13 Tips to Make Halloween More Accessible and Inclusive...

For neurodivergent trick-or-treaters and/or those with disabilities, Halloween can be overwhelming. But the holiday can also be accessible—with some prep and planning.

Parents /Getty Images

Parents of neurodivergent and disabled kids know that Halloween can be challenging. Take Lanya McKittrick, PhD, a special education researcher and mom of four children, two of whom have Usher syndrome, a genetic condition impacting vision and hearing. “As a parent of children with disabilities, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays but also one of the holidays that brings grief and a lot of other feelings to the forefront,” Dr. McKittrick shares.Dr. McKittrick describes how her two deafblind children used to cry as they went trick-or- treating. “They would hold on to me so tight and I’d have to go up to the door and get the candy for them,” says. Over the years, Dr. McKittrick’s family learned how to cope and adapt, but it meant changing what Halloween meant. “We ultimately had to let go of the social expectations that our Halloween would look like our friends,” says Dr. McKittrick.Disabilities and Halloween, Plus the Unique Challenges Neudivergent Children Face While Halloween is fun for many kids, it has unique challenges for kids with disabilities or neurodivergence, says Sarah Whitmire, LPC-S, a licensed professional counselor with expertise in working with neurodivergent children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and more. Each disabled or neurodivergent child faces different challenges during Halloween, based on which condition they live with, as well as their own temperament and support systems.“Kids with sensitivity to sensory stimuli can be triggered by the flashing strobe lights, loud noises, people jumping out at you, crowds, or even the uncomfortable costumes,” Whitmire describes. “Going around trick-or-treating can also be tough for kids in wheelchairs or other mobility aids if sidewalks or houses aren’t accessible.” Finally, it can be difficult for kids who struggle with socializing to chat with neighbors or strangers or remember to say “trick-or-treat” at appropriate times. In short, the holiday can tough to navigate.Tips for Approaching HalloweenFor many disabled or neurodivergent children, it can be helpful to do some preparation for what’s to come, to offer choices, and to reframe the holiday in a way that better fits your child’s needs.Dr. McKittrick offered some practical tips for approaching the holiday, if you decide to celebrate or venture out trick-or-treating:Pick costumes that address sensory issues, that are easy to move in, and that can be adjusted for comfortIf your child has sight issues, avoid masksManage your child’s expectations ahead of time, making a plan that feels comfortable and safe for all involvedMap out houses that are accessible, such as houses without steps or that have shorter drivewaysConsider going out earlier in the evening when it’s not too dark and is less crowdedBring flashlights and glow-in-the-dark items for security and funIf needed, create cards that say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you”Daisy Montgomery, an autistic ADHD businesswoman (Autistics Anonymous), autism inclusion educator, award-winning speaker, and author of the book Autistic Everyday, says that for some children, creating a “social story” with visuals about the process of trick-or-treating leading up to Halloween can be helpful.She also suggests including your children in the rituals of Halloween so it doesn’t seem as scary. “Have them help put up the decorations, listen to Halloween music, ask them what they want to be for Halloween (even if they aren't able to answer),” Montgomery suggests. “Have them help you pick out a costume or whatever they'd like to wear for Halloween.”Practical Solutions for Halloween CelebrationsIf traditional trick-or-treating isn’t in the cards for your child or you are looking for more accessible and inclusive Halloween options, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas.Have a Halloween-themed celebration at homeSometimes the best Halloween celebration is a homegrown one. “If your child doesn’t want to go out, try setting up a Halloween scavenger hunt with treats and toys around your home or yard or having a night in with Halloween movies and baking Halloween-themed snacks,” Whitmore suggests.Create your own traditionsJust because you can’t participate in Halloween celebrations in the same way as other kids doesn’t mean you can’t participate at all. It just may mean that traditions need to be tweaked or that new traditions need to be invented. Dr. McKittrick suggests creating your own traditions, such as having your child hand out candy instead of going trick-or-treating. You can also find ways to modify existing activities so that they work better for your child, like painting pumpkins instead of carving them, Dr. McKittrick suggests.Find alternative events in the communityThere are often community events that might work better for certain kids than traditional Halloween celebrations. These may include “sensory-friendly trunk-or-treats and events where other kids with sensory challenges are enjoying Halloween together,” Montgomery suggests. Fall festivals and pumpkin patches may be good options for some kids as well.Host your own eventIf you can’t find an event that works for your child, consider hosting your own. “You might find that you enjoy hosting a neurodivergent-friendly party at your house,” Montgomery recommends. Having an event in your home can also give your child the opportunity to celebrate in an environment that is accessible and easier for them to navigate.A Final ThoughtIt truly takes a village to support disabled and neurodivergent kids, so even if you don’t have disabled and neurodivergent kids of your own, you can lend support. “Parents and communities can support all kids by ensuring inclusivity,” Dr. McKittrick says. “Some ways to do this are to offer sensory-friendly events, activities, and non-edible and healthier treats, visual cues, and patience in interactions.”Above all, parents of disabled and neurodivergent kids should know they aren’t alone, there are options when it comes to celebrating Halloween, and that, ultimately, Halloween is about togetherness and fun, however that manifests for your family.“It’s ok that your Halloween looks different than your friends and family’s does,” Dr. McKittrick concludes. “What matters is that it is enjoyable for the entire family.” For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.

Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!

Source link

What's your thought on the article, write a comment

0 Comments

Sign In to perform this Activity

Account Frozen

Ads