How to Support Your Child while Trick-or-Treating on Halloween

Halloween doesn’t have to be a spooky scary time for kids with sensory challenges! Today, we discuss how to enjoy this holiday and support your children where they need it.

Set expectations

• Discuss Halloween with your child and talk about some of the social exchanges and expectations that occur around this holiday as well as some of the things they may see or hear

• Read a social story about Halloween and trick-or-treating

Trick-or-Treating

• Practice trick-or-treating together before you go out. Take turns walking up to the door, saying trick-or-treat, placing the treat in the bag, saying thank you and walking away

• Walk your trick-or-treat path in the daylight so you and your child can see all the decorations. Discuss what they look like and what they might look like in the dark

• Try to stick to a quiet, well lit path if you intend to trick-or-treat after dark

Wearing a costume

• Wearing a costume is not a required or necessary element of Halloween or of trick-or-treating. Even a simple piece of clothing can be your costume. For example, wear all brown and be a bear.

• Go together to pick out a costume, feel it together, and discuss how it may feel on the body

• Wear soft shirts and pants underneath of the costume to offer more comfort

Trick-or-treating is meant to be a fun and exciting time to dress up and celebrate the season. Focus on this as you work through and set expectations for the holiday. It’s totally ok if your child doesn’t want to dress up in an elaborate costume and trick-or-treat for a long period of time. Often, kids also really enjoy handing out candy!

Stay safe and have fun.