🎃 Halloween Through Sensory Eyes

As parents, we get so excited to watch our children experience the same traditions we loved growing up. But sometimes, after all the behind-the-scenes preparation, the big moment doesn’t quite go as planned. We often idealize milestones and holidays, unintentionally putting extra pressure on our children — and on ourselves — to make everything “perfect.” In reality, that pressure can make things harder on the whole family.

This Halloween, I wanted to pause and look at the holiday through the eyes of a child with sensory processing differences.

👻 Let’s Break It Down

Costumes

For children with tactile defensiveness, clothing textures can trigger a strong nervous system response. Scratchy fabrics, tight seams, or tags can make a costume unbearable. If a tutu itches, a mask feels hot, or a shirt is stiff, the child’s brain stays in a constant state of discomfort. That sensory input makes it difficult to focus on anything else — and regulation becomes nearly impossible.

Walking Up to Doors

We spend so much time teaching our children to be cautious with strangers — then, on Halloween, we tell them to walk up to strangers’ doors and accept candy. It’s a big shift in rules and expectations! For children with sensory differences, the unpredictability (“Will there be a dog? A scary decoration? What if I don’t like the candy?”) can feel overwhelming. Eye contact and social exchanges can be especially hard in those moments.

Patience

Waiting is tough for any child, but especially for those with sensory differences. Standing in line, skipping dark houses, and saving candy for later all require impulse control — something that’s hard when excitement is high and the environment is overstimulating.

Noises

Halloween is full of unexpected sounds — shouting kids, barking dogs, spooky decorations, and background chatter. For sensory-sensitive children, these noises can blur together and feel chaotic. They may appear to “tune out” or, conversely, have big emotional reactions to sounds that others barely notice.

Running, Jumping, and Climbing

When overstimulated, many children naturally seek proprioceptive input to self-regulate. You might see more running, climbing, or jumping than usual. While these behaviors can look like “acting out,” they’re often attempts to find balance in an overwhelming environment.

🕸️ Tips & Tricks to Help on Halloween

1. Talk About Expectations Ahead of Time – Discuss what’s “expected” and “unexpected” on Halloween day.

2. Provide a Safe Space – Bring a wagon or stroller so your child can take breaks when needed.

3. Use Noise-Reducing Headphones – These can help manage overstimulation from loud or unpredictable noises.

4. Practice Wearing the Costume – Let your child wear their costume several times before Halloween in short, playful sessions to desensitize to the textures.

5. Set Clear Candy Limits – Decide together how many pieces they can eat while trick-or-treating; save the rest for later.

6. Preview the Route – Walk the neighborhood route once or twice before Halloween to get familiar with decorations and surroundings.

7. Create a Visual Schedule – Showing the sequence of activities can help children feel more secure and prepared.

8. Offer Quiet, Sensory-Rich Play Beforehand – Activities like brushing, rocking, or listening to calming music can help regulate before the big event.

9. Assign a “Safe Person” – Identify someone your child can go to if they feel overwhelmed during group activities.

10. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition – A good night’s sleep and a full meal before heading out make a big difference in regulation and patience.

    
    

Halloween can be magical — but also unpredictable. By understanding it through sensory eyes, we can better support our children, reduce stress, and help the whole family enjoy the night a little more.