Halloween can be very overwhelming for children with sensory processing challenges. However, Halloween can still be enjoyable with special planning. Remember to encourage your child to use previously established self-regulating strategies such as deep breathing, deep pressure, or similar techniques to remain optimally regulated. Books and social stories can also help prepare your child for Halloween night's sights, sounds, and environment.

Costumes:

• Let your child wear their costume for a few weeks before Halloween night.

• Do not encourage your child to wear a mask or anything that they find uncomfortable or constricting.

• Choose a costume made of soft cotton, or DIY a character or animal using a cozy sweatsuit. Just add some ears to the hood and a tail to the bottoms.

• If your child chooses to wear a more traditional costume, bring a cozy backup in case they become intolerant of the original option.

Trick or Treating:

• If your child isn't comfortable going house to house, have them help pass out candy at home.

• If your child is uncomfortable with face-to-face encounters, perhaps a friend, sibling, or another family member could get their treats for them while going house to house.

• Start trick or treating early to avoid the dark.

• Your child may only be comfortable going to a few select homes. Start with family friends that the child knows, grandparents, or other familiar houses.

• Before Halloween, have your child to practice trick or treating and role-play the experience at home.

Halloween Parties:

• Plan on being one of the first to arrive while the crowd is still small and there is less noise and visual stimulation.

• Your child may be one of the first to leave the party before the experience becomes too intense for them.

• Upon arriving at the party, look for a place your child can retreat to if needed. A brief time in the car with some regulation strategies may also help!