Halloween can be one of the most overwhelming holidays for a neurodivergent child –
scary costumes, loud noises, doorbells, barking dogs, bright lights at night, startling
decorations, lots of strangers.
You know your child best, as well as what your child can handle, so trust your instincts.
But our PUMPKIN acronym can help you think through options to make the holiday as
enjoyable as possible.
Remember – Halloween also offers the potential for play and connection. We
encourage you to embrace playfulness with your child in whatever aspect of the holiday
you choose to observe.
P – Prepare your child for Halloween. Read books about Halloween, costumes, and
trick-or-treating so your child knows what to expect. Stories can help ease anxiety about
new or unusual events.
U – Understand. Explain to your child what happens during trick-or-treating, and that
there may be bright, loud, or scary decorations, but that they’re pretend.
M – Mitigate. Take steps to make Halloween as comfortable as possible for your child.
Perhaps that means going out earlier, while it’s still light and fewer scary items are
around, or choosing a less-crowded neighborhood. Or it may mean opting for a family-
friendly trunk-or-treat.
P – Play. Before Halloween or a school party, have your child put on a costume and play
trick-or-treat at home. Have a sibling put on a mask and take it off to reassure your child
that there’s nothing scary behind it. Embrace the fun aspects of Halloween.
K – Komfort (comfort). When choosing a costume, make sure it’s comfortable (not to
hot, too cold, too itchy, or too constrictive). Also, consider bringing a flashlight, ear plugs,
or a sensory toy along. Noise-canceling headphones can help children who are sensitive
to loud sounds. Take breaks as needed — or go home if your child has had enough. It
may be helpful to trick-or-treat near home and to designate a “quite zone” at home where
a child can get a sensory break.
I – Involve. Include your child in choosing Halloween decorations for your home to
encourage ownership and awareness. Ask if your child would like to invite familiar
friends or neighbors along on Halloween, or how your child would like to celebrate.
Offering choices eases stress.
N – Nix. Trick-or-treating isn’t mandatory. Perhaps your child would have more fun
handing out treats from the comfort of home — or avoiding that part of the holiday
altogether. There are other, less overwhelming options for the season: visiting a
pumpkin patch or apple orchard during the day, attending a Harvest party sponsored by
a local municipality or church, or hosting a simple family gathering with traditional
games.
Remember, after Halloween – however you choose to celebrate – a calming routine
can help your child decompress. That may include reading a story or simple quiet time,
as well as familiar sensory toys or comfort objects (perhaps a fidget toy or weighted
blanket).
Happy Halloween!
Pariva Health has helped more than 25,000 families of neurodivergent children and
counting — find out more about the ways in which we empower families, offering hope
and help, with lots of play and no wait list.