5 Tips For A Happy and Safe Halloween: Autism Edition
Halloween can be a magical time, full of costumes, candy, and fun! But for children with autism, it can also bring some sensory challenges. That’s why it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve! We’ve put together a few Halloween tips from our autism experts to help make the festivities not only fun but also safe and stress-free for your little one. With a bit of planning, your child can enjoy the night and make some special memories.
Halloween Tips Autism Edition
1. BRING SOME REINFORCERS
So what do we mean by that? Think about your child’s favorite items. Whether that’s a specific treat, snack, or toy! Have these reinforcers or preferred items with you as a backup for situations when your child might not be able to have a certain type of candy due to allergies or just doesn’t like the candy being offered.
2. ALLOW CHILD TO MAKE CHOICES
This is big, children want to feel control over their bodies and what they do. Incorporate choices as much as possible so your child is comfortable and prepared. For example, allow them to choose their costume, the item they’re going to use to collect candy with, who they’d like to go with, etc. It’s also a great way to help them practice communicating their wants and needs! And that’s a win-win in our eyes!
3. PRACTICE BUILDS CONFIDENCE
Rehearse the parts of trick-or-treating that might be challenging for your child such as walking up to a neighbor’s house, saying “trick-or-treat” without running inside the home or into the street, putting the treat in the bag, and saying “thank you!” You can practice each step a few nights a week leading up to the big day. Expert advice: remember to simplify the tasks and only add in another step once your child has mastered the previous one. For more support, you can always ask your child’s therapy team if there are ways they could work on trick-or-treating skills. We’re here to help make sure every holiday is fun and safe for everyone!
At InBloom Autism Services, we specialize in early intervention ABA Therapy, which means our centers and curriculum were created specifically for young children with autism. Tour an InBloom Learning Center near you!
4. FIND SENSORY-FRIENDLY VENUES
We love autism-friendly events, and were happy to see more taking place all over! But remember, select your venue or activity based on your child’s specific sensory needs. Some children might be more comfortable in one setting or another depending on how busy it will be, the lighting, noise level, etc. Also, note that some venues may provide sensory-friendly activities or certain hours of the day for children and their families, be sure to call or look them up online.
5. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!
If you’re stressed out, chances are your child will be too! Lead by example and show your child that this is a fun and safe environment. But like all fun things, too much can be overwhelming. So listen to your child, stay close to your child, and take it one step at a time. You got this!
And there you have it! With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to make this an epic Halloween for the whole family. Remember, it’s all about taking it one step at a time and enjoying the moment with your child. Here are some more Halloween resources from Autism Speaks, be sure to check them out. And from all of us at InBloom Autism Services, we wish you all a spooktacular and stress-free season filled with treats, laughter, and lots of fun!
InBloom Autism Services specializes in early intervention ABA Therapy. Our certified therapists undergo training to implement teaching programs specifically designed for children aged 5 and under with autism. Our Learning Centers also offer a safe and enjoyable environment for children to interact and practice social skills with their peers. Find a Learning Center near you!
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