Tips to celebrate an autism-friendly Halloween

Prepare ahead by using visual aids and pictures to talk about unusual outfits, noises and images the autistic person may encounter over the Halloween period.

Wearing fancy dress can be a great way to get involved in the fun, but you may want to avoid uncomfortable and itchy fabrics or masks that can cause sensory discomfort. Instead, try a spooky-slogan t-shirt or a witch’s hat to still look the part.

All treats, without the tricks! Skip going knocking on doors and instead get in your favourite snacks and sweets to enjoy from the comfort of your home.

If you’d rather not have visitors or trick-or-treaters calling, place a sign outside to politely ask people not to knock this year. This is a particularly good idea if the sounds of doorbells or people knocking can be distressing to you or those you live with.

Try putting a seasonal twist on your usual favourite activities: give your baking, movie watching, or crafting a Halloween flavour.

Don’t forget the classic pumpkin carving! Scooping out the pulp, separating seeds, and touching the fruit’s different textures offers a rich tactile experience for some. The action of carving is also good for improving motor skills and force control. Other people will enjoy the process of getting creative and making their own scary face for the pumpkin!