How to Halloween With Limited Communication!

Halloween is such a fun holiday! You get to dress-up, use your imagination, walk your neighborhood with friends, and end the night with a bucket full of goodies! What better way to celebrate being a kid?

Like many holidays though, we know that Halloween brings its own challenges when your child has difficulty communicating. Here at MTS, we want to provide you with some helpful options to assist in making Halloween enjoyable for each one of your kiddos!

Here are 10 ideas for Trick or Treating for kids with disabilities:

1. Have your child hand out these cute printables to each house they go to.

2. If your child is unable to hand out printable, have them wear one as a necklace! You can help direct people to look at their note.

3. Visit houses with teal pumpkins. Teal pumpkins symbolize homes that are allergy friendly and offering non-food treats such as small toys.

4. Select a costume that is easily visible in the dark to improve safety and awareness of where your child is at all times.

5. Create a simple visual schedule for your child to prepare for the night. OR Practice walking up to a friend’s home and knocking on the door for a treat so that your child is comfortable and knows what to expect on Halloween night.

6. Use the Buddy System! Have a sibling or a friend that you trust with your child at all times so that they are always in a pair for increased safety and help communicating.

7. Have your child try their costume on the week or night before! This will ensure they are comfortable in it, as well as help them enjoy their costume more!

8. If your child has a communication device, program their device to incorporate phrases like “Trick or Treat” and “Thank you!”

9. Carry a flashlight with you, or have your child wear one around their neck so that they can use it when it gets dark outside.

10. Make sure your child is having FUN! Pay attention to indicators that your child may be fearful or unsure of situations, and be prepared to spend only a short time trick-or-treating if it becomes too much for your child.

Many stores, companies, and churches offer alternatives to trick-or-treating such as “Trunk-or-Treat” if the idea of roaming the streets is too much for your little one. Most of all, Halloween should be fun and exciting, so do whatever is best for your family and enjoy the night! Happy Halloween!!! 🎃

For more information about MTS Kids, or to ask your therapist a question, click here and fill out the “Contact Us” form now!

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