Are you celebrating Halloween with a child on the autism spectrum? Let me tell you, it’s always an adventure!
And while Halloween can be magical, there’s always a bit of anxiety that comes with it when your child has autism.
I think of it like walking through a haunted house—but instead of skeletons jumping out at you, it’s things like your child casually walking into a stranger’s home like they’ve been invited over for tea. Yep, that’s my Halloween reality, folks!
In the beginning, when my boys were small, people thought it was adorable. I mean, who wouldn’t find it funny when a 3-year-old and 5-year-old waltz right into a stranger’s house, totally at ease, like they own the place?
There I’d be, awkwardly running in behind them, breathless and apologizing, “So sorry, they’re on the spectrum!” People would laugh it off, offer an extra piece of candy, and we’d move on to the next house. It wasn’t exactly how I pictured Halloween when I first became a mom, but it was kind of charming in its own way.
Fast forward to now, though, and things have changed.
My boys aren’t so little anymore. One is a teen, and the other is closing in on his pre-teens, and let me tell you—when a 5’4”, 150-pound kid casually strolls into someone’s house, it’s no longer met with giggles and candy.
The reactions are…well, let’s just say a little more startled, and understandably so. I’d be thrown off too if a teenager I didn’t know just walked into my home. There have been more than a few moments where I’ve had to chase them in and quickly pull out my “sorry, they’re on the spectrum” card, trying to explain before the homeowner calls the cops.
Luckily, most people in our neighborhood are amazing. Over the years, they’ve gotten to know my boys and our family’s unique way of doing Halloween. Some even have special treats set aside just for them. It warms my heart when they greet us with extra patience, a knowing smile, and something my boys love.
Honestly, the kindness of our community makes the whole experience so much better. But not everyone is quite as understanding. There’s always that one person who just doesn’t get it, no matter how much I explain. You know the type—they look at you like you’re raising a pack of wild animals and can’t fathom why you’d even bring your kids out. At that point, I just smile and wave, and we move along.
While Halloween can be magical, it can be a lot for anyone, let alone a child on the spectrum: the sensory overload, the crowds, the costumes, the unpredictability of it all.
But over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to help make the night a little smoother.
Halloween resources for kids with ASD
Nothing’s perfect, but these four free resources have been lifesavers for us:
1. Halloween Social Stories
Social stories are like magic in a book for kids with ASD. They help explain what’s going to happen during Halloween in a way that my boys can understand and prepare for. We use them to talk through what trick-or-treating looks like—knocking on doors, saying “trick-or-treat,” and waiting for candy instead of, you know, barging into someone’s home.
Autism Little Learners has a fantastic Halloween social story that we’ve used (click here). All About Halloween is another social story from Autism Speaks (click here to see the link to the document on their webpage). Honestly, they’re a lifesaver!
2. First-Then Boards
These simple tools are great for helping my boys know what’s coming next. It’s straightforward: First we say “trick-or-treat,” then we get candy. Visual aids like this one can make all the difference when you’re navigating a night as chaotic as Halloween. You can download a free template for a first-then board (click here for the resource)We also use routine strips or visual schedules (click here for the resource) to help with the sequence of events—another great option from Teachers Pay Teachers.
3. Halloween Role Play
Ah, role play—one of those things that sounds a lot easier than it is! Before Halloween, we practice everything from knocking on doors to saying “trick-or-treat,” and even how to cross the street safely.
We’re still working on taking only one piece of candy (apparently that concept is still elusive!), but hey, progress is progress! If you can get your kids to practice, it helps reduce some of the anxiety on the big night.
4. Trick-or-Treat Cards
This one’s my personal favorite. These autism trick-or-treat cards have saved me so many awkward explanations over the years. I hand one out at every house we visit, and it’s amazing how receptive people are. The cards let them know my boys are on the spectrum and may not follow all the usual social norms of Halloween, which makes the whole process smoother. Download trick-or-treat cards (click here) from the National Autism Association.
Even with all this prep, let’s be real: Halloween will never be perfect. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? It’s not about perfection. It’s about the experience, the memories, and the lessons we learn along the way. Every year, we’re still working on things—like, say, not making ourselves too comfortable in a stranger’s living room—but I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
So, to all the parents out there navigating Halloween with kids on the spectrum: you’re doing an amazing job!
It may not look like everyone else’s Halloween, but it’s yours, and that’s what matters. Get out there, enjoy the night, and know that even if things don’t go perfectly, you’re making memories and helping your child experience something magical.
Happy Halloween, and may your night be filled with treats, laughter, and maybe just a few less surprise house tours!
Here’s a poem for you:
Trick or Treat, or Hide and Seek
Costumes all ready, it’s Halloween night,
For parents like me, it’s a mix of delight.
We prep and we teach, share a little role play,
Hoping our lessons will guide them along the way.
With pumpkins and ghosts lining each street,
We navigate challenges, but we won’t face defeat.
With autism cards tucked in our sack,
Ready to help if we face a setback.
Some folks may stare, not quite understand,
But we’re here doing our best, hand in hand.
Four more houses, almost done with the round,
The noise, the lights, it’s a sensory battleground.
Step by step, they conquer the frights,
With each “trick or treat,” they reach new heights.
Each house we visit feels like a test,
But with every brave step, they give their best.
So here’s to the journey, through challenges faced,
With patience and love, every fear is erased.
Halloween’s not simple, but it’s worth every mile,
For in all the worry, there’s always their smile.
Happy Halloween!
— by Raquel Turner