Halloween has long been associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, spooky decorations, and sugary snacks. While these activities can be a lot of fun for many children, they can pose an array of challenges for an autistic child.
From accommodating sensory sensitivities to reducing social demands, below are a few considerations and strategies for helping a young autistic person to be more comfortable during Halloween festivities.
Sensory overload
From tactile trimmings like pretend spider webs, to scary soundtracks and games like bobbing for apples, it’s easy to see why there can be a lot of additional sensory stimulation at this time of year. For a child who experiences sensory differences, this can be really overwhelming.
Imagine someone who is sensitive to touch being asked to dip their hand into a bucket of slimy faux worms. Or someone who finds sound overwhelming hearing sudden maniacal laughter blaring from a speaker as they walk up a driveway.
To help reduce this over-stimulation, you can consider some simple adjustments like opting for games and decorations with less of a sensory aspect. For example, a Halloween themed picture being stuck on the wall instead of spiderwebs or hanging decorations. Halloween themed guessing games or card games instead of anything that requires liquids, smells, or sounds. You can also opt out of make-up as part of your child’s costume, or even forget the costume altogether and have them choose any clothes they feel really happy and comfortable in.
It may also be helpful to provide your child with sensory aids like fidget toys, ear defenders, or a garment they like the smell of, to bring with them to any activities or events they do choose to engage in.
Monsters and scary stories
It is hard for some autistic people to read between the lines or understand metaphor or fiction if it is being conveyed as if it were fact. For example, telling a ghost story like it really happened. This means some autistic children might take things literally and become genuinely frightened by tales of zombies, spectres, monsters, and the like.
To help them better understand, it may be useful to explain things matter-of-factly, and clearly state what is fiction or make-believe. You can also talk about the history of All Hallows’ Eve, sharing where the traditions have come from and why people might indulge in stories or pretence at this time of year. If your child is still not happy or comfortable with the spooky side of things, you could refocus on the autumn harvest aspect of the season but leave out the scares, so they feel included without the added stress.
Social demands and expectations
There are various things to consider when it comes to cultural demands at Halloween. From pressure to join in with activities, to visitors popping by and strangers showing up at the door, people inevitably have expectations around this time of year.
You may need to advocate for your child in this case and help to manage others’ expectations of how they do or don’t join in. For example, in the US it has become customary to carry a blue bucket for trick-or-treating to indicate a child is neurodivergent and may not interact in a way considered socially typical. This does pose its own challenge as it may identify a child as being potentially vulnerable, but a good alternative might be to carry an explanatory note or autism awareness card to show at the door instead. This helps with awareness but is also discreet and you can choose if and when to reveal it.
Likewise, if strangers coming to the house is overwhelming for your child, you could display a sign at your gate or front door asking people not to ring the doorbell – or even stating that you are not accepting trick-or-treaters.
Changes in routine
Unusual activities, new places and people, and a lack of predictability can be extremely tough for a child who relies on routine and structure for their wellbeing.
To mitigate this kind of upheaval when your child does want to take part in Halloween activities, you could consider inviting a few select friends to visit as trick-or-treaters by arrangement. Another option would be to reverse proceedings so you don’t receive visitors at your home, but instead you go to the houses of a small number of your child’s friends by prior agreement. You can even share a photo of what their house or garden looks like if they have decorations up, to help your child mentally prepare.
These options allow you to plan things out with your child in advance, creating more of a sense of calm for them. They are also great options if you have more than one child with different needs or preferences.
Challenges with food and eating
It’s common for autistic people to experience challenges around food and eating, from digestive issues to strong aversions to particular foods, flavours, smells, textures, and even colours. As such, a bucket of sweets may not be the best thing for an autistic child.
To support your own child and any autistic children who may visit your home, you could consider offering stickers, fidget toys, or other non-edible favours instead of, or as well as, confectionary. This means children with extra needs around food can join in without food-related repercussions.
Take away tip
Whatever your child’s unique needs, it is always ok to adapt traditions to accommodate them in whatever way is right for them and for you. You can opt into the aspects of Halloween that suit them and leave out the rest. You could even ignore the occasion altogether and replace it with something your child really enjoys, like engaging in a special interest.
The most important thing is that both they and you don’t feel pressure to conform to expectations that are uncomfortable or don’t work for you. Whatever Halloween looks like for you and your family, that’s just fine.
