Sensory Friendly Halloween
Sensory Friendly Pumpkins
• Put pumpkin ‘guts’ in a Ziploc bag to explore.
• Drill small holes for eyes, ears, mouth, and nose use Mr. Potato Head pieces to decorate the pumpkin. You also have the opportunity to re-do the pumpkin several times before Halloween.
• Painting pumpkins.
Sensory Friendly Costumes
• Allow the child to pick their costume and follow the child’s lead.
• Try on the costume to gauge itchiness and level of comfort. Modify the costume if it is uncomfortable.
• Practice with any make-up or accessories.
• Pieces of the costume should be removed without requiring the child to go home and remove the whole costume.
• Wear comfortable clothes under the costume.
• It is perfectly ok for your child to choose to not wear a costume.
Sensory Friendly Trick or Treating
• Plan your trick or treating route in advance, attempt to stay away from crowds.
• Plan candy rules in advance to prevent meltdowns later.
• Practice the trick or treating etiquette:
o Ring the doorbell
o “Trick or Treat!”
o Get goodies
o “Thank you!”
• Go out before dark.
• Set a time limit to trick or treating.
• Plan a special snack or treat when you are finished to go back home to.
• Take breaks as needed.
If your child doesn’t want to participate in Halloween costumes, trick or treating, and/or becomes overwhelmed it’s ok to modify how Halloween is celebrated. Lots of families are choosing new Halloween traditions where the environment can be more controlled.
By Dr. Baily Zubel, OTD, OTR/L
Eyas Landing is a therapy clinic with a mission to provide evidence-based and family-centered therapy services for children, adolescents, and their families. The primary goal is to deliver relationship-based interventions within the most natural environments and to empower families to reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, our highly educated, compassionate staff dedicates time and expertise to create experiences that maximize therapeutic outcomes. The strength, determination, and perseverance of our clients are evident as they succeed in therapy, and ultimately in their daily lives.
Eyas Landing offers a wide range of comprehensive services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Social Work, Family Therapy, and Neuropsych testing. Services are provided throughout the Chicagoland area via Telehealth, In-Home, and in our state of the art clinic.
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