Halloween can be fun, but it can also be scary. Kids who have certain kinds of special needs may have difficulties coping with all of the strange changes that are involved with Halloween decorations, costumes, and the act of trick-or-treating. There are some things parents can do to help their child cope with this scary holiday.
There are many things about Halloween that can be difficult to deal with for children who have sensory issues. There are new sounds, smells, and sights to experience. Places that were once familiar have been altered with creepy decorations. Halloween costumes change the look of people that your child has gotten used to. This can be overwhelming for a child with special needs.
Your child might be in love with the idea of dressing up as his or her favorite character this Halloween. However, the costume itself can pose problems. Typical kids might find the tag in the back of the costume to be irritating. Kids with sensory issues may find the texture of the material the entire costume is made of to be too uncomfortable to wear.
Parents might be able to solve this problem by planning ahead. Choose a costume that is made of material that you know your child can tolerate. Let your child wear it, for short amounts of times, more than once before Halloween. If it turns out that your child is too sensitive to wear a costume this year, then don’t force it upon him.
Children’s books that talk about Halloween parties, selecting a costume, and trick-or-treating, might be helpful. They could be used as a framework to help your child understand what to expect on Halloween.
Parents might want to set up a visual schedule for the day, similar to the type your child uses at school. First, we are going to put on your costume. Next, we are going to go outside, and walk around. Then, we are going to go to people’s houses, and say “trick-or-treat”. Later, we will go home. Your child may find comfort in knowing exactly what to expect.
Give your child the ability to opt-out, before things become too overwhelming. This might mean retreating to the car when the Halloween party becomes too much for your child to handle. If you promise your child that he or she can go home when he wants to, then you need to follow through with that promise.
Image by Tomasz Stasiuk on Flickr