When Halloween Feels Overwhelming:Tips and Tricks From a NYC Speech Therapist to Help Kids Navigate Sensory Overload
Many children enjoy the Halloween season – anxiously awaiting the time of year when they can test their creative flair, dress in costume, and collect their favorite candy with unrestrained fever!
But for some children the Halloween season can be a very overwhelming and scary experience!
Some highly sensitive children can experience sensory overload during all these spooky Halloween activities and parties that are jam packed throughout the month of October.
It is important to be mindful and aware that during Halloween many neurodivergent children may be sensitive to loud noises, bright nights, various smells, textures and tastes.
It is important to be mindful of these differences during Halloween when caring for a neurodivergent child.
- Children with sensory processing differences can be cautious of new sights and experiences within their city during this time of year.
- Young children may also be sensitive to the changing scenery and spooky decorations that adorn each neighborhood block.
- Children with specific dietary needs may feel isolated when they cannot eat a particular treat during a party or while trick or treating with their friends.
- Children with sensory sensitivities may not enjoy wearing a costume.
As parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists and caring community members – we can all help to make Halloween a creative and joyful time for neurodivergent children by being mindful and attentive to each of their individual needs on Halloween night.
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help your highly sensitive child enjoy some popular Halloween activities this autumn season.
- Go for a walk around your neighborhood with your child.
On your walk point out the different and changing scenery around the city.
You can explain that these decorations will come and go each year during this time of year – building a sense of trust and familiarity with the changing sights and sounds around New York City.
I invite you to play the “I spy” game. You can practice “spying” a jack o lantern on a step, a hanging ghost in a tree, or a bat hanging in your local grocery store.
You can even bring a flashlight along for your spying adventure!
- For children with specific dietary needs or who may be sensitive to particular tastes, smells, textures or temperatures it is important to make appropriate accommodations for them so that they can participate fully in each Halloween festivity.
It can be helpful to bring a desirable snack for your child (as an alternative treat) for them to enjoy with their friends during a Halloween party or while trick-or-treating.
- Children with sensory sensitives and sensory processing differences may choose to opt out of wearing a costume – and that is OK!
As a parent of a highly sensitive child – you may be faced with the prospect of “forcing your child to wear a Halloween costume” – all while they mope, moan and maybe scream about this possibility!
I invite you to consider that there might be an easier path …
Perhaps you could take that pressure off your highly sensitive child and just allow them to gracefully decline wearing a costume.
Another alternative option could be – to create an imaginative costume that “feels wearable to them”.
Maybe – it’s just a head band, a pair of gloves they love, or a special hat that brings them joy!
I invite you to bring flexibility, joy and creativity when designing a costume with your highly sensitive little one and truly embrace and enjoy this Halloween season!
Have a Happy Halloween!
(and if you want to send me pictures of your little ones all dressed up on Halloween – my inbox is ready!)
Is your child struggling to communicate? We can help!
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills treatment plan to address any areas of concern; while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
