October is a month filled with loud, scary noises, spooky costumes, and flashing lights. Although it can be a fun month filled with a variety of fall activities, including pumpkin patches, apple picking, and trick-or-treating, these activities have the potential to be overwhelming for some children with autism.
Here are some tips to help your child prepare for Halloween activities:
- Have a Halloween dress rehearsal. This is a great way for your child to become comfortable with the costume that they will be wearing. Some costumes feel different than typical clothing your child might wear. Different textures, fabrics, and fit can be a challenge for sensitive kids. Additionally, it is a great idea to review with your child what to expect on Halloween night. This might include practicing knocking on your front door, saying “trick or treat!” and “thank you!” and reminding your child that some Halloween decorations might look scary, but they are just pretend.
- Take noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs with you when you go trick-or-treating with your child if he or she is sensitive to sounds. On Halloween night, there are many loud and spooky noises. Having these items with you can help your child to be more comfortable when trick-or-treating.
- Show them that Halloween is fun! Check in with your town or other local events that may have a trunk-or-treat event nearby so they can experience the joy. Trunk-or-treats are a great, lower-pressure way for your child to become familiar with what is to be expected on Halloween night when trick-or-treating and might be a more enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday for some kids.
For JTC families, our favorite event of the year – the annual Trunk or Treat – is coming up on Friday (Oct. 24, 2025)! From 6-8 p.m., the JTC 2/3 locations on North Lapeer Road in Lapeer will have a petting zoo, bounce house, cider, donuts, and popcorn, as well as plenty of treats. We aim to keep it family-friendly and encourage all of the children to feel safe. It’s the perfect judgment-free place to practice for Halloween and enjoy the company of friends!