Halloween is right around the corner, and excitement is in the air. But for many children with Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), the flashing lights, scratchy costumes, and loud sounds can turn a fun night into a stressful one. The good news is that with a little planning and a few sensory-friendly tweaks, your child can fully enjoy the spooky fun while feeling safe and comfortable.
1. Practice Ahead of Time
Even with just a few days left, you can still help your child prepare. Walk through what the evening might look like, what they’ll wear, and what “trick or treating” means. Try a short practice round at home so your child knows what to expect and feels confident when the big night comes.
2. Plan the Route and Timing
Choose a short, familiar route and start earlier in the evening before it gets dark and too crowded. A calm, predictable plan helps reduce surprises and keeps the experience enjoyable. You can even make a visual schedule and bring it around while trick or treating.
3. Choose Comfortable, Sensory-Friendly Costumes
When selecting halloween costumes for your child, it's important to keep comfort first. We recommend using soft, tag free fabrics or adapt a favorite outfit into a costume. Soft T-shirts, Joggers, and a Noise Cancelling Hoodie can all become part of a creative look that feels good to wear.
For sensory friendly halloween costume options, check out our last blog: 6 Sensory Friendly Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids with Autism or SPD!
4. Stay Close To Home
You don’t need to travel far for a fun Halloween. Visiting a few nearby houses or joining a familiar community event can make the evening feel safe and manageable. Being close to home also gives your child a place to rest if needed.
5. Bring Noise Cancelling Equipment
Halloween can be loud with doorbells, crowds, and unexpected sounds that can quickly become overwhelming. Sense-ational You’s QuietSense Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie offers built in comfort and gentle sound protection which can help your child feel calm while looking festive. And for kids who love accessorizing, we recommend Cumunebula’s fun noise cancelling headphones which can add a stylish costume accessory while reducing sensory overload.
6. Bring Familiar or Healthy Treat Options
If your child has dietary needs or gets anxious about unfamiliar candy, pack a few favorite snacks or small comfort items.
7. Choose to Trick or Treat in Quieter Neighborhoods or at Trunk or Treat Events
Look for calm, less crowded areas where your child can enjoy themselves at their own pace. Some towns host sensory friendly events or “Trunk or Treat” gatherings designed specifically for children who need a lower sensory environment.
*A trunk or treat is a community gathering where children walk from car to car collecting candy and goodies from festively decorated vehicle trunks, usually held in a parking lot.
8. Create a Safe Space to Celebrate at Home
If trick or treating does not feel right this year, bring the fun indoors. Set up a cozy space with gentle lighting, calm music, and Halloween themed activities like decorating cookies, sorting candy, or watching a family movie.
Check out our Resource Blog, Tiktok, Instagram, and Shop for more fun and educational sensory content and clothing products! 🎉