support at Lansdowne Children’s Centre to practice their trick or treating The event provides an indoor, enclosed area for those who have challenges staying with their caregivers, and a flat area for those with challenges navigating stairs and sidewalks.

“The Halls of Halloween provides an opportunity for children and youth to desensitize to things like costumes, noises, and waiting in line for their treat,” said Battin. “It allows kids to practice their greetings, requests and manners regardless of their communication style.”

The event is hosted by Autism Services and Family Engagement Services at Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford, with support from donations to the Lansdowne Foundation. Anyone interested in supporting the event is encouraged to contact Lansdowne Children’s Centre (which is a not-forprofit organization) with their inquiry.

~Written by Tamara Botting, Lansdowne Children’s Centre