Strategies to Make Halloween a Success!

Halloween can be an exciting time of the year for many! The decorations, fun shows and movies, and favorite fall food staples(I am looking at you pumpkin spice). With these new additions to your daily routine also come challenges for children with different sensory needs. Giving your child plenty of time to explore and prepare for these changes and work up to the actual day of Halloween can assure a comfortable and happy festivities for all!  

Practice Your Costume 

Plan out simple costumes that you can slowly introduce to your child. Start with them just seeing the costume out in the home. Then a few days later you can have them touch the costume. Once they are showing a sense of confidence, move on to having them try on a piece of the costume. Continue this pattern until they will tolerate wearing it around the house for a period of time! Something that involves a special interest will make it even more fun! 

 If you child does not love the idea of an elaborate costume there are plenty of t-shirts and pajamas that have designs and costumes screen printed on them. It doesn’t have to be elaborate for it to be festive!  

Read Books and Watch Shows Together 

Preparing your child for the sights and sounds of the evening may also be helpful to prepare them. Many of their favorite shows may have Halloween episodes! 

Book Examples: 

1. This is the Way We Trick or Treat: A Halloween Nursery Rhyme By Arlo Finsy.
2. Llama Llama Trick-or-Treat by Anna Dewdney

Show Examples:

1. Daniel Tiger Halloween
2. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Halloween
3. Peppa Pig Halloween
4. Curious George Halloween
5. Puppy Dog Pals Halloween
6. Paw Patrol Halloween

Role Play

Practice knocking on bedroom doors in your house. Have someone else be on the other side to hand out a special treat or toy to put in their bucket! 

Read your child’s body language 

With the real sights and sounds, your child may not want to do a whole neighborhood event. Keep expectations to what your child feels comfortable with that day and create a game plan as a family on what do if they are ready to head back home.  The point is for your child to enjoy themselves as opposed to what our personal plans may be. Continue the fun at home watching a favorite themed show or having a fun meal as a family! 

Written by: Camille Ponce, M.Ed., BCBA