Holiday Blog Series Part 1: Tips to Navigate Halloween
Posted: October 7, 2024
Holiday Series Part 1: Tips to Navigate Halloween
Holidays are a time of celebrating together, but for many children they can also be overwhelming and challenging. The sensory overload, unfamiliar routines, and social interactions that come with holidays can make it difficult for some children to participate fully. However, with some thoughtful planning and adjustments, every child can enjoy the festivities, create memories, and feel included.Creating an Inclusive Halloween Experience for Children
Halloween brings excitement, costumes, and candy, but that can also include stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, particularly for children with speech and language challenges or sensory differences. The good news? With a little planning, you can help prepare for your child to be able to participate and make magical memories this Halloween season! Whether sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or social anxiety are a factor for your child these tips can help you create a more inclusive and fun-filled experience.Define Expectations For Situations with a Social Story
Children benefit from understanding what to expect. A social story about Halloween can introduce the holiday in a fun and familiar way. Read it multiple times leading up to the big day. This helps children anticipate what will happen, reducing anxiety and making them feel more prepared. You can find Halloween-specific social stories or create your own using simple language and pictures.Practice Makes Perfect: Role Play as a Follow-Up to Reading a Halloween or Trick or Treating Social Story
If your child tends to have difficulty in new, unknown situations or feels nervous about trick-or-treating, practice at home or with family members. Set up a mock trick-or-treat run to help them understand the steps, from knocking on doors to saying “trick or treat!” This practice can also help build confidence and reduce any stress related to interacting with others.Use Visual Sequencing for Success
For children who benefit from structured routines, a visual schedule can be a game changer. You can create a simple step-by-step guide that includes tasks to help your child follow along, understand what comes next, and focus on one step at a time. This guide can include pictures and/or words. Example: (1) walk up to the door, (2) knock on the door or ring the doorbell, (3) say trick or treat or show them your communication card, (4) hold out your bag or pick a piece of candy, (5) Say thank you!Consider Communication Cards for Interactions
If your child is shy, has limited language, or struggles with communication, create and practice with a communication aid that has a picture and/or words to explain their needs. These cards can show and say things as simple as "Trick or Treat" or "Thank you" or share more information if you'd like such as, “I’m non-verbal, but I’m excited to be here!” or “I have sensory sensitivities, thank you for understanding.” This takes the pressure off your child while still allowing them to participate in the fun.Modify Expectations for Success
Halloween doesn’t have to be an all-night event for every family. If your child has anxiety or sensory differences, keep it short and sweet. Set realistic goals, like visiting just a few houses, and offer encouragement and positive reinforcement for each milestone. You can even make it a countdown activity to keep them engaged and excited. Incorporate breaks where your child alternates walking with riding in a wagon to reduce physical demands and overwhelm.Accommodate Food Intolerances or Special Diets
Candy doesn't have to be the only reward for Halloween fun! If your child has food intolerances or dietary restrictions, plan ahead by replacing their candy with special treats or toys. Many families are embracing the tradition of the “Switch Witch,” where children trade candy for a toy left by the witch in the night.Show Off Their Costume in a Low-Stress Way
Not every child wants to walk up to doors and interact with strangers, and that’s okay! You can still enjoy the evening by walking around your neighborhood checking out Halloween decorations and others costumes while showing off their costume. This is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, plus it allows your child to be a part of the holiday without the pressure of direct interaction.Let Them Hand Out Candy
Handing out candy can be just as exciting as going trick or treating! Let your child practice their social skills by greeting trick-or-treaters, handing out candy, and even practicing counting. You can rehearse what they might say, or simply encourage a wave or smile to those at the door.Pick Sensory-Friendly Costumes
Comfort is key, especially for children with tactile sensitivities. Make sure your child’s costume is sensory-friendly, using materials that are soft and comfortable against their skin. Avoid costumes with tight seams, itchy fabrics, or restrictive accessories. You can also let your child wear the costume a few times before Halloween to ensure they feel comfortable and excited.Get in the Spirit with Music, Movies or Books
Look for silly versus spooky options to increase familiarity with the holiday.- Movies to check out:
- Poohs Heffalump Halloween Movie [YouTube]
- Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest [PBS Kids]
- If You Give a Mouse a Pumpkin [Prime Video]
- Songs to check out: [all available on YouTube]
- Five Little Ghosts
- Down by the Spooky Bay
- 5 Little Pumpkins
- Halloween Sharks
- Books to check out:
- Five Little Pumpkins by Tiger Tales
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
- The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll & Jeni Bassett
- The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt