20 Tips for a Sensory Processing Disorder Friendly Halloween

Halloween, with its costumes, candies, and eerie decorations, is a thrilling time for many children. However, for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this holiday can present unique challenges. SPD can make the sensory overload of Halloween overwhelming. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll share some invaluable sensory Halloween tips and ideas to ensure your child has a comfortable and enjoyable Halloween experience.

1. Prepare Your Child:

Start by preparing your child for Halloween. Explain the concept of the holiday and what to expect. Videos can be a great tool to help them visualize what Halloween is all about.

2. Visual Calendar:

Create a visual calendar to help your child countdown to Halloween. Seeing the days pass can provide a sense of predictability and reduce anxiety.

3. Pumpkin Alternatives:

Many children with SPD don’t enjoy carving pumpkins. Encourage them to paint or draw on them instead.

4. Comfortable Costumes:

Choose costumes that are comfortable and not overly frightening. Let your child have a say in picking their costume to ensure it aligns with their sensory preferences.

5. Less Is Best:

Remember, when it comes to costumes, less is often best. Avoid bulky or restrictive outfits that can cause discomfort.

6. Familiar Clothing:

Consider creating costumes from familiar clothing items. This can help your child feel more at ease in their costume.

7. Gradual Costume Familiarization:

Practice wearing the costume for short intervals, starting with just a few minutes and gradually working up to longer periods.

8. Show Costume Varieties:

Show your child pictures of different costumes they may encounter while trick-or-treating. Familiarity can ease anxiety.

9. Avoid Masks:

Most children with SPD don’t like masks. Opt for face paint or makeup instead, which can be less restrictive. Costumes that don’t need a mask, face paint, or makeup may be the best option for some children.

10. Walk the Route:

Before Halloween night, walk the trick-or-treat route a few times with your child to make it familiar and less intimidating.

11. The Joy of Giving:

Remind your child that Halloween isn’t just about receiving treats. Encourage them to be the one who hands out candies to neighbors, which can be a rewarding experience.

12. Early Trick-or-Treating:

Consider going trick-or-treating earlier in the evening, before it gets dark and potentially spookier.

13. Bring a Friend:

Having a friend along can provide extra support and companionship for your child.

14. Respect Their Limits:

If your child becomes tired or no longer wants to participate, don’t push them to continue. Respect their limits and end the evening.

15. Avoid Crowds:

Try to avoid crowded areas and houses while trick-or-treating to reduce sensory overload.

16. Sensory Gear:

Bring noise reduction headphones and sunglasses if your child is sensitive to loud noises or bright lights.

17. Maintain Routine:

Stick to your child’s regular bedtime routine to provide a sense of stability on Halloween night.

18. Sensory Diet:

Complete a sensory diet before and after trick-or-treating, incorporating activities like brushing, joint compressions, heavy work, swinging, or trampolining.

19. Fine Motor Skills:

Have your child attempt to open candy wrappers themselves, which can help improve fine motor skills.

20. It’s Okay Not to Go Out:

Lastly, remember that if your child doesn’t want to go out for Halloween, that’s perfectly okay. Their comfort and well-being should always come first.

Halloween can be a magical time for children, and with these sensory Halloween tips and ideas, you can help your child with SPD enjoy the festivities while minimizing stress and sensory challenges. By being understanding, patient, and supportive, you can create a Halloween experience tailored to your child’s unique needs and preferences.

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If you child has been diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and you are interested in learning more about how Schreiber’s Pediatric Therapies can help your child visit: http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/therapy-services/

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As a nationally recognized pediatric facility, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Our goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function independently within the community.