Tips to Make Halloween Enjoyable for Children with ASD

[Guest guest]

Got this from the Autism Society of

Newfoundland & Labrador… thought I’d share

=)

Tips to

Make Halloween Enjoyable for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Wearing a costume is unfamiliar, as is going from house to house to

ask for treats. New routines and behaviours can be enjoyable for kids on the

spectrum when they are approached with planning, and the necessary supports are

identified and provided. Following are some things you can do ahead of time to

help your child enjoy this child-focused occasion:

1. Begin early (even a month before) to prepare your child for

Halloween activities. Read a story about Halloween and the activities that

surround it, like carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, and trick-or-treating.

Teach your child the skills involved in participating—knocking on the door,

holding out the bag, saying " trick or treat " or using assistive

technology (a picture or device) to communicate the message, and then saying

" thank you. "

2. Help your child choose a costume that will reflect his interests.

Let him practice wearing the costume around the house while practicing the

skills. If wearing a costume is irritating, ask him if he would rather wear

face paint, a scarf, or a hat on Halloween. No costume is also OK.

3. Write a social narrative describing what your child will do on

Halloween. Include in this story information about wearing the costume (if she

will) or face paint, and carrying the trick-or-treat bag. Identify which houses

your child will visit, what your child will say at each house, and what she

will do with the treats she receives.

4. Create a visual schedule with the Halloween activities for the

evening marked on it.

5. Let your child practice trick-or-treating with familiar

individuals and houses. If he has a restricted diet, give these individuals

special treats for him.

6. Keep the trick-or-treating session short and comfortable. If two

houses are her limit, that is fine.

7. Teach your child to give out candy for trick-or-treaters. Use

role play to let him practice the skill before Halloween. Write a social

narrative about this aspect of Halloween so he will know what to expect and

what to do when the doorbell rings that evening. This way, even if his

trick-or-treating session is short, he will be involved in the celebration.

8. Remember, practice helps make any activity feel like a routine!