Spooky Season Tips for Neurodivergent & Disabled Kids and Families
Halloween season is full of parties, events, and activities for families, but they aren’t always accessible or inclusive for neurodivergent and disabled children and their families.
That’s why we’re hosting The Center for Connection’s 4th Annual Inclusive Trunk or Treat event. Trunk-or-treat is a safe, low-stress, family-friendly activity for all kids. Attendees can expect treats, games, activities, music, stories, and more–all in a sensory-friendly program where everyone can be themselves. And, it’s FREE! We hope you’ll join us – our event is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at our Pasadena offices and all are welcome!
And, as you prepare for Trunk or Treat and other Halloween festivities, it’s important to consider what will make the experience enjoyable and stress-free for your child. To help, here are some practical tips from Kira Bender, an occupational therapist at The Center for Connection, with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families.
Tip #1: Prepare
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, talk to your child and explain what will happen in terms they understand. It may be helpful to watch shows or videos of children trick-or-treating, or read picture books together to help children understand what it may be like.
Wearing a costume can be particularly challenging for children with sensory processing differences, even if it’s something they picked out themselves and really want to wear. Your child can practice trying on and wearing various parts of their costume at home in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Tip #2: Use accommodations
You are the expert on your child and their needs, so do your best to anticipate challenges this season and accommodate them. Does scooping pumpkin guts make your skin crawl? Try painting pumpkins instead! If an itchy, complicated costume will create a challenge for your kiddo, instead look for “costume pajamas” made of softer materials, or use a dress-up costume from your home collection that your child is already familiar with.
For children who are nonspeaking or have language challenges, our speech and language department at The Center for Connection created an AAC board with helpful Halloween words and phrases – you can download your own copy here to bring along when you are trick-or-treating.
Tip #3: Do things your own way
There is no wrong way to celebrate Halloween, so do things your own way! Instead of neighborhood trick-or-treating or large-scale events, your family might prefer one of these ideas:
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Have a “spooky movie night” at home
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Make a pumpkin-shaped pizza and eat by candlelight
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Have a dress-up play date with 1 or 2 close friends
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Drive through your neighborhood to look at spooky decorations
Beyond that, caregivers are encouraged to remember that you are doing an amazing job supporting your child, and every effort you make creates a more inclusive and joyful experience for them.
In fact, this year, we’re excited to offer something extra just for caregivers at our Inclusive Trunk or Treat event. We’ve set up a special Caregiver Wellness Tent where you can take a moment to feel seen, connect with our team, explore your own regulation, and take away some of “treats” of your own!
At The Center for Connection, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to celebrate this Halloween season together and hope to see you at our event on October 24, 2025—for a fun, inclusive, and stress-free experience!
