🎃 A Guide to Trick-or-Treating for Kids with Autism
I've created a guide to help you prepare for Halloween, a social event that many families enjoy participating in. In Designing Your Ideal Holidays: A Family Guide to Navigating and Prioritizing Traditions for Children with Autism, I emphasized the importance of choosing which holidays are most meaningful for your family. If Halloween is on your list, this guide will help you and your child prepare for social settings like neighborhood trick-or-treating, community events, or church trunk-or-treat gatherings. 🎃👻
Objective: Help children with autism experience Halloween successfully by breaking down each step of trick-or-treating and practicing in a comfortable, low-stress environment.
1. Preparing for the Costume 👗🦸♂️
Goal: Build comfort wearing the costume by gradually introducing its elements.
Phase 1: Start with the simplest parts of the costume (e.g., a hat or cape). Practice wearing it for short periods (5-10 minutes), gradually increasing the time.
Phase 2: Introduce the main outfit at home. Let your child wear it during familiar activities like playing or watching TV.
Phase 3: Add any accessories or masks. If masks are uncomfortable, try face paint or alternatives.
Practice Tip: 📸 Take photos in the costume and use social stories (short picture-based narratives) to explain that wearing a costume is part of the Halloween fun.
2. Practice Walking from House to House 🚶🏡
Goal: Familiarize your child with walking to different houses and knocking on doors.
Step 1: Role-play at home. Pretend to trick-or-treat within your own house. You or a sibling can be the neighbor, and your child can knock on doors and practice saying, “Trick or treat!”
Step 2: Practice walking between different houses in your neighborhood or a nearby park.
Step 3: Visit familiar houses first. In the days leading up to Halloween, ask close friends or family to do mini trick-or-treating runs in a low-pressure setting.
Practice Tip: 🗂 Use a visual schedule or first-then board to show the steps (First: walk to house, Then: knock, Then: say “trick or treat,” Last: receive candy).
3(a). Practice Saying “Trick or Treat” 🍬💬
Goal: Teach the expected language or communication for trick-or-treating.
Verbal Practice: If your child is verbal, practice saying “Trick or treat” at home during role-play sessions. Reinforce with praise or high-fives! 🖐️
Nonverbal Communication: Prepare a button or card with “Trick or Treat” if your child uses a communication device or PECS.
Alternative: Teach waving or saying “Hi” if “Trick or treat” is too challenging.
Practice Tip: 🎯 Use fun rewards (like stickers or small candies) during practice to keep it exciting.
3(b). Designing the Communication Cards:
Creating simple, visual communication cards for nonverbal children to use during trick-or-treating can be very effective. These cards can be attached to a wristband or part of the costume using Velcro for easy access. Here’s what you can do:
Card Size: Keep each card about 2x2 inches so they’re easy to handle and read.
Visuals: Use clear images or icons to represent each phrase. For “Trick or Treat,” use an image of a child holding a trick-or-treat bag. For “Thank You,” use an image of a smiling face or a hand wave.
Text: Include the phrases “Trick or Treat” and “Thank You” in large, bold letters below each image.
Laminate: Laminate the cards for durability.
Velcro Strips: Attach one side of the Velcro to the back of the cards and the other to a wristband, belt, or costume.
Card Descriptions for Velcro:
“Trick or Treat” Card:
Image: A child holding a trick-or-treat bag or a candy bucket.
Text: “Trick or Treat” below the image in bold.
Size: Approximately 2x2 inches.
“Thank You” Card:
Image: A smiling face or a waving hand.
Text: “Thank You” below the image in bold.
Size: Approximately 2x2 inches.
Attaching the Cards:
Wristband: Use a soft fabric wristband with Velcro strips to attach the cards.
Costume Integration: Place Velcro on the costume near the sleeve or pocket for easy reach.
Belt Clip Option: You can also attach the cards to a small, lightweight belt clip if your child prefers not to have them on their wrist or costume.
4. Understand Social Expectations 😊🎉
Goal: Practice responding to social expectations such as “thank you” or “happy Halloween.”
Practice at Home: Teach your child to say “thank you” after receiving candy. If verbal responses are difficult, practice gestures like waving or using a communication card/device.
Prepare for Compliments: Many people may compliment your child’s costume. Prepare simple responses like smiling or using a pre-set response on their communication device.
Practice Tip: 🖼 Use visual aids to explain these social steps, and practice in different settings (home, store, etc.).
5. Managing Sensory Overload 🎧🌈
Goal: Prepare for sensory challenges like loud noises, crowds, or unfamiliar settings.
Identify Sensory Triggers: Plan quieter, sensory-friendly routes if loud noises, crowds, or flashing lights are overwhelming.
Bring Comfort Items: Allow your child to carry a favorite toy, wear noise-canceling headphones, or take sensory breaks if needed.
Create a Plan B: If trick-or-treating becomes too overwhelming, plan a “Halloween at Home” (decorate the house, trick-or-treat room-to-room, or have a Halloween movie night).
Practice Tip: 🤝 Prepare a visual or verbal cue for your child to signal when they need a break.
6. The Candy Exchange 🍭🛍️
Goal: Teach what happens after collecting candy and how to handle dietary restrictions or preferences.
Practice: After collecting candy, practice sorting it together. Explain that certain candies can be exchanged for a preferred treat or toy if needed.
Create a Routine: Plan a consistent post-trick-or-treating routine. For example: “After trick-or-treating, we go home, sort the candy, pick a few to eat, and save the rest for later.”
Practice Tip: 🔄 Use this routine in your practice sessions to make it familiar.
7. Ensuring Safety with Visibility Gear 🎇👟
Goal: Make your child’s costume visible in low-light settings to keep them safe while trick-or-treating.
LED Lights and Reflective Gear: Attach small LED lights to their costume, clothing, or trick-or-treat bag to help them stand out in the dark. Reflective tape can also be added to costumes, shoes, or bags for extra visibility.
Glow Sticks: A glow stick necklace or bracelet can add both fun and function, making your child more visible to others.
Comfort Check: Ensure all visibility gear is comfortable and won’t distract or bother your child during their Halloween activities.
Practice Tip: 🌟 Go outside in the evening with all visibility gear on to check how well it lights up in dim environments. This can be a fun pre-Halloween activity!
8. Preparing for Safety with Tracking Devices 📲💼
Goal: Plan for peace of mind by using a tracking device for added security.
Tracking Devices: Attach a small tracker, such as an AirTag or Tile, discreetly to your child’s costume or trick-or-treat bag. Make sure it’s secure and hidden to avoid being lost.
Familiarize Your Child: If possible, explain to your child in simple terms why they’re wearing the tracker so they feel comfortable with it.
Stay Connected: Ensure your tracking device is charged and that you’re familiar with how to check its location from your phone or device.
Practice Tip: 📱 Test the tracking device in advance by practicing using it to check locations around your home or neighborhood.
Summary: Trick-or-Treating Checklist ✅
Prepare the Costume: Start small and practice wearing it at home.
Walk House-to-House: Practice walking and knocking on doors.
Say “Trick or Treat”: Use verbal or nonverbal communication to participate.
Respond Socially: Teach gestures or phrases for thanking neighbors.
Handle Sensory Overload: Plan for breaks, quiet routes, or sensory tools.
Sort the Candy: Practice the after-Halloween candy routine.
Ensure Safety with Visibility Gear: Glow sticks or reflective strips can add visibility.
Prepare for Safety with Tracking Devices: Using Air Tags or Tiles may provide an extra layer of safety.
