How to make Halloween more sensory-friendly for neurodivergent and highly sensitive children

As the spooky season approaches, front steps fill with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns glow with flickering light, and my kids and I—just like Halloween enthusiasts everywhere—eagerly prepare for the festivities. For many of us, Halloween is a cherished tradition filled with costumes, candy and laughter. As a specialist in strengths-based learning and neurodiversity, as well as mom to a child with a life-threatening food allergy, I am also acutely aware of the importance of inclusivity during Halloween and ensuring that every child can engage in the holiday (or choose not to!), which can be overwhelming for highly sensitive, neurodivergent or food-allergic children. 

As parents, we can advocate within our communities and schools to create safe and inclusive spaces for all children during this celebratory season. That way, Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy; it’s about building belonging.

Here’s how to make a more sensory-friendly Halloween at school and at home

Recognize that there are many ways to communicate

Saying “please” and “thank you” is one way to demonstrate gratitude, but it isn’t the only way. Not all kids communicate with spoken words. They can communicate with a speech-generating computer, by using sign language, writing or drawing, through facial expressions or body language… and that list is by no means exhaustive. Rather than pressure any child to use spoken words in order to trick-or-treat, let’s make sure that all children feel safe and seen when expressing themselves.

Remember that sensory differences matter

Halloween can be a sensory deluge. Decorations light up and make noise; costumes feel different against our bodies than everyday clothes; we’re hearing doorbells, megaphones and amplified music; and we’re surrounded by crowds of people. 

Here are some tips for a sensory-friendly Halloween

1. If a child isn’t wearing a costume, that shouldn’t preclude them from participating. 
2. Consider leaving a basket of treats somewhere away from the decorations or crowds for sensory-sensitive kids to help themselves. 
3. Designate a certain window of time during which your event will be sensory-friendly. Decorations will have their lights and sounds turned down or off, costumes won’t light up or make noise, treats will be easily accessible, and it will be less crowded. 

Keep kids with food allergies safe

One in 13 kids have allergies that limit their candy choices. You can make Halloween safer and more inclusive by offering non-edible treats in addition to or instead of candy, like stickers or glow sticks. It’s a simple yet potentially lifesaving gesture that ensures that every child can join in without fear of winding up in the hospital. If you’re offering allergy-safe treats, put out a teal pumpkin so that allergic families can spot you—it signals that you’re offering non-food treats that are safe for all trick or treaters. The Food Allergy Research & Education website has teal pumpkin printables, or you and your kids can paint a real pumpkin together.

Ensure school celebrations can create community by including everyone

Parents and teachers alike want every child to be able to join in school festivities (or choose not to!) without feeling excluded or overwhelmed. Start a conversation with your child’s teacher or school administration well in advance of Halloween so that everyone has time to prepare. Share information about your child’s neurodiversity, sensory sensitivities, communication needs, food allergies or other considerations. 

Be a team, and collaborate on ideas for sensory-friendly Halloween parties or costume parades, crafting stations for kids who prefer a creative activity to trick-or-treating, non-edible treats, inclusive costume policies that allow children to wear costumes that accommodate their sensory sensitivities or communication needs or participate without wearing a costume at all, and designated safe spaces or sensory break areas where kids can go if they become overwhelmed. And that list isn’t exhaustive!

A note on creating an inclusive Halloween celebration

As a mom who loves to celebrate Halloween, my son taught me to embrace a new kind of Halloween magic. The real magic lies in creating an inclusive Halloween for every child. And here’s the best part: advocating for our kids during Halloween is greater than this one holiday. It’s an opportunity for us to model our values for our kids and foster a more inclusive and compassionate school or neighborhood community year round. Happy Halloween!

A version of this post was published October 13, 2023. It has been updated.