Halloween can be a magical time: costumes, candy, and fun. However, for people with autism, trick-or-treating can come with some challenges. Sensory overload—flashing lights, loud noises, and large crowds—can make the experience hard to handle.
Thankfully, there are practical ways parents and caregivers can help prepare their autistic child for trick-or-treating, enabling them to enjoy Halloween festivities while remaining comfortable and secure.
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Let’s Party: Celebrating without the Stress
1. Begin early preparation
Preparation is the key to a successful Halloween experience. For most children, especially those with autism or sensory processing disorders, it may be better to introduce the concept of trick-or-treating well in advance so they get used to the idea.
The first step should be to explain Halloween and describe what will happen. You may also want to create a visual schedule to let them know what to expect.
When I first learned about the holiday, this is exactly what my parents did with me. It worked well to reduce anxiety and build excitement for the fun time ahead.
2. Practice trick or treating in advance
Practicing in advance can significantly relax trick-or-treating. You can set up a mock situation at home where your child will say, “Trick or treat!”
To do so, take turns knocking on doors, real or imaginary, and exchange candy.
They will get comfortable with social interaction and be able to practice their words and actions. You can also help them practice using a calendar to count down the days until Halloween.
Additional tip: Make this even more fun by using costumes and props.
3. Choose the right time
Timing is everything when it comes to planning a safe trick-or-treating trip. It’s best to choose an early time slot when the street is likely to be less crowded and overwhelming.
A quieter environment can make all the difference to an autistic child, so they might better enjoy the experience without the stress of large crowds and scary decorations.
4. Select a comfortable costume
Choosing a costume your child is comfortable in is crucial for a good night. Consider your little one’s sensory issues and ensure the fabric isn’t scratchy or too tight.
If your autistic child is non-verbal, using symbols or pictures to communicate their costume preferences can help ensure they feel good in their outfit.
Also, allow the child to try on their costume in advance so they are comfortable physically and emotionally.
5. Prepare for sensory overload
Trick-or-treating can involve bright lights, loud noises, and fog machines, all of which could contribute to sensory overload.
To prevent worst-case scenarios, prepare your child by talking about what might happen. Consider creating a “sensory toolkit” they can carry.
This kit might include headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys that can help them cope with the sensory input that feels overwhelming.
Knowing they have tools to cope can provide comfort and security as they make their way around the neighborhood.
6. Create a social story
Making a social story can be really helpful. These stories explain what a child can expect when going out trick-or-treating, and how they can respond in any given situation.
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Don’t forget to add pictures that explain different scenarios that may happen. Let them know what they can do if they find themselves in similar situations.
Many times this can ease anxiety and give clear direction during uncertain times. Plus, it will make the entire night much more pleasant.
Like the calendars and visual schedules, social stories were another thing my parents did with me. I don’t specifically remember them doing a Halloween social story, but they likely did at some point.
7. Stick to safe and familiar routes
While mapping out a route for trick-or-treating, stick to neighborhoods and houses that are familiar. This can help reduce anxiety about being in new environments.
When possible, take a daytime tour of the area to point out houses that you will visit on Halloween. Familiarity can make the experience feel much safer and more enjoyable for your autistic child.
8. Have clear, concrete expectations
Before you and your child go out, you should talk about what one might expect when trick-or-treating.
Discuss things like how many houses to visit, what to say when receiving candy, and how to handle feeling overwhelmed. By setting clear expectations, you’ll provide them with a structured plan that helps them navigate the experience safely while still enjoying it.
Autism-friendly trick-or-treating
It’s important to remember that it is more than okay when your child does not join in traditional trick-or-treating. Inclusion does not equal forced participation, but instead finding ways for each child to enjoy Halloween in their own style of comfort.
Some kids prefer to remain indoors and pass out candy to trick-or-treaters, while others may engage in activities elsewhere. Whatever the situation, let your child choose whether they want to do typical Halloween activities or enjoy quiet time at home.
FAQs
Q: Do autistic kids like trick-or-treating?
A: Many autistic children love Halloween as long as the preparations and planning take their needs into account.
Q: Is Halloween challenging for autistic individuals?
A: Yes, Halloween can be overwhelming because of sensory stimuli or social interactions. Proper preparation would make it more manageable.
Q: How can non-verbal children do trick-or-treating?
A: Non-verbal children can communicate their wants and needs using gestures, visuals, and communication devices to show what they want. This is so they, too, can celebrate Halloween.
References
Autism Parenting Magazine. (2024, August 5). Help: My Child is Hypersensitive to Clothing. Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-child-hypersensitive-to-clothing/
Autism Parenting Magazine. (2024, July 8). Here’s Why an Autism Routine is Important. Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-routine-importance/
Chen T, Yang W, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Ma Z. Effects of social stories intervention for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Sep 11;99(37):e22018. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022018. PMID: 32925735; PMCID: PMC7489673.
Ibrahimagic A, Patkovic N, Radic B, Hadzic S. Communication and Language Skills of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Children and Their Parents’ Emotions. Mater Sociomed. 2021 Dec;33(4):250-256. doi: 10.5455/msm.2021.33.250-256. PMID: 35210946; PMCID: PMC8812368.
J Little, K. (2022). Halloween Safety Tips: Activities for All Kids Especially Children with ASD. (n.p.): Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp.
Sibeoni, J., Massoutier, L., Valette, M., Manolios, E., Verneuil, L., Speranza, M., & Revah-Levy, A. (2022). The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis. Autism, 26(5), 1032-1045. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221081188
TACA. “Halloween Tips and Treats for Autism Families.” TACA. https://tacanow.org/family-resources/halloween-tips-and-treats-for-autism-families/
