Tips For Trick Or Treating with Your Special Needs Child.
Tips for Families with Children
Halloween CAN be fun for all of our children, a few things can be done to assure this for us and here is a guide to offer some tips for both the families trick or treating as well as for the homes the children will be visiting.
Plan ahead- let your child know what will be happening and when. Use a calendar to count down the days , make a social story with pictures and keep on sharing the plan so there is not an element of surprise . This will allow your child to feel prepared , calmer and safer. An example of a social story could be , ( feel free to add images as well )
“Halloween is on Friday.
We will have dinner and then I will put on my costume so we can go outside and walk with friends”
* On the day you are set to Trick or Treat, let your children know the time frame, for example, we will leave the house at 6 and come home at 7 pm. Even if they do know grasp the concept of time, they will know when you say it is 7 pm and we are all done means it is time to go home. You may also want to give them a 15 minute warning when you are getting close to being done.
*For any children who may be non verbal, have a printed out card they can hold at each door that says "trick or treat" to let the sign do all the talking.
*If you have children with sensory sensitives , you may want to have them try on their costumes BEFORE they wear it. Sometimes a tag may be an issue or the fabric may be itchy and knowing it can prevent any last minute issues . Throw a Tshirt in your bag in case you need to change your child form the costume they are wearing.
*Have a friend join you, is there a classmate or neighbor that may want to partner with your child for a bonding experience?
If you have a code word that you have used in the past for your child if they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, have it ready. If you think this may help- create one ! If your child uses the word, remove him / her from the situation and help to lessen the anxiety
Some children may not be able to distinguish that Halloween is not real and some costumes, effects , noises may frightening . Be aware of the surroundings and if you see something that may cause upset, steer clear of that home .
*Communicate, talk to your neighbors and friends , let them know what your child’s limitations or restrictions are -so many will be able to adjust and meet the needs you may have .
For The Homes Handing Out Candy
*Teal Project- have a teal colored pumpkin or this flyer in your door to notify families that you will be giving out NON FOOD items for the children with allergies . Some items could be stickers, balls, tattoos .
*Consider having your garage be the spot you leave some treats or that you set up to hand out in order for those children who may not be able to navigate to your front door due to steps etc.
*Never assume! If a child does not say thank you, or doesn’t take a candy- maybe they are non verbal, maybe they have an allergy! Be compassionate, do not make a judgement.
*Be aware of your yard, is all clear for the children to get to your treats?
In closing, this is meant ton be a fun day for all of our children . Do what works for you and don’t worry about what may not work! Have fun, make your own traditions and with all you do for your child, know that you are helping all of us get closer to acceptance and that we are all “knowdifferent” .
If you have any other ideas to share, we want to hear them.
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