Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treating, and Costumes... Oh my!
The Halloween season can seem daunting to parents who want to celebrate but need to adjust their activities to accommodate a child with autism. There is good news- it can be done! With a few simple tweaks, your child can enjoy the season and maybe learn some things, too.
Pumpkins have been a staple of fall decorations forever. However, they can get exceptionally messy, and carving can pose a risk to children still developing their fine motor skills. So, what are the alternatives to traditional Jack-O-Lanterns?
Painting pumpkins! Goodbye, guts, seeds, and sharp knives- we won't miss you! Painting on a pumpkin instead of carving can give beautiful results. It is easier than using sharp tools, safer, and your pumpkin will last longer!
Coloring using a fall-themed coloring sheet. For cheap and easy fall fun, print some coloring sheets and do them with your child! You can work on fine motor skills and enjoy something your child is most likely used to already.
If your heart is set on carving a pumpkin- consider buying a fake one! It won't rot, and you'll avoid any sensory issues the slimy pumpkin guts might cause.
"Trick-or-Treat!" some people spend their Halloween going door to door, some spend it passing out candy, and some spend it with their porch light off enjoying candy they bought themselves. There is no wrong way to spend a Halloween night.
If your family loves to pass out candy, you can include your child and work on social skills with them! Saying "hello" or waving in greeting is a fantastic skill to develop.
Leaving a bowl of candy out so the doorbell isn't being rung is also perfectly acceptable! You can spend the evening cuddled up with a movie and enjoy the absence of knocking and ringing.
If you want to go door to door, but your child is nonverbal, consider giving them a sign that says "Trick-or-Treat"! They can hold it up as you approach someone passing out candy. If you use sign language, take the time to teach yourself and your child the sign, Trick-or-Treat, and maybe you'll spread awareness in your community, too!
If going door to door is too loud, with decorations and other trick-or-treaters being considered, consider using headphones and incorporating them into your child's costume!
Costumes are a huge part of Halloween and often the biggest challenge to those with sensory issues. Tags, scratchy fabrics, and weird smells can ruin a costume that might have been cute.
Cut tags off store-bought costumes! Store-bought costumes can also be washed before wearing, which will help eliminate unwanted smells and stiff textures.
Avoid scratchy and unfamiliar fabric, whether you buy or make your costume!
Consider making a costume from clothing your child already has- or use a fun, themed shirt to turn a regular outfit into a Halloween one!
Choose Velcro for children still learning to use zippers or laces. If your child can put the costume on themselves, it can help to generalize skills and foster independence.
Halloween is fun, but your child's safety is more important! Be sure to watch children who may elope or disrobe in an unfamiliar environment or outfit. There are many more online resources for parents accommodating their child's needs to help them experience the season's joy!
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