Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for many children – but it can also be overwhelming, unpredictable, and full of sensory challenges. For children with autism, IDD, or behavioral needs, preparing for Halloween takes a little extra planning and support.
That’s why this week’s Friday Freebie is all about helping your child feel confident and prepared for Halloween!
What’s Included in This Free Resource
This comprehensive printable package includes everything you need to help your child navigate Halloween successfully:
1. Social Story: Wearing My Costume This social story helps children understand what costumes are, why people wear them, and that it’s okay if their costume feels different or uncomfortable. It emphasizes that every child can wear their costume in whatever way feels best for them – whether that’s all night, for just a few minutes, or not at all!
2. Social Story: Going Trick-or-Treating Walking through the trick-or-treating process step-by-step, this social story covers:
- What trick-or-treating means
- What to expect at each house
- What they might see, hear, and experience
- What to say (and reassurance that it’s okay if they don’t want to talk)
- How to know when it’s time to go home
3. Visual Cue Cards Ten cut-out visual cue cards that you can laminate and bring with you on Halloween night! These include:
- The 6 steps of trick-or-treating (walk to door, ring doorbell, wait, say “trick or treat,” hold out bag, say “thank you”)
- Communication cards (“I need a break,” “All done,” “Too loud”)
- A celebration card (“I’m doing great!”)
4. Detailed Caregiver Directions Tips and strategies for using these resources effectively, including when to start reading the social story, how to personalize it for your child, and ideas for practicing before the big night.
How to Use This Resource
Start Early: Begin reading the social stories with your child 1-2 weeks before Halloween. Repetition helps children feel more comfortable with what to expect.
Personalize It: Feel free to write in specific details about your plans, your child’s costume choice, or your neighborhood route. The more specific, the better!
Practice: Consider doing a practice run during daylight hours. Try on the costume, walk to a neighbor’s house (with their permission), and practice the steps of trick-or-treating.
Bring the Cue Cards: Cut out and laminate the visual cue cards, then keep them handy in a pocket or small bag while you’re out. Your child can reference them as needed, or use the communication cards to let you know what they need.
Stay Flexible: Remember that your child’s comfort and wellbeing are the top priorities. It’s perfectly okay to:
- Visit just a few houses
- Stay out for only 10-15 minutes
- Skip trick-or-treating altogether and hand out candy at home instead
- Take sensory breaks during your route
- Go home early if needed
Tips for a Successful Halloween
Beyond using these visual supports, here are a few additional tips:
- Consider sensory needs: Choose a comfortable costume (or let them wear regular clothes), bring headphones if needed, pack a favorite fidget toy or comfort item
- Plan your route: Map out a short route in advance and know where you can take quiet breaks
- Go early: The earlier in the evening you go, the less crowded it typically is
- Have a backup plan: Decide in advance what you’ll do if your child becomes overwhelmed
- Focus on connection, not perfection: Whether you make it to one house or twenty, celebrating together is what matters most
Every Halloween Looks Different – And That’s Okay!
One of the most important messages in these social stories is that there’s no single “right” way to do Halloween. Some children will thrive going door-to-door for hours. Others will prefer to stay home, hand out candy, and watch a Halloween movie. Both are wonderful ways to celebrate!
The goal isn’t to push your child to have a “typical” Halloween experience. The goal is to provide them with the information, preparation, and support they need to participate in whatever way feels good to them.
Download Your Free Halloween Resource
Ready to start preparing for Halloween? Click the button below to download your free Halloween Social Story & Visual Supports package!
I hope this resource helps your family have a wonderful, stress-free Halloween! Remember: you know your child best, so adapt these materials in whatever way works for your family.
Have you used social stories for Halloween before? What strategies have worked best for your family? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Happy Halloween preparation! 🎃