Halloween can be such a scary time. Not for the kids, but for us special needs parents. We are dealing with accessibility problems, special diets and safety issues. Our kids are experiencing sensory overload, anxieties and behavior outbursts. It’s enough to make us hide under the covers on October 31st. Our children are, well, different. Halloween is more challenging. It might not be the same as other families. But don’t give up on Halloween. It’s a tradition that your child will remember as a fun and exciting time in his life. It’s up to us parents to do all the pre-planning to help our child have a positive Halloween experience. Here’s how to get started.
Costumes
It’s time to get creative and tackle that Halloween costume. There are plenty of great costume ideas for those in wheelchairs. Find everything from Aladdin on his magic carpet to R2D2. Most can be created with cardboard and paint. Some creative adults who are wheelchair users have created wheelchair costumes to complement their child’s Halloween costume. Check out these wheelchair costume ideas.
Some kids have sensory issues. They can’t handle the feel of the costume, masks, makeup and more. There are plenty 
of costume ideas that allow the use of your own clothes or sweatshirts and sweatpants. Take a look at these costumes for kids with sensory issues and costumes that don’t require makeup or masks. For children that simply won’t wear a costume, try our Trick or Treater in training t-shirt.
Learning how to trick or treat
Trick or treating does not come naturally for children with developmental disabilities like autism and Down syndrome. Start now by practicing this sequence at home. I’ve created a trick or treating social story of each step that you can read with your child. You can also print the visuals, laminate them and put them on a key ring. Bring that with you when you trick or treat to remind your child of the steps. Here are some more resources on learning how to trick or treat.
Halloween and special diets
Children with juvenile diabetes, Celiac disease, food allergies and other dietary restrictions have a tough time on Halloween. Parents, consider including a non-candy treat to hand out with regular candy. I save kids meal toys, fun pencils and little trinkets and put it in a huge Halloween tub with the candy. Then I let the kids pick out their favorites. Some stores like Target or Walmart sell 15 glow in the dark bracelets for $1. These are all fun alternatives to offering candy.
Check out this link to find lists of gluten free candy, allergy free candy, candy carbohydrate counters and more. Also here are some ideas for what to do with all that leftover candy.
Halloween anxieties
Some kids, especially those in preschool, have big anxieties about Halloween. It’s difficult for them to separate fantasy from reality. There are many ghoulish costumes out there to frighten little kids. Your child might be terrified of all the zombies, skeletons and monsters coming to your door.
Accommodate your child with other activities so she can have an enjoyable Halloween experience. Your therapy center or local disability group might have their own Halloween celebration that you can attend. Many park districts are offering safe and early Halloween events as an alternative to trick or treating. Even family-friendly hotels (especially water park hotels) offer their own Halloween celebrations. These can become new family traditions rather than trudging your frightened child down the street.
Your child may opt to pass out candy at home rather than trick or treat. Or he may enjoy a night of kid-friendly Halloween DVDs. Every year your child’s comfort level will grow and he will be able to become more involved with Halloween festivities.
Here are resources on helping your child through Halloween anxieties and other alternative trick or treating ideas.
Halloween safety
For those who have more independent children, make sure they are aware of basic child safety rules for Halloween. It is best to supervise your child if they would enter a stranger’s house if invited. Do not rely on other children to look out for your child if he still forgets to look for cars when crossing the street. They will be busy running from house to house. Error on the side of safety and walk with him. Here are resources for being safe on Halloween.
Halloween activities
Looking for fun Halloween activities with your child? Here are lots of resources! You’ll find online games, arts and crafts activities and picture symbol visual recipes.
What are your child’s plans for Halloween? What fun ideas do you have for costumes and activities?
Photo Courtesy of Totstie14. Article reprinted with permission from Dawn Villarreal at One Place for Special Needs.
