Top 4 Sensory-Friendly Halloween Activities
Halloween is just around the corner, and many children are eagerly awaiting the exciting festivities. While there are a plethora of activities to participate in, many may be overwhelming for children with autism, particularly for those with sensory sensitivities. For some children with autism, overly scary decorations, crowds, and unfamiliar situations can cause significant anxiety and behavioral challenges.
Luckily, there are many things families can do to make Halloween an enjoyable, family-friendly event. Here are our top four sensory-friendly Halloween activities:
1. No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating
Carving a pumpkin can involve textures that may be aversive to children (such as pumpkin pulp) and the use of potentially dangerous tools like sharp knives. Instead of carving pumpkins this year, try a no-carve alternative. You can decorate a pumpkin using paints, stickers, markers, felt, yarn, or rhinestones. If you want an even cleaner alternative, try decorating a foam craft pumpkin!
Tips for Success
Let your child choose which decorating materials they want to use. Having control over the textures they interact with can make the activity more enjoyable. Set up a designated workspace with easy-to-clean surfaces, and have wet wipes nearby in case your child needs to clean their hands quickly.
2. Choose Sensory-Friendly Costumes
Store-bought Halloween costumes can be uncomfortable for children with autism and may include scratchy fabrics, tight-fitting elastic bands, and hard masks that can make breathing difficult. There are many alternatives to the traditional costume.
DIY Costume Options
This year, DIY your costume! Create a costume from clothing your child already owns and is comfortable in. Have your child dress in their favorite outfit. Is there a way you can transform this into a costume? Better yet, get creative and use this opportunity to encourage independence and pretend play skills by letting your child come up with the costume idea!
Face Paint Instead of Masks
Instead of using a mask, paint your child’s face or let them try on face paint themselves. Be sure to test a small patch of skin first to check for any sensitivities to the face paint.
3. Practice Trick-or-Treating Before the Big Day
If your child will participate in trick-or-treating this year, practice at home first! Set up a pretend door and practice the sequence: knocking, saying “trick-or-treat,” receiving candy, and saying “thank you.” Role-playing this scenario multiple times can help reduce anxiety on Halloween night.
Practice Wearing the Costume
Have your child practice wearing their costume for short periods leading up to Halloween. This helps them get used to how it feels and reduces the chance of costume-related meltdowns on the big night.
Scout the Neighborhood
Take a walk around your planned trick-or-treating route during the day. Point out the houses you’ll visit and any decorations your child might see. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety.
4. Alternative Activities to Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating may not be for everyone. It takes place in the dark, involves walking through unfamiliar decorated yards, and requires visiting many strangers’ homes. If this experience would be too overwhelming for your child, consider some alternatives.
Host a Small Halloween Party
Invite a few friends or family members over for a low-key Halloween celebration. You can control the environment, limit decorations to what your child can tolerate, and include their favorite activities and treats.
Trunk-or-Treat Events
Many communities, schools, and churches host trunk-or-treat events. These are often held in daylight hours, in familiar parking lots, with cars decorated for the holiday. The contained environment and shorter walking distances can be easier for children with sensory sensitivities.
Indoor Halloween Activities
Stay home and enjoy Halloween-themed activities inside. Watch a favorite not-too-scary Halloween movie, bake Halloween-themed treats together, or do Halloween crafts. Create your own candy hunt around the house as an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.
Reverse Trick-or-Treating
Instead of going house to house, have your child hand out candy to trick-or-treaters who come to your door. This allows them to participate from the comfort and safety of their own home.
Making Halloween Enjoyable for Everyone
Remember that every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. Pay attention to your child’s cues and be prepared to adapt your plans as needed. The goal is for your child to have a positive Halloween experience, whatever that looks like for your family. Happy Halloween!