By Dr. Malia Beckwith, AVP of Ambulatory Medical Practices and Section Chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Children’s Specialized Hospital
Halloween comes with plenty of excitement, but it can also bring a lot of unfamiliar faces, and new sensory experiences. Costumes replace everyday clothes, your neighborhood could look different under elaborate decorations and a typical evening routine may be replaced by crowds, doorbells, flashing lights and unexpected sounds.
For children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences, these changes can quickly become overwhelming. Preparing ahead of time can help make Halloween feel more predictable and manageable.
Rather than waiting until Halloween night to see how a child responds, parents and caregivers can use the days beforehand to introduce parts of the experience and determine what works best for their child.
Give the Costume a Test Run
A costume may look comfortable on the hanger but feel very different once it is on. Masks can limit visibility, tags and seams can be itchy, face paint can feel unfamiliar and bulky costumes may make it harder to move.
To combat this, have your child try on the entire costume before Halloween and wear it around the house for a little while. Pay attention to their comfortability.
Making adjustments ahead of time, whether that means removing a tag or wearing familiar clothes underneath, can help prevent discomfort from becoming a distraction on Halloween night. If a costume still does not feel right, it is okay to change plans.
Make Trick-or-Treating Familiar
Taking a practice walk along the route you plan to trick-or-treat can give your child a sense of where they will be going before decorations, crowds and other surprises are added to the mix.
Consider starting with a familiar, lower-pressure environment, such as visiting a neighbor or family member your child knows well. Alternatively, a trunk-or-treat, their school’s Halloween Parade, or a smaller community event may offer a more manageable way to participate.
Talk Through the Plan—and the Exit Plan
Changes in routine can be challenging, particularly when a child does not know what is coming next. Before Halloween, walk through what the evening may look like, including when you will get dressed, where you will go, who will be there and when you expect to return home.
Just as important, make sure your child knows the plan can change.
Agree on a way for your child to tell you when they need a break or are ready to go home. For some children, that may be saying it directly. Others may benefit from a predetermined word, phrase or signal.
Let Your Child Set the Pace
Preparation can make Halloween more predictable, but it cannot account for every flashing decoration, barking dog, crowded sidewalk or unexpected scare. Parents and caregivers should continue to follow their child’s cues and be willing to adjust plans as needed.
By practicing ahead of time, communicating what to expect and building flexibility into the plan, families can help take some of the uncertainty out of Halloween and give children more room to enjoy the celebration in a way that feels comfortable for them.