Halloween can be a spooky time...especially for young people with autism. That's why we've created this helpful guide for families on making Halloween fun, safe and comfortable.
Sensory Friendly Halloween Costume Tips and Tricks
Halloween can be difficult for autistic children, especially when you consider that many costumes are scratchy, uncomfortable, sticky, tight, or too loose! Borrow some of these tips and tricks to make your child’s Halloween costume a little more sensory friendly!
· Utilize everyday clothing to make your costume! Think: Cowboys and cowgirls with plaid button-up shirts and jeans, or go full Ted Lasso with a track suit and some cute sneakers!
· Use sensory clothing a base or add-on for a costume! How about a weighted vest for a police officer offer costume? Or what about a tight onesie as a base for a black cat!
· Look for PJs that double as costumes! Major retailers like Target often carry pajamas printed like a skeleton, ghosts, or pumpkins!
Allergen-Friendly Halloween Treats
Halloween can be a challenging season for those with dietary allergies or sensitivities! Try these
· If you’re a Reese’s fiend, try...Free2b Bag o’ Treats Dark Chocolate Sunflower Butter Cups!
· How about Cookie Monsters? Try Made Good Soft Baked Mini Cookies
· And Starburst lovers...YumEarth Chewys
· Seeking Skittles? Give YumEarth Giggles a try!
· Love Laffy Taffy? Give Zaffi Taffi a whirl!
· For savory-seekers...Monster Shaped Veggie Chips, Pirates Booty Boos & Bites is an allergy-friendly way to go. Bonus: sneak some veggies in for picky eaters!
Trick or Treat Tips
Trick or Treating can be overwhelming for kids with autism! Routines are changing, there are often bright or flashing lights, and lots of unfamiliar noises. Use these tips to make sure your kiddo can enjoy a favorite American tradition.
· Focus on comfort when picking a costume (see our Sensory Friendly Costume Tips and Tricks!)
· Practice ahead of time! Much of the Trick or Treat routine will be unfamiliar—practice saying hello, holding their Trick or Treat basket, waiting, and saying “thank you.” Practice makes progress.
· Give non-vocal communication options. If your child is non-vocal, help them use words in a different way. Create a paper bracelet that they can show with “Hello,” “Trick or Treat” and “Thank You” icons and practice showing or pointing to those pictures.
· Use visuals! Create a visual story or sequence of what Halloween may be like for your child, with pictures or drawings.
· Make it manageable! If need be, limit the amount of time spent or number of places your child will visit.
· Bring supports! Make sure to pack headphones, earplug, fidget toys, or other sensory items that might help regulate your child during a time of lots of new sensory input.
Sensory Friendly Halloween Events
Try these sensory-friendly events that will help you make the most of Halloween.
Sensory & Allergy Friendly TRUNK N TREAT, Saturday, October 29
Drop by for a free, fun-filled afternoon of trick or treating in a sensory-friendly & fun environment for our community children and families. My Recess Therapy, Rising Lights Project & Community Partners in Care are hosting a trick-or-treat alternative. Kids can trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk in a line-up of vehicles parked in the DuPage Airport Parking Lot with trunks or tailgates full of allergy friendly goodies and activities to participate in. 31W775 North Ave. West Chicago, IL. Learn More!
Sensory Shenanigans - Pumpkins
Singing, dancing, and stories for the whole family! Tickets for storytime will be available the morning of the program on a first-come, first-serve basis. Friday October 28, 10:00am - 10:30am at the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak Street, Winnetka, IL. Learn more!
