TRI-CITIES, Wash.-Halloween is full of fun activities, events and candy, however, for kids with special needs, such as physical or mental disabilities or food allergies, celebrating can be challenging.
According to the University of Michigan Medicine, there are a few things parents of children with special needs and community members can do to make Halloween inclusive and enjoyable for all.
Halloween is important for children with disabilities because “it lets them be able to do their most important job as kids: play and have fun,” according to Susie Steele, a Pediatric Physical Therapist at Michigan Medicine.
Halloween tips for parents of special needs children:
Let your child participate in choosing and/or making their costume.Review your Halloween route in advance, map it out and go on a trial run. Practice trick-or-treating before Halloween and stick to the routine you create on Halloween night.Take advantage of community-based events: consider participating in trunk-or-treats or indoor events.Avoid crowded areas that can be overwhelming or distracting.Take breaks and talk about feelings or how your child is doing during the celebration.
There are also some steps community members and candy-givers can take to make Halloween more inclusive for children with disabilities.
A teal bucket of candy on the porch is now a well-known way of making trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies.
ChildServe, a healthcare organization that provides clinical, home and community-based programs and services for families with children that have special healthcare needs recommends the following tips for celebrating Halloween with special needs children.
Adaptive Halloween tips for handing out candy:
Consider non-candy options: Candy can exclude some children due to food allergies or swallowing difficulties. Pencils, stickers and other non-edible options make great giveaways.Create an accessible space: If you’re hosting a party or greeting trick-or-treaters consider if a child in a wheelchair or using a walker has access. Consider moving your trick-or-treat area to your driveway or closer to the street.Make a sensory-friendly environment: Create a safe and welcoming space by making sure your decorations don’t feature loud noises, flashing lights or strong smells.Safety precautions: Some children may be immunocompromised so consider handing out pre-packaged prizes or candy so guests are not rummaging through a communal candy bucket.
