Halloween Fun For Children With Sensory Processing Issues

Halloween parties, costumes, masks, and treats--you can't count on any of these being fun for the child with sensory issues! No wonder October 25-31 was chosen to be National Sensory Awareness Week, drawing attention to the 1 in 20 children who have the hidden disability of sensory processing disorder, also known as SPD, or sensory integration dysfunction. Fortunately, you can make Halloween more enjoyable for the child who struggles with sensory issues.

Costumes and masks often involve new sensations against the skin and body that a child may find repulsive. Experiment beforehand with any make-up, masks, wigs, or hats and see if the child can truly tolerate them for a few hours. For a costume, consider working from the basic pieces of a soft, cotton top and bottom, such as a sweatsuit or pieces of clothing purchased at a used clothing store or pulled from his play clothes pile. Add elements and props that he can hold or wear comfortably. Start looking for a costume early, when the selection is best. Purchase a used costume or costume elements through eBay, second hand shops, and Craigs List to keep your costs down because after trying a costume for a few minutes, your child may realize it is too tight, scratchy, or uncomfortable in some other way.

Treats with plenty of sugar and artificial colors and flavors should be limited for all children, but kids with sensory issues are often more sensitive to these substances. Let her gather all her loot post trick or treating and choose the favorites, then have the rest mysteriously disappear overnight (maybe after using them as math counters!). Or hoard it to use a piece at a time as rewards for overcoming challenges, doing extra chores, or use in therapy. If your child has an occupational therapist or speech therapist, speak to this professional about the possibilities. For example, sour candies in particular can be good for helping a child with poor self-regulation who is stuck in the "loose and floppy" mode to become more alert so she can focus and attend to homework or school work.

If your child has food allergies and intolerances, skip the highly processed, sugary treats altogether. Have a party instead of going Trick or Treating, and provide healthy, fun snacks and nonfood items such as stickers, pencils, and small toys.

Offer opportunities to escape from the noise and bustle of a party or trick or treating. A quieter street to walk down or an empty bathroom or bedroom where she can regroup will help her avoid sensory overload. Let her know what to expect from the occasion, from kids jostling her in doorways and running past her on the street to scary sounds and lighting changes like strobe lights at a Halloween party. And consider celebrating Halloween at a nature center, zoo, or cultural center with a quieter, more structured program, or having a small party at home.

You may want to use this opportunity to talk about fears and how to manage them. Books such as Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley, featuring a monster the younger child constructs then deconstructs as he turns the pages, can help ease anxiety about monsters and other scary creatures.

And if you do not celebrate Halloween, or your child finds it too scary, consider creating an occasion to give her the "just right" challenge of dressing in unfamiliar clothing and using her imagination to pretend she is someone else for a short time. Costumes and dress-up play encourage young children to break out of cause-and-effect, parallel play and graduate to cooperative, imaginative play, which are important developmental skills. Whatever you do on October 31, please be sensory smart and understanding of your child with sensory issues.

Copyright © 2009 Nancy Peske

Nancy Peske is an author and editor and the parent of a child who at age 2 was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and multiple developmental delays. Coauthor of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, available from Penguin Books, Nancy offers information and support on her blog and website at http://www.sensorysmartparent.com She has been active in the SPD community since 2002.

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