Halloween should be a fun time for all kids but for those with sensory issues this fun time can become a scary time for all the wrong reasons.
Here are some tips to help all to enjoy the festivities.
- Difficulty with the bright lights, sudden noises, and textures of decorations?
- Take your child to a big box store that they have been to before. Let them explore the decorations in this well-lit safe space.
- Use a pair of noise-cancelling headphones as part of the costume. E.g., a pilot, Princess Leia, a DJ, a Martian, an animal where the headphones are covered with animal ears.
- Costumes can be itchy and uncomfortable. Some have the smell of plastic or vinyl.
- Wash costumes, if possible, to eliminate odors.
- Avoid any costume that does not fit comfortably.
- Have your child wear a base-layer of a comfortable set of pajamas under their costume.
- Onesie type costumes are generally more comfortable.
- There are fun Halloween pajamas, t-shirts or sweatshirts that can be worn in lieu of a costume.
- Practice wearing the costume a couple of hours a day until Halloween. It could help to have them do a favorite activity while wearing the costume.
- Other fun ideas
- Take a practice walk during the day of the route you will take on Halloween.
- Discuss the things you see and if anything looks concerning to your child, agree that you will skip that location.
- Create a map of the route you will go on together crossing off places to avoid.
- Not ready to trick or treat? Consider a fun alternative.
- Have trick or treating inside your home with different family members answering the doors of the different rooms.
- Play a game as a family.
- Have a sensory friendly Halloween craft night.
Everyone at Theracare wishes you and your family a Boo-rific Time!!
