Costumes, loud noises, sugar, sugar, and more sugar... For families with highly sensitive children halloween can be a nightmare. The good news is that help is here!
Prepare For A Fa-Boo-Lous Halloween
The unpredictability of Halloween along with its sights, sounds, and smells can be 100 times scarier for a the highly sensitive child. However, when we let our children know what to expect ahead of time, we pave the way to a fa-boo-lous holiday.
Use social stories to help your child understand and prepare for Halloween and any activities you plan on participating in.
Watch family-friendly cartoons and movies with positive scenes of children trick-or-treating and attending Halloween activities.
Reduce anxiety by maintaining your child’s regular routine as much as possible.
Mark the dates of important events on a calendar.
If your child has a tendency to become anxious when anticipating an event, you may want to adjust the number of days in advance you prepare him or her.
When planning and scheduling activities, be sure to keep realistic expectations.
Knowing and respecting your child’s limits will ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.
This also provides an opportunity for your child to succeed, which builds their confidence and self-esteem.
If you're going to a party, ask the host to let you know, in advance, as much about the plans as possible:
See if you can help plan the party and include activities that your child enjoys.
Prepare your child for how long the event/gathering will last, how many people will be there, and what activities are planned.
Develop a portable picture schedule to help your child know what to expect.
If your child has trouble adjusting to change, be flexible.
Teach your child how to safely leave a situation or get support when an event becomes overwhelming.
Halloween Costumes
When it comes to costumes, the most important thing to consider is how your child feels about them. Many costumes are uncomfortable: they itch, smell weird, restrict movement, and tend to overwhelm those with sensory issues. Because of this, we suggest following your child’s lead regarding costumes.
If your child is open to dressing up for Halloween, we offer the following tips:
Avoid accessories and props that may cause sensory overload. Simplicity is key.
Allow your child to dress up as their favorite cartoon or game character no matter their age. After all, there’s no law which mandates that people have to stop liking Elmo or Thomas the Train after a certain age.
Have your child practice wearing their costume before Halloween. Doing so will help determine if it’s comfortable and fits properly.
When shopping for costumes, check out the pajama section of the store. There are lots of comfortable pajamas that look like costumes.
Sensory Needs
Whether you’re going to a party or out trick-or-treating, your child may have sensory needs that will need accommodating.
Bring along items tailored to your child’s sensory diet: noise blocking headphones, ear plugs, weighted vests, comfort items, etc.
At parties, set aside a private room for your child to safely relax when the crowd and noise become overwhelming.
Make sure there are familiar books or other belongings in this area.
As mentioned above, have your child practice wearing their costume before Halloween to find out if it’s uncomfortable and make adjustments accordingly.
In summary, a little planning and preparation can go a long way when it comes to enjoying any holiday, especially Halloween. Above all, consider your child’s individual needs, keep expectations realistic, and follow your child’s lead. If it’s easier to skip out on the festivities, then skip out. After all, there’s always next year.
Witching you and your family a safe and fang-tastic Halloween!
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