Trick or Treat
TRICK OR TREAT…
It’s Spooky Season! And trick or Treating is right around the corner. For many parents and kids this is a fun pastime filled with excitement about costumes, candy, and neighborhood fun. For neurodiverse children and their parents, Trick or Treating can be incredibly challenging and stressful. We have put together some tips and strategies that we think might help as you prepare to trick or treat with your child or children this year!
Practice! It may seem silly but for children who struggle with communication or who utilize AAC, practice can help set them up for success. Come up with a simple script for when they knock on a neighbor’s door. Practice with a mock trick or treating in your own space (or at school). Add a trick or treat picture/icon to their device. Preparing what to say ahead of time can help take out some of the guesswork. If your child is not quite ready to use their spoken voice or communication device, have them prepare a nonverbal aid (a simple thank you piece of paper to hand to your neighbors once they have taken their candy/treats would be perfect). We created one here that you can copy and print if you would like:
We also have a downloadable pdf on our Important Links Page on our Website: https://www.empowered2advocate.com/important-links
Plan out your route! Familiar faces and places will certainly be less stressful for you and your child. Draw out a map of the neighborhood and add neighbors’ names that you know. Remind your child that they will be going to see their friends and their families. Include other neighborhood kids or families with your group when possible.
Specifically teach the tradition of Halloween and Trick or Treating. Find a couple of YouTube videos that show children around the same age trick or treating. Use a social story or build one together. Repetition and seeing models can be incredibly helpful when trying to remember a script or what to do next.
Costumes! Make them comfy and familiar! A well loved prop or article of clothing just might do the trick for a child that struggles with sensory issues. Let them pick out something they love and that makes them feel comfortable and safe (even if it does not quite go). And if they change their mind 5 minutes before you head out, take a deep breath and let them put together something that makes them feel good!
Pack a bag! We know we are not telling you anything new, but does your child have a favorite drink, snack, or toy? Make sure to bring them along especially if you will be out of the house for a while (and out of their typical routine).
Know when enough is enough! Just as you always do, do not be afraid to leave when your child has hit their limit. You may have only gone to two houses this year but maybe the goal next year is three!
We want to hear from you! Are there other tricks and strategies you have used around trick or treating that work for you and your child? Drop us a comment and let us know!
