Preparing for Halloween with Neurodivergent Young People
By Dr Freya Spicer-White, Chief Clinical Officer
Halloween can be an exhilarating time filled with spooky decorations, thrilling costumes, and tons of sweets and treats. However, for neurodivergent young people, the festivities might come with their unique set of challenges. By adopting the principles of our Neurodivergent Strategy Ask, Accept, and Develop, we can ensure that Halloween is an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Ask: Provide Consultation to the Young Person
Dialogue: Start by engaging in a conversation with the young person about their thoughts and feelings regarding Halloween. Some might love the idea of dressing up, while others may find certain aspects of Halloween overwhelming or upsetting.
Discuss Sensory Sensitivities: Halloween can be a sensory-rich experience, however, this is not always well tolerated by those with neurodiversity and sensory processing difficulties. Loud sounds from the neighbourhood celebrations, scary decorations, tight or scratchy costumes and going out at night to different places can be a lot for them to handle.
They may find the bright lights and sounds that come with Halloween celebrations frightening and overwhelming. There may be new decorations in the classroom and at home, changing the familiarity and structure of their environment. It is advisable to discuss what decorations the children are comfortable with having at home or in the classroom and remind them that decorations and sounds are just pretend. Avoid flashing lights or moving decorations, which may make them unsettled. Encourage them to take noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs with them if they go to a place with loud noises and sounds, especially if they are auditory sensitive.
Lots of children wear costumes on Halloween, however there are no rules around them. The most important thing is that your child is happy and feels comfortable. Be aware of sensory needs when helping your child choose a costume, as some materials may be itchy or not well tolerated by your child. Think about their special interests when helping them choose a costume. Let them try it on and wear it before the day so that it is not unfamiliar. It is advisable to avoid face painting, especially if they are tactile sensitive and the feeling of paint on their skin will be difficult to tolerate. Children may be stressed when others wear masks or costumes that make it hard to see their faces and you may need to reassure them.
Consider Preferences: Whether it’s the type of candy they like or the kind of activities they prefer (trick-or-treating, attending a party, or staying in), ensure their voice is central to the planning process.
Accept: Embrace a Neurodivergent Affirming Perspective
Different, Not Deficit: Remember that being neurodivergent is not a deficit, but rather a different way of experiencing the world. Embrace and celebrate these differences. Halloween is a chance for everyone to express themselves, and neurodivergent young people should feel encouraged to do so in their unique way.
Flexible Expectations: It’s essential to be adaptable. If a young person doesn’t want to wear a full costume or partake in certain activities, that’s okay. Find alternative ways to help them enjoy the day in a manner that feels comfortable for them. Explain what happens during trick-or-treating, so your child knows what to expect. You can even do Trick-or-treat in your neighbourhood or just with friends and family, so that you are in a familiar environment, placing less demands on your child. Keep celebrations short to avoid too much sensory stimulation that can result in overload or shut down for those who have sensory processing difficulties.
Educate and Advocate: Use the opportunity to educate friends, family, and neighbours about neurodivergence. A little understanding goes a long way in ensuring a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Develop: Foster Growth and Enjoyment
Skill-Building Activities: Leading up to Halloween, engage in fun activities that can help the young person build confidence. This might include practicing trick-or-treat runs, making DIY decorations, or baking Halloween-themed treats together.
Rehearse Scenarios: If a young person is anxious about specific aspects of Halloween, consider rehearsing certain scenarios. For instance, practice trick-or-treating at a friend’s house before the actual night or brainstorm ways to decline if they’re offered something they’re uncomfortable with.
Encourage Social Interaction: Halloween offers numerous social opportunities. From attending themed parties to participating in community events, find activities that match the young person’s comfort level and interest.
Reflect and Celebrate: After Halloween, take some time to reflect on the experience. Celebrate successes, acknowledge challenges, and consider what might be done differently next time. This reflection can be a foundation for even more enjoyable experiences in the future.
In conclusion, by adopting our Ask, Accept, and Develop framework, we can ensure that neurodivergent young people experience the magic of Halloween in a way that’s comfortable, enjoyable, and tailored to their unique needs. Halloween is a time for fun, laughter, and making memories, and with a little preparation and understanding, it can be a wonderful experience for everyone.
Understanding the young person’s sensory needs can help tailor the experience to be more enjoyable for them. If decorations, places and sounds make it hard for your child to enjoy Halloween activities, limit them, or even skip them, and find other sensory-friendly activities to do instead.