5 Must Read Tips for Parents of Autistic Trick or Treaters (Halloween)
- Brownie "Bears" it all
- Oct 24, 2021
- 4 min read
Halloween is kinda a big deal at our home. Actually we make a big deal out of all holidays. Why not? They are a chance to do fun family oriented things, eat lots of fun foods and participate in rituals that build happy memories. I remember my father LOVED halloween. He would have faces popping out of the walls, mechanical bats that flew around and there was a even a bleeding skeleton face hanging in my foyer. Always make me smile when I think of how much effort he put in to make sure we had a fun holiday. (Wait until you hear about Christmas)
Anyway getting back to this blog.... Halloween can be scary and really overwhelming for a little one on the spectrum. We have put together some fun tips and some safety tips to help you think a little differently about this holiday so you too can enjoy it and build memories.
Costume - There are 2 scenarios here does your child understand they are gonna be asked to wear a costume and parade around the town to get candy? Or will this be a surprise experience?
A. They understand but might have difficulties - If this is your child then you want to begin now talking about the schedule of that day. Ask them to try on the costume a few times before the big day so they can get used to it. This is super important, you want to vet out any issues before the big day. You want to make sure there are no sensory issues. How does it feel, are there any uncomfortable parts or awkward feeling. Have they seen themselves in the costume yet? Does it make any weird sounds when walking? Get all of these issues settled before the big day!!
B. They don't know the holiday is coming and wearing a costume and parading around for candy is a foreign thought. - This scenario can have a happy ending if you prepare in advance. Instead of talking about the schedule that day show them in pictures. (see Tip 4 Schedule)
First thing you want to do is find a comfortable costume. Something pajama like, or using clothes you already have. There are a lit of superhero and princess pajamas that could be used for a costume. You want to make sure they fit comfortably and are not to warm or not warm enough.
Second, If you are using a pre-made costume buy a one piece undershirt with pants to put underneath so the costume isn't touching their skin. This will help sensory issues. Ask them to try on the costume a few times before the big day so they can get used to it. Have they seen themselves in the costume yet? Take a picture of them in it and hang in on the refrigerator.
2. Safety - This is super important. No one wants to have a great day end badly. There are a lot of people that will be at these events, whether it is neighborhood trick or treating, in town halloween safe parades, trunk or treats, or just holiday parties at a friend house or farm. Most of them will be strangers so if your child understands, this is a great time to have the "Stranger" Talk. If they do not understand anything or just a little keeping an eye on them and keeping them close is going to be your biggest priority. You will need a helper, whether your spouse can help or a family member or other mom that doesn't have children participating in this event, get someone. This amazing helper will need to be a second set of eyes so you can take turns. We can become distracted ourselves sometimes. This helper can also help distract attention when scarier costumes are in view.
Take a picture of your child in their costume and have it stored for quick retrieval on site. If your child gets lost you will be able to show everyone exactly what they were wearing. Costume can differ so you want people looking for the exact costume they were wearing.
3. Sugar - Did you know that there is 20g of sugar in a kit kat bar? Adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to 7 sugar cubes). the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 years of age don't consume any added sugar at all. And kids 2 and older should have no more than 25 grams (or 6 teaspoons) of added sugar daily. I found an article online that had sugar content listed. Hope it helps.
Too much sugar can end in meltdowns and different behaviors. It's ok to participate in the event but if your child has behavior issues to begin with, bring healthier snacks to substitute while having a good time.
4. Schedule- Use Pictures to represent the schedule that day. There are so many links on Social Stories and Halloween Visuals to help facilitate your Picture Schedule for the day. Here are a few that I found to be helpful. Visual Schedules help your little ones understand what id coming up net so there are no surprises.
Make sure you have a plan for scary scenes and costumes. I always like to avoid them if we can. Let one parent, guardian or friend stay with your little one in a safe age appropriate place while you take other children to see older scenes.
If something feels like it might be a disaster if you try it. Stick with your gut. Safe and fun play is always the best.
5. Parental Participation and Extras- This is super important. As a parent you should be living this holiday a long with your kids. Wearing a costume yourself is going to be your super power. It shows your child that everyone gets dressed up and can have fun. It also shows your child that under ever costume is a loving parent, sibling or friend .(even the scarier ones). This can help if they see something that scares them.
🎃Here is our Treat for you!! 🎃
FREE Printable Halloween Thank You for Non-Verbal Kids.
Halloween is great fun for the whole family. If you take time an plan the day it will be great!
Make sure you have all safety precautions in place before you leave the house.
Remember treats are fun, but the aftermath of sugar overdose is no fun for anyone. Replace high sugary food for better snacking choices.
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