35 Sensory Halloween Tips And Ideas




Halloween can be a difficult and challenging time for children who have Sensory Processing Disorder. 

Costumes, face painting and Halloween parties can be too overwhelming causing your child to meltdown. 

Here are some tips and ideas you can try to help make Halloween easier or more fun for your child. 

Happy Halloween! 




1. Prepare your child that Halloween is coming and what to expect.


2. Visual schedule for your child to see when the date is coming.


3. Costumes should be comfortable and not scary.


4. Let them choose the costume they will be wearing.


5. With the costumes, less is best!


6. Practice wearing the costume for 5 minutes and gradually to an hour, weeks before.

 
7. Explain what other costumes may look like and that they are only that, costumes.


8. Most children with SPD don't like masks or bulky costumes.


9. Let them have some control how the evening goes.


10. Choose a route and walk the route before Halloween a couple of times to prepare.


11. Halloween is not just about trick or treating, they can enjoy being the one who hands out treats at the door.


12. If your child doesn't want to go out for Halloween, that's ok too!


13. Don't force your child to wear the costume.


14. Ask them where they would feel safe and more comfortable trick or treating.


15. Most children with SPD don't like face painting, experiment weeks before Halloween.

 
16. Trick or Treating earlier is best, before it gets dark.


17. Bring a friend along to keep your child company for extra support and encouragement.


18. When your child is tired or doesn't want to do it anymore, end the evening.


19. Search for local children's Halloween events if your child doesn't want to go out.


20. Try to avoid crowded areas, houses and crowds in general while out.


21. Bring noise reduction headphones if your child doesn't like loud noises. (Fireworks)


22. Explain behavior expectations to your child before you leave.


23. Tell your child the basic rules of Halloween such as no treats until you have searched the Halloween bag. (allergies & diet restrictions)


24. If you are at a Halloween party, take breaks. (Sensory space) 


25. Let others know of any allergies when receiving treats for your child.


26. Halloween games can be difficult for your child, ask them what they are comfortable with playing.


27. Most children with Sensory Processing Disorder don't like carving pumpkins or the way it feels. Don't pressure. Many children may enjoy painting on them or drawing on them instead. 


28. Many children do like carving pumpkins and squishing the guts... great sensory activity!


29. Remember a regular day can be overwhelming for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, Halloween can easily cause sensory overload which could result in a meltdown.


30. Creating costumes from familiar clothing may work best. 


31. Maintain routine, same bedtime.


32. Ask your child's school what they do for Halloween activities as many may make your child uncomfortable.


33. If your child is nonverbal, bring Halloween awareness cards. 


34. Complete sensory diet before trick or treating and after before they go to bed. (Brushing, joint compressions, heavy work, swinging and trampoline.) 


35. Have your child attempt to open the candy themselves to improve fine motor skills. 



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DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.

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