Wednesday, 28 October 2009

• Halloween for Children on the Autism Spectrum

  Halloween is scary enough even for children without development delays, physical limitations, neurological disorders or other issues that cause them to be in part of the more than 6 million children who are labeled “special needs.” It is this group of children who can have an expecially hard time with Halloween so I have provided a few tips so you may have a easier time with your autistic child if you plan  celebrate Halloween
  
  Tip 1 - Expose them to Halloween early and often
  
  Getting an early start in explaining Halloween to special needs children can go a long way in ensuring a successful and enjoyable Halloween Night. . Children with  special needs kids really need repetition.  Repetition will be the key to helping the child better understand the event or holiday. The younger you introduce something to an Autistic child the better it is for the child to understand and learn to love the Holiday. You can also include you autistic child in the decorating for the Holiday...depending on your child's needs you can allow them to, make decorations, hang decorations ect.  You can even create silly songs that you and your autistic child can sing together. 
  
  
  Tip 2 - Pick the right costume
  
  Picking a non-scary costume is key for getting your special needs child ready for Halloween. Try out the costumes and make sure they are a good fit. Have your child practice walking and sitting while wearing the costume. Try using their favorite characters. Using Popular costumes like vampires, witches, and warlocks is probably not a good idea  for most special needs children. You can try even cats, clowns (for some) and other non scary costumes...lets face it Halloween is scary enough. 
  
  If your child chooses not to wear a costume make sure they know there is nothing wrong with them, some children would rather wear regular clothing and just wear a costume when they go out trick or treating. If your child chooses not to wear a costume you may wish to talk to a few  of your close neighbors and relatives explaining to them what you are doing and that you child may not want to wear a costume. Go to neighboring houses and relatives where the environment will feel safe and familiar. Many children with autism have sensory issues so if they do not want to wear a costume at all thats ok...dont make them.
  
  If your child is afraid of going around to houses that might appear scary at night seeing others dressed up in dark outfits and costumes, you can keep them home and hand out candy from the front yard or at the doorway. 
  
  
  
  Tip 3 - Avoid Scary Games and Activities
  
  Halloween games have become popular and are part of most church Halloween activities. Halloween games are almost as popular as the act of trick or treating, often serving as the tailgate before the game. But games like bobbing for apples or swinging the apple on the stick can be difficult for special needs children to grasp and can prove to be dangerous as well. It might be an good idea if you go to a party to ask about special considerations for your and other Autistic Children.
  
  For games in the classroom, make sure to talk to your child’s teacher to see if you agree. It’s appropriate to practice the game at home. Also, don’t pressure your child to participate in games at home or at parties you attend. Pumpkin carving and face painting can be fine for some children and daunting for others. As with most things with special needs children, it’s best to test these out on your child at home first, before trying at school or at a party.
  
  Tip 4 - Try a New Tradition Like a Private Party
  
  Did you know the act of knocking on doors and tricking or treating is actually on the decline? Many people are trying new traditions such as private parties where parents can control the environment and the type of candy and food their child receives. So providing a party allows you to control all the aspects of the stimulation of your autistic child. Maybe a group of mothers at the school your autistic child attends can get together to supply a party because a party in and of itself can be a mountain of a task with out the help of others.
  
  Tip 5 – Do a Trial Run for Trick or Treating
  
  If you want your child to experience trick or treating first-hand, remember, practice really does make perfect. Repetition of the route you will take for trick or treating will make it easier for child to grasp the act of trick or treating.
  
  Keep in mind, it’s also not the quantity of house visited that is important, but instead the quality of the interactions for your child is most important. Picking a few homes where you know the families can go a long way in making the actual act of tricking or treating enjoyable for your special needs child. Also, start trick of treating early and “before it gets dark,”.
  
  Halloween may be a scary time for most but following a few tips you may be able to make the holiday enjoyable for both you and your child.
  
  I hope you all have a safe and Happy Halloween!
  
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  What tips/suggestions do you have for a safe and Happy Halloween?
  
  

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