Halloween can be intimidating for anyone. But it can be even more challenging for someone with special needs who has to consider sensory related issues, social challenges, accessibility issues and/or special diets.
Here are a few websites that might have tips to help out:
Sugar Free Halloween Party Treats
A Document on Halloween Fun with Sensory Challenges
A Halloween Costume for a Child with Sensory Challenges
Halloween Fun for Children with Autism
Great Halloween Costume Ideas for People who use a Wheelchair
Here are our tips:
- If you use a ‘goal’ or ‘behavior’ chart in your home, consider using a Halloween themed chart like this one and start talking about Halloween in a fun way. You can even include Halloween safety rules on the chart (such as look both ways before crossing the street).
- If on a special diet, consider donating candy and treats that are not diet friendly to an organization that collects extra candy for local food banks or shelters. Then celebrate with a special treat because it is a great thing to help others! Some ideas are: make/buy a special treat to eat that is on everyone’s diet, do a favorite activity together, or go on a special shopping trip for a new toy, game or activity.
- It’s ok to skip trick-or-treating or to go to just a few friends’ homes. If you do go trick-or-treating, it might be more comfortable to go before sunset.
Please share your tips below!
Lex12
Great tips!
Sarah -- please never feel embarrassed to ask anything! I think Halloween is such a free-for-all -- some kids push and shove their way to the door, some are shy and afraid and all kids have times when they aren’t as polite as we want them to be. I wouldn’t worry about it and just enjoy the holiday with your child, however you decide to do it.
Sarah
thank you for this. My child has troubles with his speech. I am embarrassed to ask this, but as he gets older I don’t know what I should do when he can’t say trick or treat or thank you. Should I explain that he has troubles with his speech so someone doesn’t think he is rude? When he was little, we just said he was shy.