• Be aware of the costume material, aim for larger sizes so your child can wear their regular clothes underneath
• Skip the face paint 
• Give them noise cancelling headphones to wear (for events)
• Show them pictures of their previous Halloween experience or discuss in advanced what you guys will be doing and where you will be walking 
• Practice trick or treating at your door with friends & family
• Let them try the costume on a few times before heading out
• Carry a blue bucket if you want – not necessary. 
• Lower your expectations (especially if this is your first Halloween as a parent with a child whose on the spectrum/ sensory processing disorder) 

Sensory friendly at home activities:

• Pumpkin guts and seeds sensory bag
• Painting pumpkins instead of carving
• Pumpkin baths (bubbles & sponges)
• Flashlight books
• Have your own Halloween dance party at home
• Stay home to hand out candy and offer a sensory friendly experience to all trick or treaters who visit your home!

Blue Bucket Project 

A blue bucket for trick or treat promotes awareness that the trick or treater holding the bucket has autism. All started by a mom with a young adult child wanting to go trick or treat, now has become a nationwide initiative. Not all kids will be able to say “please” or “thank you” or trick or treat”. By noticing a child/ adult with a blue bucket, we can approach with empathy and kindness, maybe just a smile and letting them pick their treat and be on their way. That might also look like meeting them at the end of your driveway vs making them ring the doorbell. When you see a child/ adult with a blue bucket, maybe skip the questions for that trick or treater (i.e what’s your costume, how many houses have you went to, you didn’t say trick or treat).

*Caveat about the blue bucket: you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to use a blue bucket. Do what works for you. The blue bucket is what some families have opted for, and it’s ok if it doesn’t resonate for your family. We are not affiliated with the blue bucket – we are providing information to bring awareness to our local community. 

A teal bucket means that the trick or treater has food allergies and to give either an allergen friendly treat or a non food item. These new initiatives and projects helps everyone have a fun Halloween and are simple changes to be aware of when you’re out with your family this season. Being inclusive doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing. Share these tips with someone who may need them!