How to Have an
Autism-Friendly Halloween
B Y ELE A N O R LI N A FELT
EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
“Although it is important to remember
every child is different, people with autism
spectrum disorders generally tend to pre-
fer structure and predictability, and it may
be difficult to participate in activities that
are not a part of their regular routine,” says
Caitlin Shapiro, a clinical social worker
at Silver Psychotherapy in Ijamsville,
Maryland. Many elements of Halloween can be par-
ticularly challenging for kids on the autism
spectrum. “Halloween can be scary for some kids
on the spectrum due to the darkness, noise
levels, masks and costumes,” says Jamila
Tucker-Mulero, founder of Autism R.E.C.,
a Philadelphia-based organization that pro-
vides education programs and resources to
families with autistic children. Her 13-year-
old son has autism, and the scary sounds of
Halloween displays frighten him the most.

The interactions with strangers that
are part of trick-or-treating may also
be uncomfortable for some kids with
autism. “Children may feel less com-
fortable interacting with neighbors and
people whom they are less familiar with.

Therefore, ringing a doorbell and saying
‘trick or treat’ feels like a big deal,” says
Meagan Wills, a licensed clinical psychol-
ogist at the Center for Autism Spectrum
Disorders at Children’s National Hospital
in Washington, D.C. “Moreover, language
impairments may interfere with a child’s
ability to say ‘trick or treat.’”
Costumes can also present issues.

“Store-bought costumes may have itchy
material that makes it difficult for those
who have sensory sensitivities,” Wills says.

20 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2022
| WAYS TO MAKE HALLOWEEN
A FUN AND COMFORTABLE
EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD
Matt Edelstein—a licensed psychologist and
licensed behavior analyst at the Behavior
Management Clinic in the Department of
Behavior Psychology at Kennedy Krieger
Institute in Baltimore, Maryland—recog-
nizes that it can be hard for parents to push
their kids to try new things while wanting to
protect them from distressing experiences.

For parents of kids on the autism spec-
trum who find Halloween a challenging
time, the best step parents can take is “pre-
pare them the best that you can and have an
easy escape plan.”
Edelstein recommends that parents
consider the following questions before
trick-or-treating begins:
F Will it be helpful to preview the trick-or-
treat route with my child before it turns
dark? F Should I allow my child to wear a cos-
tume before Halloween so that he or she
can get accustomed to the fit?
F Should we practice the steps of knock-
ing on a new person’s door and waiting
appropriately so that my child knows
what trick-or-treating involves?
F What are the components of the cele-
bration to avoid entirely given my child’s
functioning level?
It’s also helpful to plan an easy way out of
the trick-or-treating if something comes
up that is too overwhelming for the child
and ruins the experience. “Having a friend
or a partner following along a trick-or-treat
route in a car, or bringing a stroller with a
tablet and earphones are both good options
for a quick extraction,” Edelstein says.

Parents can also plan alternatives to
trick-or-treating that might make their kids
feel more comfortable while still participat-
ing in Halloween celebrations.

AUTISM-FRIENDLY | IDENTIFY
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
“Fortunately, as much the world seeks to
become more inclusive, there are more
opportunities for individuals with autism
to participate in Halloween festivities.

Many communities have movie theaters or
live events advertised as ‘sensory friendly,’”
Edelstein says. “These activities tend to
lighten the sensory load for children by
reducing the volume of loud noises and
minimizing bright, flashing lights.”
Every year, Autism R.E.C. hosts an
autism-friendly Halloween party in
Philadelphia. This year’s event will be held
Saturday, Oct. 29.

And, of course, staying home and plan-
ning small family festivities is always an
option if going out for trick-or-treating or
parties feels too overwhelming.

“If staying home is preferred, you can also
consider a scavenger hunt in your home or
backyard and hide candy for your child to
find,” Shapiro says. “Individual activities
such as pumpkin painting, movie night or
baking festive treats may also be fun.”
Ultimately, parents know their chil-
dren best and what specific elements of
Halloween might present challenges, as
well as what they will most enjoy.

“Every child is unique,” Shapiro says.

“You can help them navigate how they
will be able to participate in the holiday by
exploring these ideas beforehand so they
feel prepared and equipped to celebrate in
whatever way they can.” �
MONSTERS: BEASTFROMEAST / DIGITALVISION VECTORS; BACKGROUND: GALYNA_P / GETTY IMAGES
FOR MANY FAMILIES, HALLOWEEN IS A HOLIDAY TO UNWIND AND HAVE FUN.

But for children on the autism spectrum who rely on predictability to maintain a
sense of order, the deviations from normalcy that are part of Halloween celebra-
tions can present challenges for them.