A Neurodivergent Family's Guide to Halloween Fun
Making Halloween Accessible for Everyone
Halloween can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for many children, especially those who are neurodivergent. The bright lights, loud noises, crowded streets, and changes in routine are part of what makes the holiday fun, but they can also be sources of stress. Here at Valley Inclusive Play Space, we know this firsthand—not only as an organization serving neurodivergent families but also as individuals living these experiences ourselves.
Our mission is to provide resources, spaces, and support that consider the sensory, emotional, and social needs of our community. Part of that is providing some tried-and-true tips to help make Halloween a positive, accessible experience—from our families to yours.
An adorable child tries on halloween costume with green cape and mask.
Creating a Halloween Routine for Comfort
For many neurodivergent children, changes in routine can lead to anxiety. Halloween introduces many new and unfamiliar elements—decorations that appear seemingly overnight, unpredictable social interactions, and a disruption of the regular schedule.
Preparing in advance can make all the difference in turning the holiday into a fun, manageable event.
Here are some ways to set a routine for a more comfortable Halloween:
Use Visual Calendars: We find that creating a visual calendar leading up to Halloween can be incredibly helpful. You can include images for activities like picking out a costume, decorating the house, and trick-or-treating. By breaking down the day into manageable steps, children know what to expect, which can significantly reduce anxiety.
Storyboards and Social Stories: Create a simple storyboard that outlines the Halloween night—getting dressed, visiting neighbors, receiving candy, etc. If you’re familiar with social stories, use them to explain what happens during trick-or-treating. It gives context to the experience, making it feel less unknown and more exciting. Subscribe to this blog for our upcoming series on Social Stories if you’d like to learn more.
Discuss Costume Plans in Advance: Start talking about costume options early. Letting children help choose and try on the costume multiple times before Halloween can make it feel more familiar and less overwhelming on the big day.
Choosing Sensory-Friendly Costumes
Costumes are a major part of Halloween, but for many neurodivergent children, they can bring up sensory challenges. Scratchy fabrics, tight masks, and unfamiliar textures can all trigger discomfort. Here are a few sensory-friendly costume ideas based on what’s worked for families like ours:
Themed Pajamas: If your child finds comfort in soft, familiar fabrics, themed pajamas are a fantastic option. Brands like Hannah Andersson offer pajama sets designed to look like costumes—whether that’s a favorite animal or superhero. Pajamas are not only cozy but can also double as everyday wear, making them a less stressful choice for children who might struggle with traditional costumes.
Sports Fan: A simple sports jersey or T-shirt representing their favorite team can become a costume in itself. The familiarity of wearing something they already enjoy can make this a hit. You can even add a baseball cap or face paint (if tolerated) to complete the look.
Safety Officer: For children who love order and structure, consider a “Safety Officer” costume. It’s easy—just a yellow vest over regular clothes, paired with a clipboard. This simple costume is sensory-friendly and offers the child an element of control, which can be comforting.
Sleepover Party Theme: This is a great group costume idea, allowing everyone to wear pajamas. Not only does it create a relaxed atmosphere, but it also promotes inclusivity by encouraging friends and family to participate in a sensory-friendly way.
Choosing a costume that is sensory-friendly allows children to fully participate in the Halloween fun without discomfort or anxiety. It’s about making sure they feel seen, valued, and included—just as we aim to do in our future play spaces.
Masks and Sensory Concerns
Masks can be a big part of Halloween, but they can also be a significant source of anxiety for some neurodivergent children. Research has shown that masks can trigger discomfort due to their textures, smells, or the feeling of being enclosed. And it's not just about wearing them; seeing others in masks can be unsettling, too.
Here are some ways to navigate this:
Skip the Mask or Choose Open-Face Options: Consider costumes that don’t require masks or use open-face designs to avoid the feeling of being enclosed. Masks on a stick are also a fun alternative, letting kids hold the mask up when they want and set it down when they need a break.
Desensitization Through Play: Introduce the mask gradually during playtime in the weeks leading up to Halloween. This helps familiarize your child with the mask's texture and feel, making it less intimidating.
The Debate Around Halloween Identification
There’s an ongoing conversation around how to identify neurodivergent children during Halloween. Some communities use markers like teal pumpkins for allergies or blue buckets for autism to indicate when a child may need extra understanding or accommodation. While these efforts come from a place of support, they raise questions about singling out children and “othering” them in a way that may not always be helpful or comfortable.
The Dilemma of Identification: Should children have to identify themselves to receive kindness and inclusion? We believe that every child should have the right to participate without feeling the need to explain their differences. The issue often lies not with the children but with societal expectations that push them to fit into a specific mold.
Inclusivity for Older Trick-or-Treaters: Another point of contention is older kids and teens who still want to trick-or-treat. Many of them may have developmental challenges that make this tradition a beloved part of their routine. Let’s change the narrative—Halloween should be for everyone, and questioning a child's age only adds unnecessary pressure. Embracing extended childhood certainly aligns with our mission at VIPS: to provide play opportunities for people of all ages.
How to Foster a More Inclusive Halloween
It takes a village to create an inclusive Halloween. We encourage communities to join us in making this holiday as accessible and welcoming as possible:
Educate Your Neighborhood: Share simple tips for sensory-friendly trick-or-treating with neighbors. Little things, like offering non-candy treats or creating quiet zones, can go a long way.
We hope these tips help make Halloween more enjoyable for your family. If you’re passionate about creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent families, join our mission. Learn how you can support VIPS by visiting our resource center, donating, or becoming a volunteer. Let’s work together to build a community where every child can thrive!