Halloween is a very fun and enjoyable time for most people, but for an autistic child it can be very scary and uncomfortable, and bring feelings of anxiety. In this article, Developmental Behavioral Pediatricians and autism experts, Dr. Ayesha Cheema-Hasan and Dr. Angelica Robles, provide helpful advice to make Halloween less stressful and more enjoyable for your autistic child.
Talk To Your Child About Halloween
Dr. Robles suggests that the first thing you do is talk to your child, “It is important to get a sense of how your child feels about Halloween. Does your child even want to celebrate Halloween? Dress up? Go trick or treating? Attend a party?”
If they want to wear a costume, this can be a really fun opportunity to let them channel their passions. ”Again, see how they feel about this and let them choose what they want to dress up as’”, says Dr. Robles.
To make your child more comfortable, consider incorporating a pajama or other soft, familiar clothing into their costume. Letting them wear it before Halloween can help boost their comfort level.
Determine What Type of Halloween Activities Are Best Suited For Your Child
“If your child wants to be part of activities, try to keep it low key, with low expectations – just go with the flow,” Dr. Cheema-Hasan advises, “If they are done after visiting one house, that’s OK. Have some extra treats ready at home to add to their bag, if needed. Don’t plan on hitting all the houses in the neighborhood. Instead, keep to a route that they may be familiar with and visit homes of people they know.”
If you don’t think going door to door is right for your child, you can think about attending a trunk-or-treat event. Some local community groups and shopping centers also offer small events for children. Plan ahead, and factor in how much time you think your child will be comfortable spending at such events, and of course, how much candy or treats you want your child to bring home.
Proper Planning Makes All The Difference
Dr. Cheema-Hasan also stresses the importance of making sure your child is well rested before any Halloween event or activity. “Make sure your child has napped or slept well the night before, and has had a proper meal before attending any exciting, and possibly overstimulating, event or activity.”
Because Halloween activities can involve loud sounds, that can be scary or cause overstimulation, Dr. Cheema-Hasan suggests having ear plugs or headphones ready, just in case. Proper planning really is the key to helping your autistic child have a fun and happy Halloween.
Trick-Or-Treating Safety
At the top of your pre-event planning list should be communication and safety. “It’s important that your child has a clear way to communicate with you, such as what they want to do next, or if they’re feeling overwhelmed, either by speaking or using visual cues,” Dr. Robles emphasizes, “If they are non-speaking, make sure they have their first and last name, and your phone number, on their costume or jewelry, in case they are separated from you.”
By following this practical, expert advice, you can help ensure that you and your autistic child will have a very safe and happy Halloween. And if you have any questions about this article, or any related topic, please reach out to us here at Coralis Health. We are always ready to help!
