How to have an autism friendly Halloween

Making Halloween accessible and enjoyable for autistic children requires some additional planning, so we thought we would share our 5 top tips for making your Halloween spooktacular rather than ghostly!

1) Think sensory! Be aware of lighting and how it might impact them, considering the brightness and flashing lights. Avoid loud noises or unexpected sounds, which can be overwhelming. If you have background music, make sure that this is not causing overwhelm. When thinking about costumes, consider the fabric as well as the overall look.

2) Make sure the treats are not tricks

Offer non-food treats like small toys, stickers, or glow sticks.

3) Safe space – don’t forget to have a safe space that is easily accessible to any child that may need one.

4) Check with other parents! If you are inviting other autistic children to your Halloween event, make sure you check with their parents or carers to see what adjustments are appropriate. No two autistic people are the same!

5) Offer a variety of activities. For example, as well as carving, offer pumpkin decorating with paint and stickers, making the activity more accessible to children with fine motor difficulties. It is also a good idea to provide activities that a child might be able to do without input from someone else but still feel involved.

Remember that even though Halloween in the UK seems to increase in popularity every year, it is also OK to not do anything to mark it if that is what is right for your child and family.

#autismfriendlyhalloween #halloween #autismacceptance