Navigating Trick-or-Treating: Sensory-Friendly Tips & Tricks for Neurodivergent Families
A trick or treat sign rests against orange pumpkins.
Prepping Your Child for a Successful Trick-or-Treating Experience
Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and, of course, trick-or-treating. However, for neurodivergent children, the unpredictable nature of Halloween can be overwhelming. At Valley Inclusive Play Space (vips), we’re not just here to share disconnected expert tips; we’re living these experiences alongside you in our own neurodivergent families.
Preparing in advance can make Halloween more manageable. We recommend starting with visual calendars and storyboards to help set expectations.
Include simple images depicting key activities, like:
Getting dressed in a costume
Walking to neighbors' houses
Receiving candy
Discuss the sequence of events with your child regularly in the days leading up to Halloween. You could also use social stories to explain different scenarios, such as encountering decorations or waiting in line at a door. These tools offer children a sense of predictability, reducing anxiety and making the experience more accessible.
Mapping Out a Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treating Route
The environment plays a crucial role in a successful trick-or-treating experience. We recommend choosing a familiar, quiet neighborhood for trick-or-treating, ideally with houses spaced apart and minimal noise. Creating a map of your planned route helps set expectations for your child, showing them exactly where you’ll be going and where the journey will end. This gives them a sense of control and reduces the unknown factors that could trigger anxiety.
It’s also wise to set a time limit for the outing. Decide in advance how long you’ll be out and let your child know when the experience will begin and end. Consider using visual or verbal timers to keep track.
Setting a plan for breaks at designated "quiet spots" along the way can provide a space for your child to decompress if they become overwhelmed. Identifying these sensory-safe areas ahead of time mirrors the work we're doing at vips to create inclusive environments that consider every child's comfort.
Essential Items for a Comfortable Trick-or-Treating Toolkit
Sensory toolkits are a fantastic way to help your child stay comfortable during trick-or-treating. Here’s a list of essentials we recommend, based on feedback from our community and our own experiences:
Fidget Toys: Small items that your child can use to self-soothe when feeling overwhelmed.
Snacks and Water: Keep familiar snacks and water on hand to help maintain energy levels and comfort.
Glow Sticks or Flashlights: These can help your child feel in control of their environment and create a fun element that doubles as a sensory tool.
These small, portable items can make a big difference in helping your child have a positive Halloween experience.
Alternative Halloween Activities for a Calm and Enjoyable Holiday
Traditional trick-or-treating isn't for everyone, and that's okay! There are plenty of alternative activities that offer a festive Halloween experience without the sensory overwhelm. Here are some ideas our community loves:
Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat Swap: Set up a small, quiet trick-or-treating exchange with familiar neighbors, allowing your child to visit a few friendly houses.
Trunk-or-Treat Events: These events often take place in parking lots where decorated car trunks offer treats. Look for sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat events in your area, where the atmosphere is calmer and less crowded.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Host a scavenger hunt in your home or backyard, using small treats and sensory-friendly items as hidden treasures.
Home-Based Celebrations: Create a cozy, Halloween-themed evening at home with family games, crafts, and snacks. This can provide a controlled environment where your child feels safe and included.
These alternatives offer the joy of Halloween in a way that respects your child's sensory and emotional needs.
At vips, we’re committed to promoting inclusive play across the lifespan, and exploring these options is a great way to make Halloween accessible for every child. If you’d like to learn more about our mission, get involved as a volunteer, or support us with a donation, contact us today!
A child with a plush, blue, zip-up dinosaur costume smiles at the camera, surrounded by greenery.