Halloween can be spooky AND fun for all children, but may be a little trickier for those on the autism spectrum. So how can you, as a neighbor, friend, or community organizer, help make this and other Fall festivities LESS spooky and MORE fun for these more sensitive children?

“Large events can be unpredictable and overwhelming for some children on the autism spectrum,” says Bianca Brooks, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and part of the assessment and diagnosis team at Marcus Autism Center, a subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “The key is for event organizers to offer inclusive, autism-friendly spaces.”

Dr. Brooks suggests:

• Be mindful of safety in larger open outdoor events to prevent wandering dangers. 
• Be creative and lean into your child’s interests. Halloween/Fall can mean a fashion show of your child’s favorite costumes at home, decorating their favorite type of toys, or adding a festive twist to their favorite sensory activity.
• Making pictures available of where children are headed and what type of activities to expect. Visuals can be very empowering and informative to children of all abilities.
• Offering a quiet area or calm-down space for children if the crowd is overwhelming for them. Ideally this will be somewhere outside the main event area and will be easily identifiable for parents to access.
• When planning free-play spaces, offering games and activities that can be completed independently as well as with other peers.

According to Chris Booth, a licensed master social worker and lead clinical care coordinator at Marcus Autism Center, “Trick or treating can be especially tough for some children on the spectrum because a night like Halloween can mean unpredictable social interactions, decorations, and directives from adults.” Booth points out there are several things neighbors can do to make the evening’s festivities more comfortable for them:

• During trick-or-treat activities, remember that not all children will be able to say trick or treat. Help them enjoy the Halloween experience by placing candy or other treats in their buckets.
• Offer your house as a practice location for them before Halloween to help ease some anxiety.
• Too many choices can be overwhelming for children. It may be helpful to offer only two candy treats at a time when kids are having a hard time selecting.

Additionally, Booth recommends parents do a little pre-planning to help make these events and activities more successful:

• Call ahead before a festival or activity to find out if there are any accommodations for children with disabilities (quiet area, sensory rooms).
• If your child may be unable to ask for help, think of ways to have your contact information labeled on their clothes, costumes, etc.
• Read kid-friendly stories about your outing with your child leading up to the event. You can also watch short YouTube clips with them and highlight what to expect at the outing (e.g., loud noises, fun animals, treats).
• Pre-plan what to do if the outing does not go as expected (e.g., how to transition your child to your car, packing small things that can help temporarily distract your child like bubbles or stickers).
• If you need inspiration to find local events for children with autism, check out local parent support groups to find disability inclusive events near you.

Disclaimer: This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911.