Making Halloween More Inclusive for All Families

Halloween night can be a fun and exciting time, but it can also be stressful for families impacted by disability. For individuals on the autism spectrum, the disruption of routine and the influx of new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can make trick-or-treating especially challenging. Wearing a costume may also be uncomfortable for those with sensory sensitivities, and the social expectations of the night can add an additional layer of difficulty.

For families hoping to ease some of the Halloween stress, planning ahead can make a big difference:

• Choose a comfortable costume

  • Choosing a comfortable costume decreases offensive sensory input. Consider trying the costume on several times before Halloween. 

• Read a social story or watch a favorite show about trick-or-treating

  • Social stories are a great way to prepare for any outing and may help with anxiety related to unknown events. Several children’s shows air Halloween episodes that feature trick or treating. Carl the Collector on PBS is a great example.

• Practice with a family member or neighbor

  • Knocking on doors or ringing door bells is a great life skill to practice year-round, but can be especially useful this time of year. 

• Create a visual schedule

  • A visual schedule can be simple (dinner, trick or treat, home, bed) or can include specific activities and the amount of time each item will take (dinner, get dressed, trick or treat at 5 houses / for 30 minutes, home, bathtime, bed).

• Use a communication aid

  • For those that struggle with verbal communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools can be a great option. Consider printing simple visuals that say ‘trick or treat’ and ‘thank you’ or using a text to talk feature on a phone or tablet.  

• Start early, if possible

  • Most neighbourhoods will begin trick or treating hours before sunset. Consider being out during the initial hours to avoid larger crowds and scarier decorations in the dark. 

• Recognize and honor your limits

  • Knocking on five doors and going home for the night is still a successful trick or treating outing! Knowing your families’ limits can help you avoid meltdowns or other issues. 

While every individual with a disability experiences unique challenges, there are several simple ways those handing out candy can help make Halloween more accessible and enjoyable for everyone:

• Offer allergy-friendly and/or non-food treats

  • Most sweet candies (skittles, starburst, dum dums) are safe options, and stickers, glow sticks, or spider rings make great treat alternatives.

• Give treats freely, without expecting costumes, verbal requests, or “thank yous”

  • Social skills, verbal communication, and sensory sensitivities are just a few reasons you may encounter a Halloween guest unable to say “trick or treat” or without a costume. Be kind and patient, and offer treats with no expectations.

• Welcome trick-or-treaters of all ages

  • Older individuals with developmental disabilities may not have outgrown the Halloween tradition at a  “usual age,” but you may also encounter those wishing to hold on to a childhood activity for another year. 

• Keep pathways well-lit and free of obstacles

  • To cater to those with mobility issues, it is important to keep the path to your front door clear. If your front door isn’t accessible, consider setting up a treat station at the end of your driveway.

With a little grace, flexibility, and understanding, we can ensure that all families have the opportunity to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween night.