(WWJ) – Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s a ton of fun for some kids. But the scary costumes and decorations can be overwhelming for others, particularly children with autism or other sensory issues.
Dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating is an annual tradition beloved by many, but Maggie Moore, the Executive Director at the Center for Autism with Hope Network tells WWJ there are plenty of things parents can do to make it more enjoyable for those with autism and sensory issues.
Speaking live on WWJ, Moore said Halloween can be a challenge for kids with autism but recognizing their needs and making it inclusive is important.
“Children with autism, they may have different needs of feelings, touch, sights and sounds, so if you’re going into an environment that is loud, you may want to consider using headphones or some other way of reducing the loud sound,” Moore said.
She said the dark may be overwhelming for many, so finding chances to get out earlier in the day may also be helpful.
That’s where “trunk-or-treat” events come in handy, which Moore says many local communities offer.
“Some are held within schools or indoors and some are in parking lots. Just looking at what opportunities are around, but they’ll oftentimes allow opportunities for kids to dress up and still go trick-or-treating, but without having to go door-to-door in a neighborhood,” she said.
But if you’re going out into the neighborhoods, Moore has a tip:
“You can definitely choose to skip around those scarier homes and get the opportunity to go either practice at not scary homes or [go to] trunk-or-treat opportunities,” she said.
Moore said it's important to make children with autism feel in control of the experience.
Related
