Parenting Pep Talk: Making Halloween Fun for Your Special Needs Child

October 29, 2013 Examiner Media Parenting Pep Talk

Halloween is approaching, and while many children can hardly wait others are filled with dread. Special needs children might be anxious prior to Halloween and might encounter challenging circumstances the day of. Costumes, crowds, and changes in routine can be troublesome for many children and teens who prefer structure and predictability. Here are some suggestions for helping your children cope with this upcoming spooky holiday.

Costumes can be a big problem, particularly for young children with sensory issues. Out-of-the-package costumes are tolerated by many kids, but the itchy fabrics, tags, and accessories that come with these costumes can drive a “sensory kid” into a full-blown meltdown. Consider creating your own costume out of tag-less fabrics your child can tolerate. Many shops have inexpensive funky tights and accessories that you can use to replicate a desired costume, or you and your child can mismatch items to create a unique and comfortable one. Have your child “rehearse” Halloween by wearing their outfit around the house for an hour to make sure she can get through the actual day without a problem.

Food allergies can be a source of stress for parents whose children have them. You are not likely to see a lot of gluten-free treats, for example, and it isn’t fun for parents or children to trick-or-treat only to have all the treats taken away. Parents can look into therapy centers or local agencies that hold smaller Halloween parties that cater to children with special needs. They can also organize their own small event with other parents who share their concerns.

Children of all ages benefit from knowing the schedule beforehand. Younger children often benefit from visual aids like story boards to know what to expect. Older children might use their tablets or smartphones to set reminders about changes in scheduling.

Unfortunately some children are anxious about Halloween because they don’t have a group of friends to trick-or-treat with, and it is no longer age-appropriate to go with parents. This can be tricky for parents who badly want their kids to socialize yet understand the challenges inherent in Halloween. Talk to your children about why they are hesitant to engage in school or other activities. If you determine that the anxiety can be overcome, encourage them to give it a shot and assure them you will be there if they need to escape. If you realize that the day could be traumatic for your child, consider making alternative plans for this coming Thursday. School parades and parties can be very overwhelming. Ask your child what he wants to do instead. It’s OK to do something low key or to stay home and have a family party. As long as your child has social engagements embedded into his regular schedule, taking a day off won’t hurt.

Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist practicing in Westchester and New York City. In addition to providing general mental health services, Jaime works with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating social skills groups. Visit www.spectrumservicesnyc.com, e-mail JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com or call (914)712-8208.