Halloween in our house has always been a HUGE deal. My husband and I LOVE halloween. I mean we have a smoke machine and everything.. however ever since our boys were born halloween has been a little different.
First, our boys don’t do trick or treating. Now my kids are 3 and 5, maybe eventually this will change. But as for now when asked my five year old says “no!! I don’t want that.” And Maxwell is still nonverbal but is a runner and cannot communicate so trick or treating would just be very difficult.
So this year we decided to do something a little different. We are bringing Halloween to them! We decided to invite some friends and family and throw our own Halloween party. This way, although there will be more people than they are used to in the house it will be in a familiar place. A place with all their sensory toys and needs can be met and I will bring out their favorite Halloween themed sensory bottles, boxes and books to help them feel more at home. If they still get overwhelmed they have their tent and swing in the room to help regulate. This mama doesn’t believe in hiding my boys away because interacting is hard. Interacting with other people is just part of life. A part that honestly most adults struggle with. I know however, that it may be even harder for my kiddos, so I try to always bring this challenge to them in a place they are familiar with.
Next, the Halloween costumes… Vincent (my oldest) screams if there is a tag in his shirt. So dressing up in some costume is just unrealistic for him. I always have to be creative. One year he went as “Superman” but instead of the traditional way, he went as Clark Kent so that he could use his own clothes! It was a hit at the church trunk or treat and Vincent didn’t seem to notice a difference!
This year we are going as a meteorologist! I’ll get together some clothes he is used to wearing from church and throw some leaves and sticks on it, fold up his tie like it’s catching wind and bam! Done. Sometimes you just have to get creative. (Picture above).
There are always trunk or treats in your area. I have found several “sensory friendly” nights during this fall season this year! Just try to do your research and your kiddos Halloween’s can be just as exciting! Children with autism still need to love their childhood, it just needs to look a little different.
Lastly, I do just want to address the blue pumpkin that has been going around social media. I understand that this pumpkin is supposed to be held by a child with autism to alert the owner of the household that this child has autism and you should still give them candy even if they cannot say trick or treat. And although, this is just my opinion. I am a mother of a nonverbal child. Maxwell has literally never said a single word to me in his 3 years of life. We struggle daily trying to communicate, meet our basic needs etc. I am NOT going to broadcast to the world that my child is different while we walk the streets for candy. It is not my job to explain our situation. The world needs awareness yes, but autism isn’t the only special needs child out there. Just be more considerate this Halloween and try to understand that every child is unique and has their own challenges. Just play along and don’t make them feel less because they cannot say words.
From one Autism Mama who is still trying to figure it all out ❤️💛💙
Supporting Autism Mamas 