My family’s Halloween tradition

Halloween and autism can be even scarier than Halloween on its own.  The crowds of people dressed up walking from house to house in sometimes spooky costumes can confuse autistic kids.  The reward, of course, is lots and lots of candy.  This can also become an issue as cutting an autistic kid off of sweets might trigger a fit.  Here is how our recent Halloween went, how it’s gone in the past, and maybe a few tips along the way.

My boys happen to love Halloween.  They are indifferent to wearing a costume.  They realize that it’s part of Halloween, but they don’t become the character they dress up as.  Isaiah, my eight-year-old, was Spider-Man .  He wore the costume, but not the mask.  He wore it as a means to an end to go trick or treating rather than actually being excited to become spiderman.  I guess you could say he did it for his parents.  Elijah is the same way.  He went as Hercules.  There is no bigger fan of candy then Elijah.  He goes a little crazy for it honestly.  My daughter, Laurianna, went as a plague doctor.  Her costume was a little freaky, but the boys didn’t seem scared of it.

Every Halloween I take my kids trick or treating in my sister’s neighborhood.  She cooks chili, which my boys don’t eat, but my daughter and I love, and then we go trick or treating.  We are also joined by their granddad, my father.  In the past we’ve had a few issues here and there.  Each boy must have someone with them holding their hands.  Both boys have tried elopement in the past, and with it being crowded and dark, there is no reason to invite tragedy into the equation.  Don’t take on more than you can manageably handle.  Last year Elijah only made it to three houses before he came up to a house with skeletons and a scary witch.  This froze him and he was done for the night.  Luckily, his sister got him some extra candy.  The main other issue from past experience is simply the boys grabbing a hand full of candy from people.  Then I must make them put some back and it creates an issue.  On other occasions Elijah will be handed candy but see a piece he’d rather have in their bucket and go get it himself.

I’m glad to report, this Halloween was awesome.  We had no unwanted behaviors, we had no elopement issues, we had beautiful weather, the boys said trick or treat and thank you, and all kids were smiling and happy the whole time.  Even the spooky house that had stopped Elijah in his tracks was no issue this year.  He went right up; took the candy he was given and on to the next house.  I had Elijah, my sister had Isaiah, and my dad and Laurianna did their own thing.  Laurianna is old enough to be on her own so it’s not like she was being watched, but rather they were able to hang out and visit while trick or treating.  When we were finished, I let Elijah and Isaiah pick four pieces of candy each that they could have that night.  The rest went into hiding to be used as incentives.  They did fantastic with that decision as well.  I was so proud of them.

Halloween and autism can be a scary prospect.  It can also be a fun filled night that the kids will remember fondly.  The key is to know your kids, if scary masks are going to frighten them, go to a family friendly event at a church or someplace where they do Halloween without horror.  Model how to properly trick or treat to your autistic kids.  Model how to say thank you.  Keep them holding your hand for safety and crossing streets.  Embrace the opportunity to get out, roam the neighborhood, eat some candy, and create a wonderful night for your family.