Happy Halloween! Please don’t be too scary!

It’s a spooky day for SEND News to be released on! But for many, Halloween can also be scary and can cause anxiety. The National Autistic Society have compiled some very useful tips for Halloween to reduce any anxiety created by trick or treating.

Create a visual map of the route that you are planning to go on and prepare your child for the houses they will visit and who might open the door. Google maps and its street view is a great way to visualise the route.
Pick a costume that is comfortable or something that is a passion or hobby- it doesn’t have to be scary!
You could take the opportunity to talk to your child about what in the world they find scary - are there things you hadn’t realised they find difficult about the day-to-day sensory world?
If your child struggles with unexpected events, pre-arrange to visit a limited number of houses to collect the different parts of one bigger thing, like a Lego model or small toys as part of a set.
Reverse trick or treat! Have your child purchase some treats for the neighbours and go door-to-door handing them out.
Daytime trick or treat. If your child finds the dark scary or anxiety provoking, go during the daytime instead.
Create ‘trick or treat’ cards that your child can hand out instead of feeling the need to talk to each person

Need some help choosing out your costume? We have a list of costumes that are cool but not scary!