Sensory Sensitive Child: Halloween tips and tricks
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist in Mountain View, CA and the Bay area, I have been working with autistic children with sensory sensitivices and their parents for over 25 years. I love Halloween! It is “just right” for for my nervous system. A little scary, a little loud, a bunch of yummy treats and a fun night.
BUT
It can also be very over- whelming for a child with sensory processing differences.
Halloween is right around the corner. It’s not too late to get your child ready for the big event!
Halloween is a fun event but can be very scary for many children. Especially for children with SPD and autistic children, it can be overwhelming on many levels.
When we think about the sensory systems, Halloween has it all!!
INTEROCEPTION-
The anticipation in itself is part of the deal. Children who have especially sensitive introspective systems often are excited, happy, scared, dreading and ready to go all at the same time. These are a lot of big emotions and often the children do not know what to do with them all. The feeling may look like increased motor activity, (talking more, moving more, seeking out sensory input). Interoception is the sensory system that gives you information about what’s going on internally.
TACTILE-
Halloween costumes can be really uncomfortable. They also can have a really weird smell. Although they have improved since I was a kid, many costumes still are made out of synthetic materials which can be stiff and itchy. This is something important to think about when picking out your child’s costume. Try to find something your child will enjoy wearing and feels nice.
How to help-Check out some fun ideas for a sensory friendly halloween on my Pinterest page!!
AUDITORY-
Any holiday can be a big auditory event. Halloween is not an exception to this. Kids are laughing, the doorbell ringing, someone knocking, unexpected, unexpected, unexpected things. This could be the nightmare of autistic children.
How to help– some of the more obvious choices might be to allow your child to wear earplugs or noise canceling headphones. Sometimes, having the door open already will allow the children who are coming to the door to trick-or-treat not to ring the doorbell which is important. Some kids don’t mind the doorbell. Thinking about your child individual needs will help you to select the right tool to help them regularly throughout the night.
VISUAL
Halloween is a very visually overstimulating holiday. There are lots of lights, people, decorations, costumes. It can be a lot to take in. Your child might enjoy looking at it initially but fatigue. You might want to consider allowing your child to take a break while out trick-or-treating. Going out for 10 minutes and then coming back and taking a 15 minute break maybe if it’s just right fit for your child.
How to help- start early. Your child may not want to participate in Halloween at all. Perhaps he or she wants to just give out the candy. Or perhaps opening the door is enough. some kids just want to get dressed up. Some kids don’t want a costume at all. Being open and flexible yourself about the big event will help the day go by much easier.
Contact me for more great ways to help your sensory challenged little monster!!! And check out my top 10 tips on implementing a sensory-healthy lifestyle here.
