“Say ‘Trick or Treat,’” the woman said, holding the bowl of candy back at arms’ length. The child stared up at her in silence as the woman kept the bowl out of reach adding, “I’ll give you candy after you say “Trick or Treat. “
I was taken aback when I witnessed that interaction between a business owner and a child during last October’s trick or treat event held in a peninsula town. While we may have been taught to say “Trick or Treat” in exchange for candy, it’s one of several Halloween traditions that is outdated. It’s time to make Halloween more inclusive for all children, especially those with disabilities, sensory needs, and dietary restrictions and preferences.
SENSORY NEEDS
Whether a child is diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder or has an aversion to certain clothes, sounds, or sights, some children may feel uncomfortable with Halloween costumes and decorations. Children often like to choose their clothing because it is one of the first ways to exert independence and control. Sometimes, that includes not wanting to wear a traditional Halloween costume, and while that may feel disappointing to the parent, it’s not for us to judge what someone wears while Trick or Treating (or if someone is deemed “too old” to Trick or Treat). Children’s costumes should reflect what they want to be, not a means to entertain adults on Halloween. If your child doesn’t want to wear a costume, they shouldn’t be excluded from trick or treating. Offer a pumpkin or other fall-themed tshirt if you’d like but let it be their choice.
Not everyone likes to be scared on Halloween or visit haunted houses. Loud and unexpected sounds and items jumping out to scare people can be frightening for many people, especially children with sensory issues. If you have scary decorations or loud noises as part of the trick or treat experience at your home, warn people before they reach the entrance so they have time to turn back.
ACCESSIBILITY
If the entrance to your home has stairs and is not ADA-compliant, consider setting up a table and chairs in the driveway for easy access. Even if the child is non-disabled, their parent or caretaker may not be, making it harder for all to participate (especially when the children are young). Well-lit walkways are important for not only safety but also comfort.
Another idea is to have a block party with your neighbors where you can spend time together, and it can be a “one-stop shop” for those with mobility issues or if a child is overstimulated traveling to many houses.
DIETARY NEEDS
Consider offering options for children who have allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Seek “plant-based” candy such as Trader Joe’s oat chocolate bars and vegan options such as Dum Dums and Sour Patches. Large candy conglomerates, including Hershey’s, are creating vegan options, such as Reese’s vegan peanut butter cups. See our list of candy alternatives to give you ideas on what you can offer for those who have dietary restrictions or would prefer a non-candy treat.
Children with disabilities want to be like their peers and not stand out as different. We shouldn’t have to give them a blue Halloween bucket so adults can have a visual warning that the child has autism. Adults should be able to be patient and treat all children the same. If a child is nonverbal, say “Happy Halloween” and give the child the candy. If a child is shy, say “Happy Halloween” and provide the child the candy. If a child is not dressed in a Halloween costume, say “Happy Halloween” and give the child the candy. It’s really that simple.
As adults, we teach our children to be adaptable and flexible. We need to do the same and break some of these unrealistic Halloween habits and traditions and to create a more inclusive holiday for all children.
On weekends in October, you will find Sabrina Hiltunen wandering through the many amazing pumpkin patches on the Monterey Peninsula or apple picking at Gizdich Ranch. Halloween is her favorite holiday!