It is officially Fall in Texas! Which means it is time for pumpkins, hayrides, cooler weather, trick-or-treating, and so much more. In the month of October, we celebrate Halloween, and many children will engage in trick-or-treating, fall festivals, and other fun activities where they may be encouraged to dress up and interact with others. This can come with challenges for children diagnosed with Autism. In efforts to keep these activities safe and fun for all children, let’s discuss some tips and tricks to navigate this season with your child.
- Trick-or-treating is an activity many children look forward to as it is a time of giving and receiving treats. If your child struggles with social interactions, this might be an intimidating task for them. Practicing the act of trick-or-treating at home ahead of time is a great way to help build their confidence and teach a new skill! If your child is using an AAC device or another form of communication assistance this is a great time to practice asking for treats and saying thank you with that as well.
- Halloween creates an opportunity to help children adapt to changes in routine. Changes in clothing we typically wear while dressing up in costumes for example, or changes in the normal structure of their day to make time for fun activities with others. Using a visual schedule and talking to your child ahead of time can help them feel prepared.
- It is important to pick a comfortable costume for your child and take all of their sensory needs into consideration. A helpful tip is to try it on at home and let them get comfortable wearing it around the house before going out. It may be a good idea to bring along a preferred toy for added comfort to your child when going out for the fun fall activities you and your family have planned.
Our biggest tip this season is to make sure you and your child have fun! Remember, the biggest piece of advice is to do what works best for your child. We hope these tips help set you and your family up for success this Halloween!
