Have a Fun and Safe Halloween with your Sensory Sensitive Child

Halloween, like any holiday, is fun and exciting for kids, but for the sensory sensitive child it can be overwhelming as well. School schedules may be changed, costumes may be itchy or fit snugly, face paint may feel sticky, a coat over or under a costume may not be comfortable. All of these things should be considered when helping your child choose a costume. Wearing a compression shirt under a costume can be helpful and for the tactile defensive child, skip the face paint and makeup. Discussing costumes and schedules changes in advance(1-2 days before) is helpful for the sensory sensitive child (but not too far in advance to cause anxiety). Work more heavy work activities into your child's schedule leading up to the holiday and in the days that follow to help organize their bodies.
If your child becomes easily overstimulated and/or has a tendency to take flight when overwhelmed,you may want to consider an alternative to the traditional outdoor trick or treating. Many malls have indoor trick or treating events which eliminate the element of traffic. A Halloween party at your house may also be an option.

Here are some of the free trick or treating events offered in and around the Lehigh Valley:

Halloween Bash at Miracle League Park

Wednesday, October 20^th from 6pm to 8pm

5858 Sell Rd

Schnecksville, PA

Lehigh Valley Mall Halloween Boo Bash

Whitehall, PA

Saturday, October 29 from 11-2

Halloween Dance Party at 2:00pm

Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

2845 Center Valley Parkway

Center Valley, PA

Have a happy and safe Halloween!