Halloween: Prepare, Practice, Praise!

Halloween is around the corner, and for most families that means dressing up your kids and trick or treating! While this is a fun activity to take part in, for some families the crowds can be a challenge. To make sure your child on the spectrum has fun and feels included, consider the following.

Prepare: Tell your child what to expect for a Halloween event by using a calendar or schedules. Schedules can be written or with pictures to let your child know the expectations for an event. Showing video footage is also helpful to show children what trick or treating and other Halloween events can look like.

Practice: Practicing before participating can make your child more aware of what is to come. This can involve putting on and wearing a costume, knocking on a door, saying “trick or treat,” or staying close to the adult. Role play with family members and friends.

Praise: Throughout the event, provide positive feedback on what your child is doing well. Praise can increase the odds of your child continuing these desired behaviors. Be sure to include a description of what your child is doing well, for example “I love the way you are staying by my side when we walk!”

Here are a couple more Halloween resources for families:
Happy Halloween – Making the Holiday fun for Everyone
Halloween Tips for Autism Families

Below are Halloween inclusive events to for your child.

Halloween Inclusive Events

New Orleans

Saturday, October 29 – Autism Society Greater New Orleans: The Inclusive Halloween Party will be held from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Westwego Farmers Market (484 Sala Ave, Westwego, LA 70094).

Metarie
Friday, October 28 – Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department: Teen Fright Night Party, from 6:00pm-9:00pm at 6900 Saints Drive, Metarie, Louisiana, 70003. Registration required.