5 Ways to Make Halloween More Sensory-Friendly
Mia Barnes, who is a mother and has experience working with neurodivergent children, shares tips on how to make Halloween more sensory-friendly. Mia is also a writer and researcher with over 5 years of experience writing for health and wellness publications.
Halloween can be a treat — but it can seem terribly tricky for those with sensory processing issues. The nervous systems of children can easily grow overwhelmed, especially if they have any type of neurodiversity. Making Halloween more sensory-friendly is a kinder, more rational approach than punishing children when they melt down from overstimulation or get a bit too hyper from all the sugar and excitement. Here’s what to do.
1. Offer a Wide Selection of Treats
If you have an extremely picky eater, that may be a hint that your child is neurodiverse. While everyone has their preferences and many kids go through a “no” stage in regards to peas, experts estimate that between 46% and 89% of children with autism spectrum disorder struggle with food selectivity. They may find certain tastes or textures unbearable. Forcing the issue can spur meltdowns, as can hunger — have at least one known “safe” favourite on hand.
What about all those sweets/candy — how does it impact kids with ADHD? While studies show mixed results, several findings suggest that excess consumption increases behavioural issues. You don’t have to go so far as handing out toothbrushes and floss like a dentist or be a complete spoilsport and cut all the best treats though!
However, stock your party table with bowls of nuts and fruits among the candy corn and have mini-packs of whole-grain crackers or pretzels to distribute amid the lollipops and chocolate.
2. Rehearse in Costume
Does your sensitive child love dressing up in their costume? Use it as a chance to rehearse how to answer the door for trick-or-treaters or behave when they’re the ones asking for treats.
Rehearsing is a powerful way to prepare children for what to expect. Children on the autism spectrum run a high risk of anxiety, and previous experiences with sensory overload can make them dread socializing.
While everyone self-isolates sometimes, an inability to navigate social situations can cause children enormous psychological distress throughout their lives. Instead, coach them and encourage them to suggest coping mechanisms to soothe them if they become overwhelmed.
Of course, you should collaborate on the costume and ensure your child loves it. Something as simple as an itchy tag can sometimes trigger a meltdown.
3. Dim the Lights and Noise
One fabulous part about Halloween for folks with sensory processing difficulties is that most events take place in the dark. The only illumination might come from dim orange, green and purple glowing objects.
However, such scenes aren’t always the case. Some parties take place in brightly lit school gymnasiums where the echoes also pound sensitive ears. Providing an escape hatch, such as a quiet room where such children can retreat, is one option. Also, there’s nothing wrong with a quiet night in, involving little more than popcorn and Charlie Brown’s “Great Pumpkin” special.
4. Dial Down the Scare Quotient
Your sensitive child might jump at the chance to enter that haunted house — until the first jump-scare triggers their central nervous system, dysregulating them and spurring a meltdown.
Even fake scares, such as some animatronic decorations, can terrify sensitive children. So can movies. Pay attention to the content they consume and consider activating parental controls on your TV during October if you don’t already. If your child clamors to go to a haunted house that you fear is too terrifying, compromise by buying tickets for one of its tamer attractions, like a hayride or corn maze.
5. Let Your Child Lead the Way
Unless your family follows a pagan tradition that considers the celebration sacred, mainstream Halloween celebrations are often child-centred. Therefore, let your little one lead the way.
Instead of forcing them into a parent-child outfit that you find adorable but they find itchy, let your tyke choose the costumes. If large gatherings like Halloween parties or approaching strange houses scare or overwhelm them, suggest alternative activities. Perhaps they could have their BFF sleepover for a haunted camping trip on the back porch or in the back garden.
Sensory-Friendly Halloween Ideas
Your little one deserves a celebration that’s more treat than trick. However, Halloween can be hard on those with sensory sensitivities. It can easily overwhelm children, especially those with neurodiversities. Know your little one and guide them in creating a celebration they’ll remember for positive reasons and look forward to year after year.
Visit Body+Mind magazine to read more of Mia’s work