Halloween Tips for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it may present some difficulties for those who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD). You may reduce your stress by preparing ahead and getting organized. Here are some suggestions to make the holiday fun for you and your child, Whether this is your child’s first Halloween or not.

Before Halloween:

• Using some images or drawings, create a narrative that will help your child understand what Halloween might be like. This will help in preparing your kid for the day's events.
  

• Before Halloween, try out several costumes. They may experience unneeded distress and lose enjoyment if the costume is uncomfortable or doesn't fit properly.
  

• Don't force your child to wear their costume if they don't like it. Instead, discuss the circumstance with your child and attempt to understand why they don't like it. After you and your child have a conversation, they might eventually grow accustomed to the outfit. Have them wear it for short periods and at increasing intervals over time.
  

• Think about a Halloween costume that your child can wear over their everyday attire, such as butterfly wings or a cape.

Halloween Day:

Recognize your child's capabilities and only attempt what they can handle. If your child is uncomfortable trick-or-treating, for instance, you can start by visiting three homes. The following year, increase the number of dwellings after evaluating your child's progress.

• Take your kid to an event in the area where they are already comfortable and know the people, like a school fair or a house party.
  

• Partner with loved ones and acquaintances of your child.
  

• Give your kids the opportunity to receive sweets if you are handing it out at home. Practice saying hello and handing out candy to individuals throughout the day.
  

• Plan indoor or daylight Halloween activities if your child is afraid to go outside at night.

For many autistic children, Halloween can be overwhelming; the costume is frequently a source of sensory distress. Here's how to make the outfit for your child more sensory-friendly.

1. Remove any itchy tags and wear comfortable clothing underneath the costume as a support layer.

2. Be careful when selecting the fabrics and materials for the costume, and avoid masks and face paint.

3. Prior to Halloween night, try out the costume and wash or clean it to get rid of odors and soften the materials.

4. Choose outfits that are simple to put on or take off on their own, or create a costume from regular clothing pieces.

5. Include sensory tools in your outfit. Use noise-canceling earplugs as part of the costume, for example, or look for outfits that permit stimming (like reversible sequin fabric aka mermaid fabric).

6. To make plastic costumes and helmets more comfortable, line them with fabric.

7. Aim for customers that are simple to put on or take off on their own.

8. Remember to consider the costume's weight. A light-weight, scarcely perceptible outfit might make your child feel more at ease.

9. Carefully consider the accessories. Some costumes come with lights or noisemakers. You might wish to avoid using those accessories if your toddler is irritated by lights and noises.

10. Have a backup plan, just in case!