Happy Halloween making the holiday fun for everyone

Halloween is a fun night of costumes and candy for kids of all ages. But for those on the autism spectrum, scary sounds and decorations, tight or scratchy costumes and going out at night can be a lot to handle. Helping your child know what to expect from Halloween can help make it a fun time for everyone. although I don't celebrate halloween I want to make sure its safe for my son that is on the spectrum and my daughter.

How To help your littler one get Halloween off to a good start

help your kids learn what to expect around Halloween. You can add your own pictures and text to the story. It also includes a badge that autistic children can wear to let candy-givers know that they may communicate differently than other trick-or-treaters.  

Scary decorations, places and sounds

Halloween decorations can be scary. Ghosts, goblins, witches and black cats are everywhere! And they often come with bright, flashing lights and loud sounds. Even though they’re just for fun, they may be frightening. They also may be overwhelming to those with sensory issues.

Here’s what you can do to make Halloween sights and sounds less challenging for your child:

• Remind your child that the decorations and sounds are just pretend. They’re not real. They’re just a silly way for people to celebrate Halloween.
• Be aware of things like moving decorations, fog machines and flashing lights. These may make your child uncomfortable or lead to unsafe or impulsive behaviors.
• Take a sensory toy, headphones or ear plugs with you when you go somewhere that may have loud noises and sounds.
• If decorations, places and sounds make it hard for your child to enjoy Halloween activities, limit them. Skip them and find sensory-friendly activities instead. 

Costumes

Lots of kids wear costumes on Halloween. But they’re not required! If they don’t want to dress up, they can wear their regular clothes, or they can wear Halloween colors or a special shirt. The most important thing is that your child is happy and comfortable.

If your child wants to dress up:

• Be aware of sensory needs when helping your child choose a costume. Some materials may be itchy, smell weird or be uncomfortable for your child.
• Think about your child’s special interests when helping them choose a costume. For example, suggest that they dress up as their favorite superhero or other character.  Allow your child to dress up in their preferred costume without judgment, no matter what their age.
• Have your child put on the costume a few times before Halloween so they get used to how it feels.
• Think about getting the costume in a larger size so your child can wear their own clothes underneath.

Halloween can be hectic and unpredictable, so it's important to keep safety at the top of your mind. Even in familiar environments, new sights and sounds can increase the risk of wandering. Here are some ways you can help your child stay safe:

• Before you go trick or treating, take a picture of your child in their costume. This will ensure you have a recent picture in case they get lost.
• If your child may wander, have them wear light-up sneakers or glow-stick bracelets to make them easier to spot after dark.

We wish you and your family a fun, safe and happy Halloween! On Monday please share kids in there costume love to see all the beautiful pictures www.livebeyondautism.com