Supporting Neurodivergent Kids on Halloween: Tips for a Joyful and Inclusive Holiday
Does your child struggle with days like Halloween because the social expectations feel overwhelming? Do they get anxious or dysregulated just knowing Halloween is approaching? As a parent, do you want your child to feel included, but not pushed past their personal boundaries?
If so, you're not alone; I am here to give you some tips and tricks for this upcoming spooky season!
I’ve worked with many children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, and one of the most challenging holidays I see them navigate is Halloween. While it's marketed as “fun” for kids, it often brings sensory overload, anxiety, and confusion for neurodivergent children.
Let’s talk about why, and what you can do to create a happy, healthy, and regulated Halloween experience for your child (and you!).
Why Halloween Can Be Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids:
On Halloween, children are often expected to:
Say “please,” “thank you,” and “trick or treat” over and over again
Interact with strangers, sometimes in unfamiliar or unpredictable settings
Wear costumes that may be itchy, restrictive, or just uncomfortable
Navigate noisy, visually stimulating environments with flashing lights, sound effects, scary decorations, and crowds
These expectations can be hard even for neurotypical children, so imagine how overwhelming it can feel for those who have autism, highly sensitive, or sensory-avoidant.
Tips for Choosing a Sensory-Friendly Halloween Costume:
Helping your child feel comfortable in their costume can make a big difference in how they experience the night. Here are some ways to support them:
Choose Soft, Comfortable Materials
Opt for breathable, non-irritating fabrics like cotton or fleece. Look for flat seams and tag-free designs or remove tags ahead of time.
Avoid Tight or Restrictive Clothing
Loose-fitting costumes allow for free movement and reduce discomfort. Think pajama-style costumes or relaxed character outfits
Skip the Accessories
Wigs, masks, and face paint can be fun, but they can also trigger sensory challenges. If your child finds them overwhelming, leave them out. It is okay for them to try certain accessories, but allow them the autonomy to say “no” if they wish to remove the accessory or not wear it at all.
Go with the Familiar
Costumes that resemble everyday clothes, such as a favorite superhero shirt or comfy animal onesie can be less stressful. There are lots of costumes you can create out of the clothing they wear on a daily basis and are already comfortable in!
Practice Ahead of Time
Have your child wear the costume for short periods before Halloween. This gives them time to adjust, and you get more use out of the outfit!
Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treating Tips:
Use a Trick-or-Treat Sign
If verbal greetings are difficult or eventually get exhausting, let your child carry a small sign that says “Trick or Treat.” You can decorate it together and attach it to their candy bag for a personal touch.
Go Out Earlier in the Day
Daylight hours tend to be calmer and less overwhelming. Avoid the nighttime chaos when possible; fewer flashing lights, sudden movements, and spooky sounds. Plus, you get the king size candy bars before they run out!
Use Glow Sticks for Visibility
Turn glow sticks into necklaces, bracelets, or wrap them around their candy bucket. It adds fun and makes them easier to spot as it gets dark.
Consider a Teal Pumpkin or Blue Candy Bucket
The teal/blue candy bucket in recent years has begun to symbolize kids with autism and/or sensory needs. A teal/blue pumpkin bucket (widely available online) can signal to others that your child may need accommodations or a little extra dash of patience.
Coping with FOMO (fear of missing out): Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating Trick-or-treating just isn’t for every child and that’s completely okay.
Instead of worrying about missing out, create a Halloween experience that works for your family. Here are a few sensory-friendly Halloween alternatives:
Attend “trunk-or-treat” events or daytime community festivals, which tend to be more structured and less chaotic.
Host a family fun night at home with Halloween games, crafts, and treats.
Set up candy stations in different rooms of your house. Your child can collect candy, small toys, or stickers in a calm and familiar environment.
Make Halloween Work for Your Family:
Halloween should be fun, safe, and accessible for all children, not just those who meet the traditional expectations of behavior, communication, or dress.
As a parent, you can empower your child by creating inclusive experiences that honor their boundaries and celebrate who they are. With a little planning and empathy, Halloween can be joyful, not stressful, for neurodivergent children and their families!
Written by Maryclaire Ahlgren, LSW