*Create a visual story of what Halloween may be like for your child, with some pictures or drawings. This will help your child prepare for the day’s activities.
*Try on costumes before Halloween.If the costume is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit right, it may cause unnecessary distress and ruin their fun.
*If your child does not like their costume, don’t make them wear it. Instead, talk about the situation with your child and try to uncover the reason why they don’t like it. After you talk with your child, they may gradually get used to the costume. Have them wear it for short periods of time and at increasing intervals over time.
*Consider a Halloween costume that fits over your child’s regular clothes, such as butterfly wings or capes.
* Homemade costumes are a great idea, you can tailor it to your child's sensory issues. We makes Madasun's costume every year and it has been a lifesaver. Plus its fun and unique just like your child.
*If your child is just NOT digging the whole costume thing, that's OK, there are tons of fun Halloween clothing available that you can opt for instead. For example, last year Madasun was not into any costume, I made dozens of different ones and she freaked over each of them. So, we got her a cool skeleton tee and a pretty black and silver tutu with black tights that I painted bones onto. She looked great, even though it wasn't an actual costume, she was still festive and most importantly she was comfortable and happy, and we had a great time trick or treating.
Here's a few tips for the big day!
*Know your child’s limits and do only what he or she can handle. For example, if your child is not comfortable trick-or-treating, you can start by going to three houses. Assess how your child is doing and build up to more houses the following year or opt for a different fun Halloween activity in the community, such as a school festival or a neighborhood party where the child is already comfortable and knows people.
*Partner with family and friends that your child likes.
*If you are giving out candy at your home, give your child the option to give a piece of candy. During the day, practice greeting people and giving out candy.
*If your child is afraid of going out at night, plan indoor or daytime Halloween activities and plan to trick or treat a little before dusk so that your home at sunset.
*Print out Trick or Treat cards for your child to hand out especially if they are non verbal. You are helping your child say trick or treat in their own way AND spreading awareness:-) we add a lollipop to our as a thank you, and do a quick facts handout as well.
*Accepting candy and things from strangers is something parents always warn their children NOT to do, 364 days a year that is. Explaining the exception of Halloween to a child on the spectrum can be difficult. Individuals with ASD are typically logical thinkers who prefer the rules never change which may make the holiday tradition of trick or treating hard to comprehend. If your child is having trouble getting it, your best bet is to just stick to homes and candy-givers that you know.
***For The Child With Wandering/Elopement behaviors***
*49% of individuals with Autism have wandering, elopement or bolting behaviors and parents report that it is among one of the most stressful of all ASD behaviors. Halloween night can add to that, with all the chaos, kids running around etc it can cause some hectic anxiety for parents of elopers. Be sure your child is with you AT ALL times.
*Have your child wear a safety alert bracelet, QR ID Code patch, Temp Tattoo with contact info or a GPS location device.
* Photos are fun and they are practical, especially for parents of elopers! It's typical for parents to want to capture Halloween memories by snapping some pictures, but there's a practical side to this as well. Take a picture of your child in their costume before you go trick-or-treating so if they elope, you can help neighbors and law enforcement identify your child on the streets. You may want to do this a week or few days ahead and attach it to a wandering profile form to hand out to your local law enforcement or neighbors so they are aware in case the unthinkable happens.
*It's a good idea to stick to you neighborhood or familiar neighborhoods. Stick to the familiar streets and routes your child knows. The streets on Halloween can be hectic, and imagine how confusing it could be for a child with Autism when thrown in to that chaos while being in unfamiliar surroundings.
Autism families can have a great time on Halloween, know what works and what doesn't, tailor your activities to your child's capabilities and comfort. Have a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!!!
For some great costume ideas and other Halloween tips from one place special needs, check out the link below.
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_halloween_costumes.html
And don't forget to check us out on Pinterest and follow us, we have an Awesome Halloween board, and many other great stuff for those affected by Autism.
http://www.pinterest.com/madasunleefound/
