Neurodiversity & Halloween

13 OCTOBER 2023

In this article, we share practical tips you can implement to help prepare your child for Halloween. From the unknown impacts that Halloween can have on neurodivergent children, to providing practical strategies on how we can support them in this frightful season.

Preparing your child for Halloween

Start talking to your child about Halloween early, perhaps around the time when the shops start selling pumpkins. You can discuss Halloween generally with your child, or you could read a social story, which can be found for free online. These kind of stories will help prepare your child for events and help them to understand customs, traditions, and what to expect on the day.

Creating a comfortable environment

If you plan to have decorations in your home, try and introduce them gradually and slowly. Start with simple, subtle additions that don't significantly alter the home's appearance. Then, you can add a few more items here and there, but try not to overwhelm the space with too many things, especially strong-scented items like air fresheners or scented candles.

Sensory differences

Prepare for sensory differences. Halloween season is a time when there are lots of flashing lights, smells, and other things that just feel a little bit different. To help prepare for this, you could carry headphones in your bag that block out noise. You can also do things like carry sunglasses in your bag, which might block out some of the lights in busy, lit up places.

Sensory-friendly costumes

Next, think about sensory friendly costumes. If your child wants to wear a costume, try and think about the type of material it is. Some materials feel itchy and just don't feel right and might end up overwhelming your child. Also, make sure they have the option not to wear a costume at all. They might just feel comfortable in their own clothes. Another thing to avoid is masks. Masks can make them feel quite claustrophobic and heighten anxiety. Manage expectations about scary costumes. Let your child know that when you're out and about, especially on Halloween day or night, there might be people who are dressed a little bit spooky, and that's okay. It's all part of the fun.

Setting up a calm and safe space

Have a safe space ready. Halloween, just like many other occasions, can be an overwhelming time. There are lots of lights, sounds, smells, and new things going on, and everything just feels a little bit different. Having a safe space at school or at home where your child can retreat to and know it's theirs and is familiar can be really regulating. They may decide to use this in times when they're feeling a little bit heightened, and it might just bring them back down.

Using visual supports

Lastly, use visual supports. You could create a checklist or use pictures to help make it clear about what will be happening on Halloween or around the time of Halloween.