Halloween and Autism: Fun While Respecting Needs

Halloween is a fun night full of colourful costumes and sweet treats that appeal to individuals of all ages. However, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, this night can be pretty challenging. Walking outside, scary costumes and noises can make this special day a challenging experience.

First, let's take a quick look at the origins of Halloween. There are different theories about its origins. According to some sources, this night is celebrated as the eve of the three days known as "All Hallow’s Days" in Christian culture. Another view suggests that the Celtic harvest festival of Pagan origin influenced Halloween. This holiday, usually celebrated in Ireland and Scotland, has gained popularity in other countries.

Many activities can be done during Halloween. One of the most well-known is that children go "trick-or-treating". During this period, it is important to take some precautions to minimise the anxiety, fear and behavioural difficulties experienced by individuals with autism. Respecting the wishes of individuals can make a big difference in this process. For example, avoid forcing individuals who do not want to participate in these celebrations or activities and do not try to persuade them. Remember that even a little pressure or persuasion can increase an individual's level of anxiety and fear, making the process more difficult.

Some things that can be done to help individuals with autism get through this period more easily:

1. Preparing for Celebrations and Activities: Individuals who want to participate in the celebrations and activities that will be held on this night should prepare in advance. It is important to inform them about the costumes, scary sounds, and decorations that they may encounter. Videos and visuals can be used to explain what awaits them. This will prevent them from experiencing sudden fear or surprise.

2. Explaining that the situation is temporary: Explain to them clearly that the costumes, decorations, and sounds are not real but merely imaginary. Knowing that this situation is temporary will reduce their fear or anxiety.

3. Activities at School: During this period, school-age individuals can also participate in events and activities held at their schools. You should carefully observe the effects on your child and contact teachers or authorities when necessary. Strategies developed in cooperation with the school and parents can help your child have a more comfortable experience.

4. Costume Selection: If the individual wants to wear a costume for the night and participate in the celebrations, include them in the costume selection process. You can make the selection together or leave it completely to them. It is important to consider the individual's sensitivity when choosing a costume. Let them try on the costume in advance and wear it for a while, making it easier for them to get used to it.

5. 'Trick or Treat' Preparation: If the individual will participate in 'trick or treat' visits, talk in advance about what they may encounter in these events, which houses they will visit, what they need to say and what they need to pay attention to. A plan to be made together, such as a road map of the houses to be visited, and focusing on details such as which rules to follow while walking on the road, can make this process more controlled and enjoyable.

6. Visually Supported Communication Cards: For children whose speech and communication skills are not developed, having visual explanatory cards with them while participating in these celebrations will make it easier for them to communicate. These cards help the child express what they want or how they feel. For example, a "thank you" card or cards that describe emotional states such as "I'm so scared" can help the child interact more comfortably with their environment.

In order, for individuals with autism to have a comfortable and enjoyable Halloween, it is very important to be sensitive to their feelings and needs. This approach will make their experience, and that of those around them, more positive and supportive.

Some fun and educational activities that can be done during this period are:

1. Picking Pumpkins: Going to a pumpkin patch together and picking pumpkins will be a fun outdoor activity and a new experience for children. Choosing different sizes and shapes of pumpkins can also develop children's visual and tactile perceptions.

2. Making Spiders from Paper Plates: Making spiders using paper plates is a creative craft activity. Children can design their spiders by painting paper plates and adding feet and eyes. Such activities develop fine motor skills and provide children with fun.

3. Carving and Decorating Pumpkins: Carving and decorating pumpkins is a great activity that develops children's creative thinking and manual skills. Planning how individuals will carve the pumpkin together and designing facial expressions will be educational and fun. This activity can help initiate conversations about emotions and feelings.

4. Making Ornaments with Hand or Foot Prints: Children can make prints on paper by dipping their hands or feet in paint and designing different ornaments from these prints. For example:

• Ghost from Hand Prints: When turned upside down and small eyes are added, a handprint dipped in white paint can take the shape of a ghost.
• Pumpkin from Footprint: When the footprint is made with orange paint, a green stem can be drawn on it to resemble a pumpkin.
• Bat Hand Print: When two hand prints are combined in the shape of wings, bat-shaped ornaments can be made.

These types of activities help children develop their creativity and motor skills while allowing them to create fun and original decorations.

While this period may be enjoyable and exciting for some, we must remember the importance of respecting the wishes and desires of individuals with autism. Participation in celebrations should be tailored to meet the needs of these special individuals, and challenging elements should be minimised. Additionally, it's crucial to respect individuals with different cultures and beliefs, as well as those with autism, and to raise awareness and educate others about this issue. Implementing early interventions and effective strategies during this challenging period is important to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience. Establishing the right preparations and strategies can make this process enjoyable and meaningful.

Written by Letife Mehmet

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween