Spooky season is here! While this time of year comes with fun costumes and candy, it can also cause some overwhelm and sensory challenges for those with autism or other developmental disabilities.

Everyone deserves to have a fun and safe Halloween season! Here are some ideas for how to make trick-or-treating as low-stress as possible:

The Costume

When choosing costumes, consider the fabric and the way it fits. Is it tight or loose enough to allow movement? Is the fabric scratchy or soft? These are traits to consider if the costume will be worn for an extended period of time. And don’t be afraid to get creative with adapting/altering costumes to make them more sensory-friendly! 

The Route

Plan your route ahead of time! This could mean creating a map and/or walking the route the day before. This will help set expectations for trick-or-treating and will allow you to plan potential escape routes if things become too overwhelming.

Talk to Your Neighbors

A few days before, go around to chat with your neighbors. Find out if they will be passing out candy so you can plan your route, and give them a heads up about what they can do to make trick-or-treating at their house as accessible as possible. Maybe they shouldn’t wait for the phrase “trick or treat” before giving candy. Or perhaps temporarily making decorations a little less over-stimulating during a designated time. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your family’s needs!

For Community Members:

If you are handing out candy on Halloween night, remember that kids have different needs! If a child doesn’t say “trick or treat” right away, go ahead and give them candy anyway. If you see a trick-or-treater who looks older than you’d expect, still treat them with the same enthusiasm and kindness as you would for any other child. We can all work together to make sure that all families have a fun and safe Halloween experience!