Halloween is a fantastic holiday with costumes, candy, and a month of spooky movies. To celebrate Halloween in our exploration to unmask the mysteries of autism, we will explore how communities can create more inclusive experiences for autistic individuals. Let’s try on the different Halloween costumes of a neighborhood that supports and celebrates autistic children.
The first costume a neighborhood can wear is awareness and understanding. Imagine houses decorated with teal pumpkins or signs indicating they are ‘sensory-friendly’ trick-or-treating spots. For families of autistic children, seeing these symbols can mean the difference between a stressful evening and a joyous, welcoming experience. The relief and joy that these families feel when they see these symbols is profound and heartwarming. Teal pumpkins, a part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, signal that a house offers non-food treats, which can be a great option for kids with dietary restrictions or sensory issues. Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they find a little toy, sticker, or bracelet instead of candy they may be unable to eat. As someone who struggles with many sticky and chewy candies, a 5-year-old me would instead have a cool sticker anytime!
The next costume in our neighborhood’s Halloween wardrobe is “quiet and calm.” Halloween is full of bright lights, loud music, and unexpected sounds, which can overwhelm autistic individuals. But what if a neighborhood or event decided to go for a quieter, less intense version? This could mean fewer strobe lights, soft, ambient Halloween music instead of loud soundtracks, and a slower pace where kids are not rushed to the door. When a community adopts this quieter costume, it creates a space where autistic children can enjoy the holiday without being overstimulated. Imagine a child slowly approaching a door, marveling at the decorations without feeling rushed, greeted by a friendly, patient neighbor offering a treat at their own pace. I’m a big fan of having earplugs in case a situation becomes too busy for me in terms of noise.
Another important costume is “communication-friendly.” For autistic children, verbal communication can be challenging, and social interactions during trick-or-treating might feel daunting. Some neighborhoods provide communication cards, which children can hand over to indicate what they need or say “trick or treat” without speaking. This thoughtful costume helps kids comfortably express themselves, allowing them to participate without the pressure of having to navigate social cues on the spot.
Lastly, let’s not forget the “familiar and friendly” costume, where neighborhoods try to create familiar routines for autistic children. Some communities organize special events where kids can practice trick-or-treating in a controlled environment before the night, helping them get used to the process. Others might have a designated “quiet hour” for trick-or-treating, where autistic children can enjoy the festivities without crowds, or even trick-or-treat earlier at night. Familiarity and routine are crucial for many on the autism spectrum, and when a neighborhood tries to provide that, it sends a message of acceptance and warmth.
Halloween is a time of candy, costumes, and spooky fun, but it can be much more than that. It can allow communities to unite and make everyone feel welcome. By trying on these different costumes of a neighborhood of awareness, calm, communication-friendly, and familiar, they can create an inclusive environment where autistic children feel seen, supported, and most importantly, celebrated.
So, whether you dress as a vampire, a superhero, or simply yourself this Halloween, consider how your community can wear a costume of inclusion. For autistic individuals, feeling accepted and understood is sweeter than candy. Happy Halloween!
