Navigating Halloween with ASD can be difficult. Plenty of new sights, sounds, crowds, and uncertain expectations can put undue stress on families this month. Happily, there are strategies you and your family can use this Halloween to make the holiday as low-stress and enjoyable as possible!
Choosing a Costume
Choosing a costume is not always a straightforward process. While your child’s favorite character may seem like a no-brainer for this year’s Halloween costume, many costumes are designed with itchy fabric and uncomfortable bulk. They can also be difficult to remove.
When choosing a costume, opt for pieces that can be removed easily, layers that can be removed to accommodate the weather, and fabrics that are not heavy, constricting, or itchy. Consider letting your child select two favorites, and adopt the favorite of the day on the actual holiday.
Choosing Activities
Changes in routine can be difficult for children with autism. Prioritize the events you want to attend most to minimize stress.
Indoor activities are more likely to be loud and overwhelming, while outdoor activities can feel more comfortable.
Choosing community events over distant events can also be useful, as families can quickly change gears and head home if a child becomes overwhelmed. Trunk or treats and church events are often great choices.
Preparing Ahead of Time
There are some strategies you can prepare ahead of time to make sure that you and your child are ready for the holiday. Some strategies we may use in our clinic include:
• Practice trick-or-treating and other activities. Whether this means “picking pumpkins” in your own yard, or using your front door to trick or treat, prepare ahead of time to make expectations clear and easy to remember.
•Talk about your plans. Mentioning your plans before they happen can be helpful for children to understand schedule changes and expectations.
• Try on costumes. Costumes can feel strange! Try on costumes once (or a few times) to make sure your child feels comfortable and confident.
Navigating Halloween and Autism
Sometimes, ensuring comfort and ease for Halloween can be as simple as searching “Autism-friendly Halloween events near me.” All too often, though, finding autism-friendly Halloween events is not quite that straightforward. When you plan ahead and prepare for routine changes, give your child tools to cope, and select activities and costumes to accommodate your child’s unique needs, you can help soothe problem behaviors and plan a stress-free holiday for the whole family.
