Halloween Planning for Child with ASD

Ghouls and goblins may be spooky fun for some — but for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this time of year can be challenging to navigate. Halloween is a holiday full of sensory overload including scary monster costumes, frightening decorations, elements of surprise and scaring one another during trick-or-treating, as well as dressing up and hiding behind disguises. It’s no wonder that Halloween may not be so happy for some families. There are steps parents can take to help their child navigate the holiday and avoid circumstances that could make them upset or uncomfortable. First, parents should talk about what to expect before going to an event or trick-or-treating. The elements of those traditions can be very confusing to a child with ASD.  Read More